Not that my boyfriend is really going to care what I use for pots, pans & utensils, but I do.
I’m after some affordable, yet not chinsey kitchen utensils & tools. I’m going to price shop at 3 different stores again. This time I’m comparing KMart (where I’ve found tons of stuff at a great price for the apartment already), Bed Bath & Beyond (an all time favorite), and William-Sonoma, the top of the line for cookware… just kidding, I’m not willing to put an entire month’s worth of pay into my cookware. My third store will be Macy’s just because it’s Macy’s, it needs no further explanation.
I’m actually looking for a cookware set so I don’t have to buy each pot & pan individually. My goal is to find a cookware set that’s durable, includes much, and around a budget of about $100. I also refuse to purchase stainless steel. If you’ve ever bought quality cookware, this may sound like an impossible task, but let’s see if we can master this anyway.
11 pc Black & Copper Aluminum Cookware (39.99)
KMart
I found a very cheap & simple set from KMart, featured on the left. It has a total of 11 pieces. It’s pretty ugly, but only costs $39.99.
You can by an additional 3qt saucepan for $12 each, and other matching accessories. If copper isn’t your look (as it isn’t mine), they also offer this set in a hideous Red & Silver Aluminum, see here. It’s difficult to deny the words “last resort” are a compliment to this set.
- Essential Home 10 pc Aluminum Cookware (49.99)
On the other hand, if you’re willing to throw down an extra ten dollars, you could own a cookware set that isn’t so ugly. The inside is Teflon to prevent sticky foods from, well sticking. A great starter set if you ask me. If you’re looking for color, specifically blue, I found a really nice 8-pc set for 59.99 at KMart as well. I think though, the Essential Home 10pc Aluminum Cookware set gets my vote.
Invitations™ Everyday 8-Piece Non-Stick Cookware (59.99)
Bed, Bath & Beyond
If you can still have at this, then do so. Only 59.99 at Bed, Bath & Beyond is
this triple value set that you can’t afford to miss. (Unless you don’t have $60 available credit on your card.) I need to tell you everything that you get:
- 2 qt covered saucepan
- 10″ skillet
- 6 qt covered dutch oven
- 1 qt covered sauce pan
- 8″ omelet pan
- 6 pc nylon kitchen tool set
- 9 1/4″ square grill pan
- 13″ x 9″ lasagna bake pan w/ cover
Macy’s
Tools of the Trade 12 pc Cookware (99.99)
It almost seems as though I should have just picked WS with the top of the line cookware at out-of-my-budget prices they offer at Macys. I was able to find ONE not stainless steel cookware set for under $100.
I’ll admit, this looks nice. Really nice, the handles on the pans look really “handleable”, if you will. The set totals at 99.99, which with tax is over my proposed budget for cookware. This set includes:
- 1qt covered saucepan
- 2qt covered saucepan
- 3qt covered saucepan
- 8qt covered stock pot
- 4qt covered saute pan
- 8 x 10″ fry pan
I’d plan on heading to Bed, Bath & Beyond first. If that doesn’t rub you the right way head over to KMart. But I’d advise you avoid Macy’s if you’re trying to save money.
