ISO advice for gift for inexperienced cook - HA or SS

[bakechef]

That's a really nice set at a great price. I have an 8" Tramontina tri-ply skillet and it works great.

The "Jumbo Cooker" alternatively called a Fry pan or Sauté Pan, is an excellent choice for the next piece. I use mine all the time.

I have the 8" tramontina tri ply skillet as well and it is a great piece of cookware! I make some great omelettes in it.

 

[GLC]

... this piece is the next I would want:

Tramontina 12" 18/10 Tri-ply-clad Stainless Steel Jumbo Cooker

You'll love that one. Not that it's unique to Tramontina, but I have a Tramontina slightly larger than that one, and I use it more than all the other pieces put together. It does a nice job of braising, browning on top and then covering and into the oven to finish. It would definitely be my "...if you could only have one..." piece.

 

[hamm4]

I have both and love both. I mostly use my HA though. I got my HA from QVC and it can go in the dishwasher but I do my pots and pans by hand. I feel any of them are as good as they are taken care of .

 

[Addie]

Try to find a smaller set of SS and then look for a set of HA sautee pans to make up the difference in price that you would pay for the full set of SS. I did notice that the handles on the SS set were higher on the covers. Easier cover removal and less burnt fingers. More room for the pot holder.