We're normally skeptical of cookware sets, finding it more worthwhile to invest in one or two good pieces that to get a large set with several pieces you don't need. But that opinion comes from the viewpoint of someone who already has the basics covered; we started out by "borrowing" pieces from the family kitchen, and have slowly grown our cookware collection. What about those who really own nothing, and are outfitting a new kitchen for the first time? Is this the cookware set for them?
Kitchen Tools: My Pro Kitchen
My Pro Kitchen aims to be "a thoughtful selection of high-quality, no-frills kitchen essentials – the same stuff the pros use in their own restaurants and kitchens." The 36 pieces include cookware that it took years for us to actually buy - like a bench scraper, a sharpening stone, and a meat thermometer - along with more obvious selections like pans and bowls. Click here to see everything in the set.
It's hard to tell the quality from pictures on a website, but these look like the simple, basic goods used in professional kitchens. The descriptions sound positive too; the knives are full-tang forged stainless steel, the sheet pan is "heavy duty aluminium." The one problem we have are that both frying pans are non-stick. We prefer stainless steel for searing meat, making sauces, and anything that requires a high temperature.
You might be able to go to a restaurant supply store and assemble this collection yourself for less than the $279 price tag, but how many of those just starting out will actually do that?
What do you think? Would you recommend this set to a friend outfitting a new kitchen for the first time?
Comments (6)
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The price is okay, but if I were just starting out that would be a big chunk of change to drop at once. I agree about the non-stick pans issue. One is fine for eggs, etc. but a larger non-stick saute pan is ideal if you really want to get cooking. Also, the peeler looks flimsy and those mixing bowls look too shallow (or maybe I'm a violent mixer).
I'm more of a "get it as you need it" gal. My husband and I didn't get a ladle until we received one for the wedding, and I still don't own a whisk or meat fork, though we cook and bake often.
view Squirrely's profile
Last year I had to start a kitchen pretty much from scratch. I'm still in the process, actually. While buying a set looks very convenient, I really like touching everything before I make a purchase, so this isn't really for me. Also, it's kind of exciting building my collection, and I always welcome a guilt-free shopping opportunity.
This set seems to be aimed at someone who's eager to get started in the kitchen, but a person who actually wants to cook that doesn't care what kind of equipment they own seems a bit contradictory to me. It's a pretty good-looking set though. I still don't own a bench scraper (although I definitely need one!) and it took a long time before I actually remembered to buy a meat thermometer.
view squidlette's profile
For the person who wants to put zero effort into buying a set, it looks fine. However, going through the list, I mentally added up approximate prices for each of those pieces, and got the same amount or less -- which means it's more for convenience than savings.
For example, I have myself a larger stainless steel bowl set that has 5 bowls -- 3/4 to 8 quart, and it was $10 for all of them. They want $30 for 3. My pastry scraper is all stainless steel, looks nicer, and it is $5 to their $8 "value."
It's better to just do a little research on the local kitchen store options and go from there.. Or do it online!
view Alyce Smythee's profile
The saucepans are aluminum! No tomato sauces, boo! For $50 you can buy a proper saucepan.
view renata's profile
It looks nice, and I have to admit that if I'd known about this when I was buying the home we live in now, I'd have sprung for this. Alyce is right, though, that you can assemble a less-expensive set with some wise shopping.
Squirrely, you made me ROFL describing yourself as a "violent mixer." Me too! I made brownies last night, and cocoa-laden dough was flying everywhere.
view madampince's profile
I could see buying this as a gift for someone just starting out.
view Aldyth's profile