[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I bought these pans 2 years ago, and they still work just fine! Overall this is a pretty good deal for how cheap they are. I'm thinking it's time for an upgrade, however. I am an avid home cook, and in addition to this set I use a variety of frying pans.
I been using this pan set for 2 weeks now. We make all meals at home and rarely order take out or go out.
The first thing I need to say is this: if you have not used stainless steel and are used to non-stick, you have some learning to do! Do your research and learn how to use your cookware. The biggest things to remember: preheat your pan before adding food and use plenty of oil. If your meat sticks, that's a good thing; just wait until it releases on its own to move it around the pan. Later you can add some liquid (water, wine, vinegar, stock, etc.) to deglaze or release all of the lovely flavorful browned bits on the bottom of the pan. If you are a novice, I would recommend that you continue to use non-stick for delicate foods like eggs and fish.
Now that that's out of the way, let's get to the review.
Useability
These pots will boil water! Perfect for making pasta, ramen, and anything with copious amounts of liquid. The bottoms have a tendency to scorch when there isn't as much water present, so you'll want to stir constantly.
The frying pan has deep walls, so it will trap moisture and cause less evaporation than a pan with lower, sloping sides. I don't use this one very often, opting instead for non-stick (for ease of use and of clean-up), carbon steel, or cast iron. Again, these pans don't fare so well in a low-moisture setting.
The handles are odd. Typically with the two-handled pots, one handle will get hot and one will stay cool during the cooking process, and that's if I use the correct burner size.
The lids have vents, but they still rattle loudly when your water comes to a boil. It kind of works as an alarm so that I know the water is boiling - like the whistle of a tea kettle.
Durability
The casserole/dutch oven type pans are what I use the most, like one would use a sauce pan. Those have held up really well, and with a little bit of Barkeeper's Friend would look brand new. These are lightweight and. Not at all heavy. Easy to move from stobe to oven.
The handles are hollow, but I haven't had problems with strength. None of them have bent or buckled.
Clean-Up
Food comes off of these just fine, although sometimes they require a good soak. We have hard water, so spots are inevitable, and sometimes the "rainbow" effect is too, but with some Barkeeper's Friend they shine like new. My husband blackened the entire bottom of the frying pan, and I anticipate that it will scrub away just fine, because that powder is magical.
The hollow handles like to collect water, so I make sure to let my pans dry thoroughly before hanging them back on my wall.
The Bottom Line
If you're a casual home cook, a broke college student, or just someone who needs to boil water, I highly recommend this set. It's cheap and it works. If you know how to cook with and properly clean stainless steel.