Starbucks 'Trenta': How The New Size Compares To Your Stomach
Famous Death Row Last Meals
Last week I asked everyone for opinions about registering or not registering for china. I couldn't believe the number of responses I received! One of the arguments that stuck with me is that many of those who didn't register for china chose that path because it was passed down from a mother or grandmother. This is not the case for me, so I've made the decision to register for china (but only for dinner plates -- thanks to Jodi for that useful idea!) I also like the idea of a simple, clean pattern that will do double duty both for special occasions and everyday use, so thanks to everyone for chiming in.
Onto my next conundrum -- cookware! Do I register for a set or individual pieces? At first, I planned on solely registering for the All-Clad Copper Core set, but then I started having second thoughts. Sets, especially All-Clad, can get pretty pricey. What if someone wants to buy me a pot and something else? Am I limiting the options for my family and friends?
If I register for separate pieces, I can switch up the sets -- say by purchasing the Copper Core sauté pan, but also getting the less-expensive stainless-steel stock pot.
If you were to see individual pots and pans on a loved one's registry, would you be as inclined to buy them? Or would you navigate towards something else?
| Cookware Set | |
|---|---|
| Individual Pieces | |
| Didn't register for cookware |
PHOTOS: How You Can Get The 'Miracle' Dress
Broke Stars: 11 Celebrities Who Went Bankrupt
LOOK: Amazing Underwater Photos Of Dogs
Social Security Is Failing Even Faster Than We Thought
Man Says Starbucks Discriminated Against Him Because He Has Half An Arm
Jane Seymour's Modest And Modern Style
Chris Brown, Grammys 2012: Embattled Singer Slams Critics
Adele Five-Year Break? Singer Plans to Focus on Relationship, Write 'Happy Record'
Janice Dickinson's Outrageous Style
Ford's clever Sports Illustrated Swimsuit ad features phantom model
Trace Adkins Reunites With College Crush, 30 Years Later
Lauren Scruggs Goes On Ski Vacation
Van Gogh's Starry Night modded into beautiful interactive light and sound show (video)
'Hooker Teacher' Forced To Resign, Now Can't Find Work
WATCH AND LAUGH: Cops In 2-Hour Standoff With Empty Car
3 Economic Misconceptions That Need to Die
PHOTOS: Model Falls At Dennis Basso Show
Woman's Dead Fiance Is Behind Her Disappearance: Cops
Best In Show Winner Declared
WATCH: Saint VaLINtine Hits Game-Winning Shot
PHOTOS: Michelle Obama Wears Jason Wu For Target!
WATCH: Amazon Withholds Money From Blooming Florist
PHOTOS: Cute Overload?
LOOK: The Last Of The Cave People
Honduras Prison Fire Kills At Least 300 Inmates
Scuba Diver Had Motive To Drown Wife On Honeymoon, Prosecutor Says
Reports: Iran Stops Oil Exports To 6 European Countries
Denise Richards' Casual Style
Style Icon Dies After Collapsing At Fashion Show
Huguely Lied On The Night His Ex-Girlfriend Died, Lacrosse Teammate Says
'Game Of Thrones' Season 2 Teaser: War Is Coming
Hidden In The Open: A Photographic Essay Of African-American Male Couples
4-09-2009 @4:44PM Astin said... I've slowly converted to the idea that when it comes to pots and pans, you should always go individual over sets, registry or not. This way, you can customize to what you actually need, make sure you have the right number of lids, and can avoid that piece that just gathers dust.
You can also mix up the types. Maybe you want an anodized pot, a stainless steel frying pan, an enameled cast iron dutch oven, a cast iron griddle, and a non-stick sautée pan. You can't get that with a set.
As far as registry goes, it also provides your guests with more opportunities. An $800 set is probably out of range for many people, and you stand a chance of not getting anything unless multiple guests pool their resources for it. But individual items means that someone who knows you love pan-roasting can get you the $80 cast iron pan.
Reply
4-09-2009 @4:59PM Stuart Broz said... Definitely go individual.
Sets are often filled with extraneous pots you won't use. Also, I've yet to really see a set that doesn't make compromises somewhere: different pots and pans are often better made of different materials. Think about the pieces you want and will actually use and put those on the list.
Reply
4-09-2009 @5:04PM C said... We registered for a very basic set (not one of the huge ones) and individual pieces. We never expected anyone to buy the set, but wanted to give someone that option. To our surprise, someone bought it for us. We then immediately took down the corresponding individual pieces. I think the trick is just to make sure that there are lots of price points across the registry. And if you really want those pots, you're gambling with only registering for a set.
Reply
4-09-2009 @5:07PM Kassie said... When we registered, they suggested we register for both individual pieces and a set. The reasoning was that if someone buys you the set, you can return the individual pieces. But, if you get a bunch of individual pieces, you are closer to having a set and will spend less to complete your registery.
That said, we recieve one pot and it was not from our registery. We had to go out and buy the pans ourselves. It was the only thing we actually wanted. Sort of sad.
Reply
4-09-2009 @5:11PM Rebekah said... As a wedding guest, I'd rather see individual items, as they would more likely be in my budget. As a bride, I already have great pans, and only registered for a large stockpot, the one thing I feel my collection is missing. Also, if you don't have any cast iron pans, I highly recommend adding at least one to the registry mix - they are so good for so many things. I have a cast iron dutch oven, grill/griddle plate, and 7 and 12 inch frying pans. I use them all frequently, and rarely get out my stainless frying pans. If your registry allows you to leave notes on items, or on the registry as a whole, you could register for the separate items, and mention that if someone was looking at getting several pans and they weren't already marked as purchased, the set (list details) may be a better deal. Then they can mark all the individual items as purchased.
Reply
4-09-2009 @5:42PM ellen said... Individual!
It's easier for you and your guests. Plus, it enables you to mix things up more. I registered for one or two pieces of All-Clad (Deep Sauté Pan with lid and splatter screen and a 12" fry pan), several Le Creuset and two inexpensive non-stick pans from Martha Stewart's line at Macy's (green pans? I think they may have a different name now -- supposedly more enviro-friendly).
Registry coordinators (or whatever they're called) at stores can be very helpful when it comes to cookware, although I suspect it may vary, depending on the store. We registered for cookware at Williams-Sonoma (apart from the 2 nonstick pans at Macy's) and the woman who helped us was super-helpful.
I went in knowing I wanted a few pieces of Le Creuset (I love cooking with enameled cast iron) -- but she was a great resource on other types of cookware. She was actually the one that recommended buying cheaper non-stick, since it's silly to pay a lot for something that will eventually wear out.
Reply
4-09-2009 @5:49PM thefishie said... Since you're looking at All-Clad, unless your guest list includes those who intend to spend $500+ on your gift, I'd consider registering for individual pans. Cooks Illustrated just did a write-up on sets and if the pans included were all useful. It might be worth looking up for another opinion.
In case you do not have any of the copper core, I can give you my honest opinion of it versus the regular All Clad Stainless. I have some of both. I have decided to stay with the regular stainless because it can be washed in the dishwasher (copper core is hand-wash only), it's considerably cheaper, and I haven't noticed a large enough difference in the cooking qualities to overcome the two other issues (price and cleanup.) I already hand-wash my knives, so adding pots to that doesn't appeal to me at all. Also to keep the exposed copper band looking good, you'll need to keep some copper cleaner on hand to use every time you use a pot. That said, they are very nice to cook with, just my 2 cents.
Reply
4-09-2009 @6:02PM Barkin said... I agree with C. It doesn't hurt to go for a modest set, but also list a bunch of individual items (both things that are part of the set -- that you can take off if someone buys you the set -- and things that might not be in the set).
All-Clad is not necessarily expensive, and all the major registry stores carry them (Macy's, C&B, WS, SLT, Bloomingdales, etc.). I've found that each store offers a different set.
For example, my wife and I registered for All-Clad Stainless (because it's dishwasher safe... think carefully about that copper core stuff). Macy's offered one 7-piece set, and Crate & Barrel had a 7-piece set with different pieces included.
Frankly, the sets give you a pretty good deal, and if you find the right set that gets you your core cookware collection, you can then add on individual pieces on top of that.
Reply
4-09-2009 @6:32PM samarama said... Cooks Illustrated just did a story on this--they found a great small cookware set from Wal Mart (if your ethics permit you to shop there) but in general recommend individual pieces. From memory I think they suggest a cast iron skillet, a dutch oven, a two and four quart saucepan and I'm not sure what else. Personally I have a pricey all clad saucepan and a pricey le creuset dutch oven and love both dearly. Both are under $200 so good price for gift givers. Mazel Tov!
Reply
4-10-2009 @9:44AM Sally said... Individual -- you can get exactly what you use and will need. While that may change over time, you don't need something you might use five or ten years from now.
I have a set of pots and pans that I bought about the time I was married 30+ years ago. They were good quality and pricey. They're still in great condition and some pieces are used daily. There are some pieces that I use rarely.
Over the years I've added individual pieces of Le Creuset, All Clad and Calphalon -- more because I wanted them than because I needed them. Although, I was surprised to find that I needed a larger skillet/frying pan because I don't typically cook for many people.
Reply
4-10-2009 @10:55AM rahul said... individual. if you have pieces you already like and are in good condition why buy an extra? also don't forget kitchen knives now may be the time to splurge and get that one really nice cutco knife you've been eying.
Reply
4-11-2009 @9:42PM yoel said... Definitely go with separate pieces, because you want different characteristics for different pots...like cast iron for a dutch oven, non-stick for omlettes, steel for a saute pan, etc. No one bought any of the pots of pans I registered for, for some reason, so I got them one by one myself. I'm still holding out for that big Le Creuset Dune dutch oven though!
Reply
4-19-2009 @6:32PM missjoanne said... Honey get yourself to a Crate and Barrel and sign up for one of their Wedding Parties! You can ask all those questions you have and enjoy food demos before the store opens. If you can't go, check out their website, it's loaded with great product info!
Reply