Felt I needed to write a review after reading many other reviews. I own three steel cookware sets from Paderno (multiple kitchens) and gave a set to both our kids when they moved out. One of the sets is 15 years old and going strong. We are serious home cooks and have other cookware sets from manufacturers such as Le Creuset and Lodge. It is frustrating to read negative reviews which are more a reflection on the reviewer than the product. "I bought cookware that doesn't have a nonstick coating and I'm sad it doesn't have a non-stick coating." "The pots are too small." "I can't stack them."
We use these pots multiple times a day, and occasionally have boiled them dry or burnt them. My son, a chef, tends to cook at very high temperatures. We cook using multiple heat sources; mostly gas, but also induction and electric. None of our sets have any of the pitting or major discoloration some reviewers describe.
Here's what I like. Great heat distribution. Acid neutral. Just right amount of curve side to bottom. Cleans easily and can tolerate a variety of cleaning products (looking at you Le Creuset). Excellent pourability. Flexible array of sizes. Durable. Pot and lid handles stay cool (except one set on which the lid handles get hot). Good quality manufacturing (all lids fit, no defects, etc) As a bonus, lids fit other Paderno products like the non-stick fry pans.
So, if you want high quality steel cookware at a reasonable price then Paderno is a good choice. Our most used set is the Canadian Professional. Highly recommend.
