Cuisinart 77-10P1 10-Piece Chef's-Classic-Stainless Collection, Cookware Set

Let me preface this review with the fact that I am Italian and raised 5 children on daily home-cooked meals. The kitchen is the center of my home. So when my daughter got her own apartment out west and asked for a set of pots for Christmas, I wanted to make sure I got her a quality set that would last her for years and years. I knew what I wanted for her, but didn't know which brand to purchase. Non-stick was out (I have never liked it). The pots also had to be both dishwasher/oven safe, and I wanted the pot handles to be riveted into the pot. Off I went to the mall with my "specifications" in hand to look at the different brands and sets available. Boy was I amazed at how many there were! I took my time and examined each set. Not only did I look at the sets, but I also handled the sets. This is VERY important. Many of the quality sets were so heavy that I needed two hands to lift the larger pieces, and although I could lift the smaller saucepans, I had difficulty tilting them to the side to pour. Others had handles that were very uncomfortable to use. Then I came upon the Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless 10-piece cookware set. I was very impressed by the quality. They were heavy grade yet easy to handle. They also met my other specifications listed above AND they looked really nice as well. The price of $149 was quite unbelievable. I drove home and ran straight to my computer and ordered the set through Amazon. I got free shipping and had the set delivered directly to my daughter. I also used the holiday bonus coupon for $25 off my order. I was so impressed with the set and the deal Amazon was offering, a few days later I purchased a second set through Amazon for myself. I LOVE them. They cook beautifully on my gas range and clean up well in the dishwasher. The handles DO NOT get hot while cooking, which totally surprised me. Do be careful with the lid handles though. They will get hot if cooking on higher heat. I haven't had a problem with delicate foods burning due to the high thermoconductivity of the pans; however, my stove is a professional grade 6-burner unit. I don't know if that makes any difference or not. All I can say is this set looks great, cooks great, handles great, and sells at a great price. What more can you ask for?

I've purchased two sets about six months ago and had a chance to use every piece. I have to say that this set is a bargain, but noticed that Cuisinart Multiclad Pro is what I would prefer over this set (if money was no object). I've purchased the Multiclad Pro 3 qt saucepan and the 5-1/2 qt pan to compliment this set, and love the true triple ply and heavier gauge sides which prevents scorching. Can't compare this set to the Cuisinart Multiclad Pro set that cost two to three times as much (or All-Clad)...and I'm quite happy that I have purchased this set! As for the 10-piece set, I agree with the high praise from many already posted. This is a very good set for a resonable price. Would it last a lifetime? Probably not but I will get good use out of it for at least ten years. Sides of pan are a bit thin and will flex slightly (compared to the Multiclad models). If the pan fell from my hanging rack, it would probably dent. You can hang the pots with lids on, though one would have to be careful not to knock them off. One of the lids came off and hit the countertop then the floor, but survived the fall without any damage. My favorite is the 3 qt saucepan and the 3-1/2 qt saute. Cameo or Bar Keepers Friend does a good job of cleaning up residue that can't be cleaned up with standard dish washing soap or in the dishwasher. I have some pitting on the interior of pan from throwing salt from soft-boiling eggs or pasta. Pitting does not impact the performance, but a bit ugly looking (doesn't bother me as this set was inexpensive and I've purchased to use everyday). I've done a comparison between the 3 qt provided in this set compared to the Multiclad 3 qt. I was surprised that using same amount of water an at same size gas burners with switching the pans every minute to ensure even heating, Chef's Classic boiled water quicker than the Multiclad by at least a minute (I'm a professional engineer and a bit quirky that way). I've also purchased the anodized non-stick pans by Cuisinart and been using the glass lids from that set on the Chef's Classic. Since purchasing the stainless set, my non-stick pans are in storage and though they are fairly new, teflon started coming off from the top of the cookware where lid meets the pan. I realize the professionals use metal lids as it keeps in the heat better and easier to clean, but I do like to see what's going on inside the cookware when I'm cooking. I'm starting to get used to the metal lids. This set has also retired my Lodge cast iron cookware to use only on the grill, as the stainless base heat retention is great and much easier to clean and maintain. I would highly recommend this set to anyone who wants a long lasting cookware, likes to use metal utensils with their cookware as long as they don't mind superficial scratches(instruction manual states that non-metallic utensils be used), enjoys developing fond (brown bits) for making tasty sauces, or simply wants a cookware that one can abuse without having to worry about ingesting Teflon, this set would be very satisfactory. If you want the absolute best and spend considerable time in the kitchen, spend more for the Cuisinart Multiclad or All-Clad and don't complain about the little details. For most everyone else out there, this set would be quite adequate. Happy cooking! Other Info: As for interchangeability with Cuisinart Multiclad line, 3-qt line has different size lids as Multiclas line has deeper Saute pans. Frying pans are the same size. Pam or similar cooking spray should be avoided as they will bake on to the pans and will be difficult to remove. I've started to cook eggs on real butter mixed with olive oil. Wow! Eggs are so much better than cooked on the non-stick skillet with spray oil. Everything in moderation, but I've been learning to live a little and exercise more to make up.

I had some older non-stick pans leftover from college, but the non-stick coating was starting to flake off, so it was time for new pans. I really like cooking, so I wanted something that was good quality and would last a long time. Since I was replacing most of my pans, going with a set was the best value for my money. I read lots of reviews about different types of cookware and different brands and finally settled on this set. This is a very good quality set for a great price. As of this review, I have been using this set for 2 months, so I am not able to comment on the long term use of the set. However, everything seems solidly constructed and if properly cared for, I think the set can last a long time. This set had everything that I was looking for. It would be nice if the set included a larger (12") skillet, but I already owned a 12" stainless steel skillet that I bought by itself, so it ended up working out for me. If you are used to other types of cookware, especially non-stick, you have to get used to cooking with lower heat and properly prepping the pan so that things don't stick. Heat the pan first, then add some oil to coat the bottom of the pan, allow the oil to heat up, then add the food. I have cooked a good variety of foods with this set and have had good results. As always, sometimes things get messed up when cooking, but I am going to blame that on the cook and not the pans. I have successfully cooked fish and eggs (although I typically use my cast iron for eggs) in these pans without sticking. For fish, making sure that the pan and oil is hot enough will allow the fish to slide and not stick when you put it in the pan. A light layer of flour on the fish can also help. Contrary to what many people say about leaving the food alone and that it will release from the pan on its own, for fish I move the pan around to keep the fish sliding for the first 10-15 seconds to allow it to develop a crust, then I leave it alone. No sticking (Alton Brown taught me this [...]). On the other hand, for cooking some things, you want some little bits to stick to the pan, and you can accomplish that too. I don't have a dishwasher, so I have only hand washed these pans. I use just dish soap and a sponge most of the time, but every one in a while I use Bar Keeper's Friend to clean them up and help keep them shiny. The pans are all still shiny. You can see some tiny scratches on the bottom when you tilt them the right way in the light, but in no way is the integrity of the pan damaged. If you expect these pans to never get a single scratch and maintain a perfect mirror finish, then take them out of the box, hang them up, and never use them. From use and cleaning, the surface of the pans will get some micro scratches, but these in no way affect how the pans work. To make cleanup easier, run some hot water in the warm pan after cooking to wash out what you can and let it soak for a little if there is anything stuck in the pan. Don't run cold water into a hot pan and let the pan cool a little bit before running water in it, otherwise you could damage the pan by rapidly changing the temperature. Also, don't leave water sitting in the pan for long periods of time. Let it soak for a while if you need to and then clean up the pan. I usually let them air dry for a little, then wipe them down with a towel and hang them back up. The metal lids fit very well with the pans, but because of the way they are shaped, you are not able to cover anything other than the pans (i.e. a plate) like you could with a glass lid. The lids work great for what they were designed for, so I can't fault them for that. Be careful, the lids can get hot if you cover a hot pan with them, so make sure you use a pot holder or towel. Because the lids don't have a lip that lets you hang them, I grabbed some S hooks from the hardware store and hang them by the handle. I'm limited on cabinet space, so I have to hang all of my pans and lids, but I also think it is nice because keeps them from banging into each other. The handles for the pans, on the other hand stay cool enough that you can grab with your bare hand (just don't grab it close to where it connects to the pan). It is always good to be safe and test the handle first before grabbing, just to make sure. I have had times where the handle was too close to another pot on my small stove and did get hot. The last thing I love about these pans is the lip around the edge. Pouring liquids from these is just amazing. The liquid funnels down to a single point, making it easy to control, and there is no dripping or splashing. I highly recommend this set to anyone looking for a good deal on a set of quality pans.

I actually got this when they had the $25 dollar coupon for it so I thought it was a steel. First off, I am coming off using teflon pans, so people do realize this is stainless steel and food will stick if you are not careful. Pros Heat distrubtion. THis is the best thing about the set. You don't need to need to use high heat on an electric range. These pot and pans will more than cook on food on Med - lo Medium High. You use any higher setting and you are going to burn your food. CLeans up pretty easily, if you wash after use. Let you cookware cool to a reasonable temperature and use warm soapy water. I didn't do that with the small pan and it ended up getting spots on the surface, my fault on that part but i haven't had any other spots on the rest of the set. The stock pot is awesome for soups. I made a batch of collard greens a couple of weeks ago. Did the cooking and had to go out so I turned off the stove of course, but I returned a few hours later and it was still warm to the touch. Cons- Really, the only one I can thinkof was and it sort of disappointed me, was no lids for the pans themselves. Other than that its a great set to start with and learn how to cook with stainless. Just remember its not teflon and you don't need a lot of heat to use it properly :) --Update 05/01-- I wanted to give a quick update on the cook set I got. I love it, it takes a while to get use to it and I still am trying ot master the art of frying an egg with the stainless steel pan. But I love the way it cooks though. I have not received any type of staining or spotting when washing them asides from my first attempt at cleaning the one I used in my intial review. Also don't use steel utensils with the cookset. It might seem like a good idea but you run the risk of scratching the surface. Overall, I am very happy with this purchase and still stand by my assessment its a great starter set to learn how to cook with stainless steel.

This cookware is well made with rivited handles like what is used in professional kitchens. I recieved my order in less time than was estimated. My order arrived in well packed boxes with no damage. This cookware heats eavenly and is easy to clean as long as you clean as you go. For the stovetop, the long handles stay cool but you may want to use protection on the small handles. This cookware is also oven safe to 500 degrees. This set should last for years of trouble free service. I highly recomend it as a starter set for those that are newly maried, or new to the kitchen. I would recomend a second 1.5 quart sause pan (for those that cook for 1 or 2.) I also recomend adding the 2 quart sause pan (or 2 for larger families) to round out the set. For those that make scrambled eggs frequently you may want to look at the chef's classic nonstick skillets as well. Things you have to remember: 1: This is not a nonstick set of cookware... you will have to clean it before residual food drys onto it or you'll be using some elbow grease to get it clean. 2: The disk on the bottom is attached with epoxy and will seperate if you boil it dry and let it sit on a hot burner so don't let that happen. 3: Do not use high heat settings especally with gas cooking the flame will discolor the pan. Medium heat is just right. 4: It's cookware you will use it, and it'll scratch. It's not for decroation if you want pretty pans, get 2 sets the price is right. Amazon's price with the additon of the 4 pc kitchen tool set (free) the super saver shiping, and the $25.00 may discount (I noticed there's a june discount now as well) made this set much less than was available at the mall and worth the wait for shipping. Added 12/11/2005 After 6 months of everyday use, the finish on this cookware is still very nice even with a few scratches. I have noticed that I use lower heat on the stove (gas) meaning a lower monthly bill. I have noticed that when using the dishwasher there is some minor discoloration but that is easily removed with barkeepers friend. I am still verry happy with this cookware, and have added other itmes this line.

I purchased these 4 years ago from amazon. I've never been anything but very happy with them. One of the main reasons I chose this set was because of their weight. I am a small woman and I don't like to (sometimes can't) lift super duper heavy cookware. For example, I have several Le Creuset pans and while they are fabulous cookware (seriously, I'm not knocking them at all, I hope to cook my very last meal in my le creuset dutch/*ahem French oven) they are ridiculously heavy. So that's point 1 in their favor - they are lightweight. They are also sturdy. I've cooked everything you can imagine in these things and they look great. To the people who say everything sticks or burns, look I don't like to be the bearer of bad news, but that is because you don't know how to cook in stainless cookware. There are some really great videos online that explain in fabulous detail exactly how to cook in these types of pans. I highly recommend, if you are new to stainless steel, you check them out. I cook all manner of things just fine, nothing sticks or burns. On the rare occasion that something does burn onto the bottom (forget and leave the burner on, it happens to us all) then a soak in the sink and a little Bar Keeper's Friend will take care of it. I stick them in the dishwasher and the only thing I make sure of is that I do not use the citrus dishwasher detergent as the product information said not to. I've had no breaking, pitting, staining.. nothing. I use the 3 quart saucepan to make popcorn all the time and that requires dragging the pan across the burner repeatedly and even the bottom of that pan looks fine. I think the 3 1/2 quart saute pan is the real stand out of this set - I use it constantly. It's the perfect size for a lot of one pot meals. I rarely use the large stockpot because it's very large and if I need a large pot I have another one I prefer. A smaller stock pot would have been a nice addition to this set. All in all, this is a great set. It is really a fantastic value, this is my daily cookware, and I can not foresee myself ever needing to replace it.

11/4/2013, Update. I have to update this review because now that I have used it, I can only say it is terrific. Easily cooks as well as my more expensive cookware. So good in fact I had to buy 2 pieces, open stock to add to your home because they work so well in the cabin. I still don't know what grade of stainless they use, but whatever it is, it works just fine. Highly recommended. April 24, 2013. Original review. I agree with most of the positive comments regarding this cookware. It does heat evenly and well. It cleans up easily too. It's comfortably lighter than much of it's competition and it is available at a reasonable price for the number, size and selection of pans and pots in the set. However there is one caveat to this cookware, and it may have been pointed out before. It is not magnetic. Therefore it can't be used with induction heating element stoves. That fact led me to wonder what kind of stainless steel it was made of. I went back to the main page and didn't find a description other than "Stainless Steel" Well there are all kinds of stainless steel, just as their are all kinds of steels period. Most of the stainless cookware makers trumpet that their wares are made from 18/10 Stainless. That is a steel alloy with 18% Chrome, 10% Nichol. Which I gather is the stuff that top end brands such as All Clad et al are made of. I couldn't find that anywhere for this cookware including on the Cuisinart site. Though they said, by omission, that it wasn't made for induction stoves. I like the cookware, it's for a hunting cabin and will work fine for that purpose and probably any other for that matter, Still, I'd like to know what kind of stainless this set is made from.

I was very nervous about buying a cookware set online sight unseen but overall, I'm very relieved about how it turned out. First off, I'm awed about how incredibly 'non-stick' this cookware is! I thought I'd have to use a lot of oil to keep things from sticking but I barely have to add more than a drop or two! And as long as you clean the pots and pans directly after using them they clean really easily. As others have said, there will be occasional staining but so far after seven weeks of continuous use, I've only had one small stain and I'm sure with the bar cleanser's friend, it will come out (I hope!). I haven't put these in the dishwasher in fact; I don't even keep them stacked because the sauté pan did get scratched when I first tried that, in fact, these pans do easily scratch fairly easily, which is why I'm only giving 4 stars. If you don't have an overhang to hang your pots and pans from, you might find it a good investment. The sides of the pots and pans stay clean and shiny no matter what the use, and the bottoms stay clean (though maybe a little dull-looking) as long as you don't have the heat on too high. About the high heat; I wasn't happy about the idea that I couldn't use the highest heat because I'm used to that, but I found that I could have it on very close to the highest temperature without any problems. In fact, if one is used to moving the pan around a lot and a little away from the flame (which I do when sautéing) one can even get away with using the highest heat. Be prepared to wait a long time for water to boil (drag!) but once the temperature gets up there, it stays there, nice and even. My biggest test for the cookware so far was popcorn, which is the acid test in terms of how evenly the heat is dispersed and retained in the pot. Well, I've made popcorn about four times, and each time every kernel popped perfectly with not a single one burnt! As for the lids: they often do heat up after a while so be sure to use potholders when removing them. They hang on real tightly and seal in the heat perfectly though, so I have no complaints overall. And I'm very pleased that the handles of all the pots and pans stay cool no matter what the temperature! I invested in Cuisinart's steamer (a great deal at $20.00) and it fits the 4-quart pot perfectly and is nice and roomy. The lid to that is a dream; not one bit of steam escaped! I have only one major complaint with this set but it has nothing to do with the quality of the cookware. I am just disappointed that it doesn't include a 12" skillet. It seems pointless to me that I have two relatively small skillets by Cuisinart, but no large one (the sauté pan is only about ½" wider than the skillet). I'll probably break down and buy Cuisinart's 12-inch skillet (only $25.00, wow!), which I'd also recommend for those who like to entertain or who have big families. Oh yeah... I was also very pleased with the packaging and swift delivery. No problems there at all! Overall, I'd give this set a "9", which is a hearty recommendation for a set in this price range!