When I started college, I was given a set of cast iron pots and pans. I still have the large frying pan, and though it is incredibly heavy for me to use, it does a wonderful job of searing meat for stews, as well as many other tasks requiring high heat...but for most of my cooking I now have a lovely set of stainless steel cookware.

I have also changed the way I cook since then and rarely use high heat, although stainless steel pots and pans will tolerate limited high-heat cooking without discoloring. Current research has revealed that even olive oil, one of the most healthful of all the cooking oils, changes its chemical composition if exposed to too high a heat, and becomes an unstable artery-clogger. Using a lower setting not only saves wear and tear on my cookware, it is far more heart-healthy.

Before I settled on the set of stainless cookware I now have, I did a lot of comparison shopping. I wasn't as familiar with shopping online, so that involved many hours of trudging from store to store to see what was available. I could have saved myself a great deal of trouble and expense by looking for my stainless cookware online.

This top-of-the-line cookware set features a brushed aluminum exterior and an 18/10 stainless steel interior. The riveted stainless handles stay cool to the touch and the tight-fitting lids keep moisture and nutrients in the pan during cooking. Oven-safe to 500 degrees F, this product is hand-wash only.

This classic set includes includes 1-1/2-, 2-, and 3-quart covered saucepans, an 8-quart covered stockpot; 8-inch and 10-inch skillets, and a 3-1/2-quart covered saute pan with a helper handle. It features Cuisinart's signature mirror-finish stainless steel, and an encapsulated aluminum core for even heating. Oven safe to 500 degrees, this set is also dishwasher safe and retains its lustrous finish after repeated washings..

The beautiful set includes includes 1-1/2 and 4-quart covered saucepans, a 4-quart fry pan with lid, a 6-quart dutch oven with lid, a slotted turner spatula, a serving spoon and a pasta server. The stainless steel body features an encapsulated aluminum core for even heat distribution

This set includes 1 quart, 2 quart and 3 quart covered saucepans, a 6 quart Covered Stockpot, and both 8 and 10 inch skillets. The polished stainless steel exterior is dishwasher safe. The dual riveted handles provide a comfortable, safe grip. Made of cast stainless steel, they are both strong and durable.

Another fine KitchenAid product, this set contains a 1-1/4, 2-1/2, and a 3-1/2 quart saucepan, and features the same durable construction and elegant good-looks we have come to expect from this great, quality brand name.

This covered saute pan features KitchenAid's unique tapered sides for easy stirring and whisking. The tempered glass lid allows you to monitor cooking without disturbing the contents of the pan.

This great set features Regal's patented Tri-ply construction qwith a carbon core for even heat distribution. The easy grip handles are insulated and dishwasher safe.

This set includes two frying pans, a saute pan and two lidded saucepans. It features the same durable construction and easy clean features built into all Regal's high quality product line.

Like all Regal products these stockpots features durable heavy-weight construction, and welded handles.

They both feature an aluminum bottom for even heat distribution.

Easy cleaning and dishwasher safe, they are ideal for all styles of cooktops, including induction cookers.