KitchenAid Gourmet Reserved 12-Piece Hard-Anodized Cookware Set, Black

Got this for a super price. Cooks well and even. Cleans up well too. So far have only been hand washing, which is recommended.

We bought this set to have pans that can be used both on the stove and in the oven (hence no plastic handles). For the price that we paid ($129) it was a bargain. Note that it does not handle dishwasher too well, especially on high temperature cycle (discoloration on the outer coating) but this is pretty common for all and just is something to keep in mind when you wash them.
Other than that, excellent product and I would recommend it to everybody.

Have you ever noticed, that when you move a lot, you tend to somehow 'mislay' articles from the kitchen? It's amazing. When you pack up to move, you have a whole set of stainless steel insulated cookware, but when you unpack, you don't. That is what led me to purchase new cookware. The one thing that I never really liked about stainless steel was that things stick. My granddad recently got some hard andonized pots and pans and seems to like them fine, so I figured why not?

I've had my set for several months now, and while I am not completely dissatisfied, I am not as satisfied with this set as I would've liked. The non-stick surface is really good. I've never had a problem with anything sticking. But, if you're like me and work 12 hour shifts, you become really good friends with your dishwasher. Unfortunately, these are not dish-washer approved. I was unaware of that at the time of purchase, and that would've affected the sale.

Also, I know the previous reviewer mentioned the heat conductivity of aluminum being second to copper. I don't believe it, and neither should you. I fight a chronic battle with hot spots every time I cook. Inevitably, the center of the skillet (especially with the 12") get's very hot, while the edges are still, at best, warm. Dishes that I could turn on and ignore in my old cookware must be constantly monitored in these.

On the positive side, however, aluminum is *much* lighter than stainless steel. I have problems with my wrists, and lifting my 12" steel pan was something of a problem one-handed. Not so with these.

So, there are positives, and there are negatives. I guess it depends on how particular you are about what you cook in. I am a very particular cook. I can be very exacting and something of a kitchen tyrant, and I expect no less from my pots and pans. Someone who is more of a casual cook and isn't dead-set on perfection might thoroughly enjoy this set with no reservations.

I bought these after doing some research about the new non-stick hard anodized aluminum pots and pans on the market. After learning that aluminum and copper are the best heat conductors I researched who makes the best ones. After seeing the prices for the best I decided to go second best. The kitchenaid might not be as heavy as some of the more exspensive brands but the handels are riveted and the weight isn't too bad. So far they are wonderful. I love how quick and evenly they heat up. I would highly recomend these to anyone looking for quality without spending a fortune.