WHAT TO BUY If you don't purchase a complete set, buy a couple of good quality essentials and add to your collection as you go along. Like investing in stocks, you wouldn't buy your whole portfolio at one time but add to it when the market is right. You start with a couple of "Blue Chips." These should include: Heavy duty 10 inch sauté pan that can double as a frying pan 2 qt. sauce pan 7-8 qt. stock pot that can be used for stewing, boiling pasta, or making soups and sauces Later you can augment your portfolio by adding additional sizes and types like omelet pans, double-boilers, roasting pans, etc. Forget about buying cheap aluminum pans or any pan that is thin and light. They conduct heat poorly and you'll spend more time cleaning the stuff that burns on the bottom than enjoying your food. What to Look For You want pots and pans made of stainless steel or heavy-gauge aluminum with nonoxidizing surfaces. The base of the pan should be thick and flat on both the inside and out for better heat efficiency. You also want handles that are riveted to the pan and can be put in the oven(no plastic handles) and well fitting lids. And most importantly, make sure they feel good in your hands. Just because they might be highly touted, doesn't mean they're the right fit for you.