Kitchen Deals -> Dinnerware

This is another area where spending money is justified. The best pans combine different metals like aluminum or copper on the outside and stainless steel on the inside. Aluminum and copper are valued for their ability to spread heat evenly over the entire pan, and stainless steel is valued for its non-reactive qualities. Buy pans which are heavy and thick with solid handles that are well fastened to the pot. As with knives, buy the highest quality cooking pans you can afford one at a time, starting with a saute pan and a 3 qt. sauce pan. They will last forever. At some point, a stock pot (which will be especially pricey) should be considered for serious cooking.

Buy a sturdy stainless spatula for general uses and a Teflon spatula for your non-stick pan. In addition, buy a silicon baking spatula for scraping bowls. Silicon is an amazing substance which is heat resistant up to 550 degrees.

Wipe away any acid spills such as from vinegar or grapefruit straight away. Never clean the bowl or draining board with an abrasive cleaner. Instead use liquid detergent in warm water and wipe with a soft cloth to remove water drop marks. Care for stainless steel appliance fascias and cabinet fronts in the same way. If choosing stainless steel cabinets, a 'brushed' surface is less likely to show grease from finger marks.