Cookware Set Advice

>Tramontina Tri-ply
Get a small set of this and compliment it with a large and small T-fal nonstick skillet

don't get a set

get a few different pieces made of different materials and figure out what you like

All-clad 2qt saucepan
all-clad 3.5qt saucepan
all-clad 12" skillet
all-clad 8" skillet
Lodge 12" cast iron skillet

find a cheap stainless 8 -12qt stockpot at your local department store.
Literally all you need.

>>8825068
GO to your local thrift store and buy the set that was donated because they got two on the wedding registry or grandma who never cooked anyways died and left it.

ALternatively, trawl the thrift stores to find actually good pots and pants and have non matching high quality cookware. The added benefit is you only buy the pots and pans you need, instead of getting a unch you don't.

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>>8825068
Don't buy a cookware set. Piecemeal a custom set of the best of each component based on your needs. Typically that means:
>12" Frying Pan
>10" Non-stick skillet
>8-Qt+ Stock pot
>Enameled Ditch Oven
>Baking Sheet
>Casserole Dish/Roasting Pan
>Maaaaybe a cast iron pan

TheSweetHome & CenturyLife have the most comprehensive up-to-date reviews of cookware pieces:
http://thesweethome.com/reviews/best-nonstick-pan/
http://thesweethome.com/reviews/best-cast-iron-skillet/
http://thesweethome.com/reviews/best-dutch-oven/
http://thesweethome.com/reviews/best-roasting-pan/
http://thesweethome.com/reviews/best-cookie-sheet/
http://thesweethome.com/reviews/best-13x9-casserole-dish/

http://thesweethome.com/reviews/best-cookware-set/
If you want a set though >>8825091 is good advice and what they recommend. The important thing for steel cookware is to make sure it is all-clad throughout and up the sidewalls vs. a disc bottom for better heat distribution and retention. Aside from Tramotina's Tri-Ply series, Cuisinart's MultiClad Pro line is also constructed like that at a good price. See these:
https://www.centurylife.org/how-to-choose-cookware/
https://www.centurylife.org/is-all-clad-worth-it-is-it-still-made-in-america-why-does-it-cost-so-much-what-are-some-alternatives/

Remember that the 12" Frypan sees the most use in most kitchens so commit most of your budget to it.

Hit the yard sales/flea markets, find some cast iron skillits and a dutch oven. Check out restaurant supply houses and look at used pro-grade stuff. I have Lodge cast iron and some Tramontina stuff. I like it.

>>8825096
This. All you really need is a saucepan, stockpot and good quality frying pan. Cast iron is best if you know how to take care of it.

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>>8825106
This for sure

>>8825129
I most definitely agree. Pan sets are stupid. At least 1/3 of them you'll never use.

>>8825068

I go to a discount store once a week, and get a 19 piece set...pots, pans, lids and some utensils...all for $19.99 and tax...

I use then the one time to cook something, then I eat my dinner out of it...when I'm done I throw it out...

I do this all week, and by the weekend I ready for a new set...bonus is I never have to wash anything!!!

>>8825106
a little much for one guy in a 1br, imo
the 2qt, the 8" skillet, and a 10.5" cast iron would suit him nicely

If it don't have a touch of copper on it or not copper at all it's ugly as fuck

>>8825068
Have you asked around among your family and relatives yet? Lots of people have excess stuff they would be glad to get rid of. I know I have after the death of my grandparents.

>>8825068
For a poverty tier college student what're the best basic cookware pieces I can get for <$100? Mostly I want a large pot for stews and such, a small one for making single meal things like ramen, maybe 1 or 2 pans for frying, not sure what else. I've checked the local thrift stores, they almost always have nothing but ruined nonstick crap, and I don't know what brands to watch out for.