When I moved into my first apartment, my grandmother, who was an amazing cook, gave me her stock pot and her frying pan. They were well loved and well worn, but worked beautifully. I didn't cook much back then, so I went to the local dime store and purchased a few additional pots and pans. I didn't know anything about them except that they were cheap, and I really didn't care about performance when I was mostly reheating things.
Not surprisingly, the cheap cookware items didn't last. So eventually I purchased a new, coordinated set. But I still just went into the store and bought whatever set was on sale. Grandma's pans were still my favorites, and still in the best shape.
Nearly two decades later, the set I purchased has really taken a beating. They've worked "ok," but the plastic handles are loose, and the pots are discolored, and pitted, and sometimes burn my food. Of course, I still have grandma's pots. But, I never realized just how much easier life (and meals) could be with proper tools.
Just recently, I was shocked to find out how a great pot can literally make your meal great, too. I had the opportunity to test out a set of Oneida, CIA Cookware Designed by Culinary Institute of America. The CIA Masters Collection is impressive looking (there's nothing like shiny, heavy-duty pots and pans to make you actually want to put away the take-out menu, and stay in to make dinner). They really take your cooking skills, no matter how minimal, to the next level. To my complete surprise, these pots have superior performance attributes that really make cooking more efficient and therefore, more successful and more fun.
The five piece basic collection *photo is of the larger set that I tried has a 7-ply Copper clad construction that features layers of copper and aluminum. This is the preference of the Certified Master Chefs at The Culinary Institute of America . Five pieces are enough for a beginner. And, these pots are not just dull chore-makers, they're like a Maserati compared to an economy car, and they are awesome!!! Your water boils at lightening speed (I am not joking--it's like dial-up vs. Fios), and your food cooks more evenly and efficiently. The pots are substantial but they're not so heavy you can't easily lift them with one hand.
I'm tempted to say that the CIA cookware is pretty, but it is so much more than that. Yes, the pans and pots are attractive and professional, and easy to clean (hand washing is recommended as dish washers can pit and discolor the metal, but in a pinch you can put them in the dish washer --keep the shine and clear color going, with a stainless cleanser (I suggest Cameo cleanser).
But these pans are not just a pretty kitchen accessory--they are tough! Chefs don't just use pots and pans on the stovetop, they often look with them on other heat sources. This CIA cookware can also be used in the oven with heat up to 500°F (try doing that with a wimpy metal pan or one with plastic handles). You can use them in the broiler, too. You also don't need to worry about scratching the pots--you can use metal, plastic or non-stick utensils with them, just fine.
The exterior of the CIA cookware pans are 436 magnetic stainless steel so they are compatible with any cooking heat source, including magnetic induction. There are 2 layers of aluminum, a pure copper center, 2 layers of aluminum, and a magnetic stainless steel exterior , and the stainless steel interior. .....And I love the lids! They are 1mm thick 305 18/10 stainless steel and they stay fairly cool, even though they are metal. They are also permanently fastened to the cookware with non-reactive, stainless steel rivets that won't wobble or come loose. The covers are domed, help seal in moisture. You can invert the lids an store them on the pan if you need to stack them in a small space. A nice touch are the markings on the inside of the lid letting you know what lid belongs to what pan.
When you choose pots and pans, it's important to know what your food is going to be heated against. The cooking surface of the CIA products are 304 18/10 brushed stainless steel so it's non-reactive, very hard and durable. That means strange or metallic tastes won't get into your food, and the metal surfaces will not discolor and look bad when you cook certain items in them. The metal composition is also compatible with any cooking heat source, including magnetic induction.
...oh, and if that's not enough, did I mention that the set comes with a limited, lifetime warranty?
The 5pc, 7-ply CIA cookware set includes: 10" Sauté, 6qt Rondeau with Cover, 2 1/2qt Saucepan with Cover with a suggested retail price of $299. There is an 8 piece set on the Oneida web site as well for $499.
Obviously, you can get a cheaper set of pots and pans, but if you want a set that will really help you take your cooking to the next level, or just make it easier, it's a sound investment. And, if you are careful with those pots and pans, you might, like my grandma, pass them on to the next generation.
Product sales also benefit The Culinary Institute of America Scholarship Fund. You can also get open stock pieces in the CIA online store and other online web sites. If you've never been to the Culinary Institute of America and watched the young chefs cook and serve food in one of the CIA's specialty restaurants, you've missed a rare treat. The next time you see these soon-to-be-graduate chefs, they'll be cooking for some of the most celebrated restaurants in the world, or maybe, on the Food Network.
The holidays are coming, as well as wedding season. A new graduate, someone moving into his/her first apartment or house, or a newlywed couple would love these for a lifetime. And, you don't need an excuse to invest in good health and good food for yourself and for your family. Believe me, good cookware does make a huge difference. Check them out for yourself and please come back and tell me about your experience with this wonderful cookware!
Oneida has an extensive consumer collection including cookware and china. You'll find their products not just in the home, but in high-end hotels such as the Four Seasons, as well as in your favorite, neighborhood restaurants
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