What is the difference in cooking ability and quality between this set and the triple-ply with 13 pieces but consideraply more $$?
1690481
I have not used the triple-ply but the Simply Calphalon I got for my daughter is great! It has the aluminum core which I like because it heats more evenly. She absolutely loves this set.
1690482
This is only a wild guess, but I imagine it's the labor that goes into the finish. I bought the less expensive for my husband last Christmas (he loves to cook) and have been very satisfied. We use Barkeeper's Friend to polish it up now and then and it looks great. He has a few pieces of the more expensive type, but other than a small difference in weight, I can't tell any difference in the cooking ability. If you are a real gourmet chef, you probably won't be happy with any but the most expensive cookware. However, if you are like most of us, the less expensive will serve you well for many years. :)
1690483
This is only a wild guess, but I imagine it's the labor that goes into the finish. I bought the less expensive for my husband last Christmas (he loves to cook) and have been very satisfied. We use Barkeeper's Friend to polish it up now and then and it looks great. He has a few pieces of the more expensive type, but other than a small difference in weight, I can't tell any difference in the cooking ability. If you are a real gourmet chef, you probably won't be happy with any but the most expensive cookware. However, if you are like most of us, the less expensive will serve you well for many years. :) This is only a wild guess, but I imagine it's the labor that goes into the finish. I bought the less expensive for my husband last Christmas (he loves to cook) and have been very satisfied. We use Barkeeper's Friend to polish it up now and then and it looks great. He has a few pieces of the more expensive type, but other than a small difference in weight, I can't tell any difference in the cooking ability. If you are a real gourmet chef, you probably won't be happy with any but the most expensive cookware. However, if you are like most of us, the less expensive will serve you well for many... » Read More This is only a wild guess, but I imagine it's the labor that goes into the finish. I bought the less expensive for my husband last Christmas (he loves to cook) and have been very satisfied. We use Barkeeper's Friend to polish it up now and then and it looks great. He has a few pieces of the more expensive type, but other than a small difference in weight, I can't tell any difference in the cooking ability. If you are a real gourmet chef, you probably won't be happy with any but the most expensive cookware. However, if you are like most of us, the less expensive will serve you well for many years. :) « Show Less
1690484
I don't have the triple-ply. But I can tell you that I absolutely love the set I bought. It heats fast and evenly and it's not too heavy for me to handle. Please be sure to use Barkeeper's Friend as recommended. It does a marvelous job of keeping the pots and pans looking like new.
1690485
I don't know. I don't have the triple-ply 13 piece considerply (sic) $$ set to compare.
1300916
I took another look at the sets available for sale and I see that buying a set is a much better deal. The 6 piece set is $15.95; while the 3 cup by itself is $12.71 and the 6 cup is $6.29 and the 11 cup is 8.19. I don't know how to explain this other than they must come from different distributors. If I were to make this purchase again, I'd buy one of the sets.
1270517
The main difference is that it is "multiclad" or "ply"which means its polished stainless steel with an aluminum core for the faster heating and even heat distribution. It's also heavy duty, thicker and stronger...most all of my cookware is clad stainless (All Clad & Cuisinart) Regular stainless does not have a core and will not have the same cooking advantages and may not last as long.
1227769
So, the LCS3 (which is currently priced at 22 and some change) is only a 10 inch diameter and has sloped sides measuring only at 1 3/4 in (might be 1 1/4 in I'm going off memory). The LK8S3 is 10.25 diameter and the sides are not sloped they are straight and measure 2 inches high. I just used the LK8S3 this morning for a fritata with eggs, red bell peppers, baby bellas, chopped kale, and sharp cheddar on top. I have a five person family and it is big enough to produce a yummy fritata that will feed us all. I start the meal on the stove top and finish in the oven. I like the high/straight sides of this dish because you could even bake a cake in it or a pot pie etc. I have a pan comparable to the LCS3 but it is smaller in diameter (I think an 8 or 9 in). Pans with a sloped side are great for sauting and performing cooking tasks that require moving the pan around to flip the food about. The LK8S3 is quite heavy so I could only assume the LCS3 "chef's" series skillet might be more pricey because it might be lighter weight for performing tasks that require flicking of the wrists and flipping without compromising the length of the diameter and the quality of the cast iron. Don't quote me on that, the last part is only an assumption. If you want an exact explanation I'm sure someone at Lodge would be happy to assist you. They probably have a contact link on their website. Hopefully I helped, I tried my best. Have a lovely day!
374701
It says in my pan: "Multi-ply and 12 Element" Not sure how many, but I'm guessing three plies? By the way, I won't recommend these pans. Mine got their handles broken after like 5 months of usage.
367113
I would definitly order from amazon because this set is higher offline. Plus you have to buy stuff seperately. Its cheaper here and u can add pieces that you not be able to buy in the store.
205966
I would guess that they're comparable. This one is $5 less expensive though. I can tell you I use my prochef multiple times a day and am very happy with the quality for the price. I've had $30 scales in the past that have gone glitchy quickly with my excessive use.
314687
I own the steamer and it's terrific. Not 3 ply and doesn't need to be. You only need 3-ply for good heat distribution for pans on a stovetop or burner... a steamer sits above boiling water. No worries about burning.
166800
I can highly recommend this set. We purchased this set 6 months ago and have been very impressed with the quality of it. It has heavy bases and just feels solid. The handles are robust. It's easy to clean. I don't think you could get a better stacking cookware set.
2274551
Well, it's not like you can peel apart the layers, there's only one but it's good and thick and sturdy. I'm going to guess its 3 ply.
1733789
I'm thinking the 12 set has a bigger variety but I LOVE the 8 piece set that next time I would try the 12 piece. I actually wish I had the 12 piece for the small price & good quality
2113960
All I know is that it is the best pan of it's kind I have ever used. We've had them for several months and they perform flawlessly. Check manufacturers website about the 3 ply specification.
957116
I have been using this 3 piece set for over a year and I am quite satisfied. The inner part of the casserole is made of good quality of stainless steel. Not sure on your 18/8 parameter.
1755588
I don't think these are the ones you would want to cook for 6 people. I love them but it there are only two of us. They clean up like a dream and nest together so don't take up much space in the trailer. But there is a bigger set called the trailblazer which should work really well for a group that size. A little more money around $46.00 but it is a prime item! Try that one. Have fun camping!!
1685352
Yes, it is, Dorothy, and the ATK's conclusion was that there is no reason to pay more for the All-Clad tri-ply skillet. I've used it almost daily for almost a year, and it would not be an exaggeration to say that it's changed the way I cook. It's made me more willing to experiment with new techniques and recipes, and improved the quality of my cooking. I chose the flared-edge model to make it easier to pour liquids from my pan, and I recommend this feature. It's even made my lean-up easier. I'm considering buying a second one, since the pan is oven-safe to 500 degrees F, I can finish a dish in the oven and still have a skillet for stovetop. Yes, it is, Dorothy, and the ATK's conclusion was that there is no reason to pay more for the All-Clad tri-ply skillet. I've used it almost daily for almost a year, and it would not be an exaggeration to say that it's changed the way I cook. It's made me more willing to experiment with new techniques and recipes, and improved the quality of my cooking. I chose the flared-edge model to make it easier to pour liquids from my pan, and I recommend this feature. It's even made my lean-up easier. I'm considering buying a second one, since the pan is oven-safe to 500 degrees F, I can finish a dish... » Read More Yes, it is, Dorothy, and the ATK's conclusion was that there is no reason to pay more for the All-Clad tri-ply skillet. I've used it almost daily for almost a year, and it would not be an exaggeration to say that it's changed the way I cook. It's made me more willing to experiment with new techniques and recipes, and improved the quality of my cooking. I chose the flared-edge model to make it easier to pour liquids from my pan, and I recommend this feature. It's even made my lean-up easier. I'm considering buying a second one, since the pan is oven-safe to 500 degrees F, I can finish a dish in the oven and still have a skillet for stovetop. « Show Less
645478
Hi, I did not pay attention to that, what is for sure, the pan's handle heat very easy because it does not have any plastic cover. Other thing is I saw the same cookware in $400 in a retail store.
1943016
I can't say which is better, but I purchased this set, and a friend has had the same set for several years, and it has been perfect. The tiles feel and look like a high quality plastic, and the set is very well made with a very sturdy, heavy duty box.