WFMW: Affordable Stainless Steel Cookware by All Clad

I'm almost embarrassed to admit that this is one of my WFMW tips ... because it's so stinking embarrassing to admit the price I paid for this, but I absolutely love it so much... and I paid much, MUCH less than the top of the line option (which is what I really, REALLY wanted) so at the risk of looking like a kitchen snob, here is my tip on Stainless Cookware...

I love to cook. LOO-HUUV it. Gourmet cooking can be considered my hobby, and I love to have beautiful serving dishes (my obsession), and the best cookware possible. Notice I said "possible," because I would LOVE to be able to own a set of All-Clad stainless steel cookware, but it's soooo PROHIBITIVELY expensive.

So, I started searching for a suitable, and some-what affordable option, and found a set that I absolutely fell in love with. It had everything I was looking for: stainless steel, heavy, copper layer, glass lids, decent price. AND ... it's made by All-Clad -- and before I even tell you the name of the set, you must remember that ALL-CLAD makes it -- not the chef that designed it, because frankly, I don't care for him. Anyway ... here it is ...

Emeril Cookware (Emirilware) by All-Clad. Emerilware stainless steel cookware with copper core was designed by Emeril Lagasse and All-Clad, and is manufactured by All-Clad. The fact that it carries the All-Clad name was enough to convince me, but as I did some on-line research, I discovered that the Emerilware Stainless Steel Cookware actually has an excellent reputation!

There is a slight difference in the construction, however, as the Emerilware doesn't have the thick and heavy walls all the way up, but that was just fine with me ... a "wannabeprofessional." The pots and pans are made of a high-performance, heavy-gauge, 18/10 stainless steel polished to a mirror finish outside with a satin finish inside to conceal utensil marks. To distribute heat uniformly and maintain it, there are thick aluminum disks on the bottoms covered in stainless steel so the cookware works on any stove top, including induction. The cast-stainless-steel handles display Emeril's signature (which was NOT a selling point for me), and are riveted for strength, have thumb rests, stay cool on the stove top, and won't be harmed by an oven's highest heat. The pot and pans' lips flare to facilitate dripless pouring, and the lids are made of tempered glass, which allow cooking to be monitored without releasing heat. Stainless-steel bands around their edges prevent chipping and ensure a tight fit. The cookware carries a lifetime warranty against defects.

I purchased the 10-piece set for $199 -- and, I got an additional 20% discount for opening a credit card at the department store I purchased it at. Now, I didn't pay the full $200 bucks myself -- my in-laws asked what we wanted for Christmas, and we told them we wanted money towards our stainless steel cookware. So, they gave us half of what it cost us! And, just so you have a point of reference, an All-Clad 10-piece set with copper core can cost $1199.99 -- yes -- over A THOUSAND BUCKS -- that's how good it is. So for them to make this set and offer it at $200 bucks makes it a pretty good deal, and a first step towards the stuff the pros use. (Go read the All-Clad Story)

Finally -- I absolutely LOVE my set. It cooks differently than non-stick, or the thin stainless, it heats up faster on lower heat settings, and it cleans up beautifully ... even stuck-on stuff!

For all you foodies that love to cook -- you'll understand my love for this cookware. I hope this helps anyone trying to make a decision to purchase stainless steel cookware but is struggling with the price! For the money, it's a great investment, and a stepping stone towards the much more expensive stuff!!!

For more tips, go check out Works For Me Wednesday, hosted by Shannon at Rocks In My Dryer