"Greg Zywicki" > wrote in message
> >
> > I need a GOOD set of pots and pans. Not something extravagant, but
something
> > that is a good, solid set of pots and pans.

Over the past 25 or 30 years we've accumulated a large set of the standard
heavy calphalon, all hanging from the ceiling (I think the joists are now
bowed). They cook marvelously, they clean easily (although only one piece,
a 10" wok, has a non-stick surface), and I would recommend them to anyone.
Caution: buy the pieces with the "formed" handles, not the cast handles.
The cast handles get very hot. Very pricey to purchase, but in truth, we've
received about half our pieces as gifts.

There is one problem with this Commercial Cookware product, however, that
mystifies me. Apparently there is something about the metallurgy that makes
the metal density increase substantially after several years. I've noticed
in recent years that the larger pieces seem to be much heavier than they
were thirty years ago. ;-) Is there anyone knowledgeable in the field who
can explain this phenomenon?

JG