I love cookware the way some women love diamonds.

Any catalog I have has dog-eared pages if cookware is featured on any of them. I have dozens of websites bookmarked if they feature cookware. If my husband and I go to a store like WalMart or Meijer, he knows where to find me. I have no explanation or reason for this either – it just “is”!

My primary complaint about the marketing of cookware is that sets of 9, 12, 15 or 17 pieces are prominently featured in catalogs, on websites and in the store displays.

Sets are not practical and generally include several items that will seldom if ever be used, but the price certainly includes them. And let’s remember that the piece counts sound generous but one covered saucepan rings up a count of 2 because the lid is counted separately. Also, I’ve seen many sets include flimsy tools or covered storage containers as part of the count. You know, the stirring spoon or slotted turner, etc. that might last a few weeks.

One of a set’s big draws is a choice of colors which matters to some. I really don’t like the idea of giving a complete set to someone as a wedding or shower gift, either. Cookware is a very personal choice of weights, colors, handle shapes, etc. and no one should give it as a gift.

Ideally, a kitchen will contain both non-stick and stainless cookware and you can’t get that mixture in a set. Give a gift card instead! I personally am happy with my open stock skillets of various sizes and types, saucepans, and dutch ovens that I bought separately according to my own separate and different standards for each.

I also have several “universal” lids that fit everything. Almost all of it is black because I like black – I don’t try to match any color scheme. Decent cookware can be reasonably priced – no one has to break the bank to buy good pieces. It isn’t necessary to pay for the famous name brand either. Cookware? Just tell Santa to read my list but not to try and get down the chimney with all the pieces I’d ask for… he’d get stuck!

The author writes that it’s equal in quality to brands like All-Clad, Caphalon and Le Creuset, but much more decently priced. However, from the authors experience after 20 years of using Chantal cookware it is still doing it’s job perfectly and even looks beautiful. Chantal cookware is made from solid steel (good heat conduction) with enamel coating (naturally non-sticky, robust, non-reactive with foods). And It’s easy to maintain.