1) Tri ply is the safest bet, because the aluminum goes up the sides. This prevents food from sticking or burning on the sides. If you're going to buy a complete set, I'd get the tri-ply. 2)Some of these stainless sets have "encapsulated disc bottoms" - I would avoid these as a set, because while the bottoms are good, the sides are much worse(it's stainless only-that tends to burn or sizzle liquids). Now, for a very shallow, non-stick egg pan/pancake pan, these disc bottoms work well. Or if you need a very large stock pot for soups, then the stainless encapsulated disc is also O.K.(don't get non-stick in a stock pot).. But disc bottoms make lousy sauce pans or fry/saute pans, because the sides burn food. 3) "Copper band"- this Sear's set looks like an "encapsulated disc" and therefore I'd avoid it as a set. The copper is made to 'look' thicker than it really is. 4) Tri-ply Copper is out there- several companies sell it- it's about as good as regular stainless/alum/stainless tri-ply, but looks nice when new- the copper is harder to keep looking nice though, and is too thin to really make a difference in cooking. 5)Avoid the all-aluminum pans (with or without an anodized finish) - they cook well, but tend to warp when thin and react to tomato sauce if scratched. However, thicker, with an anodized surface is better (anodized is not the same as non-stick) if you do get it. It may scratch, and not like it if you overheat it, but it cooks great. Instead of anodized, consider--- Aluminum, but with a thin layer of stainless on the inside (very good), just make sure the aluminum is on the WHOLE pan (including sides).. This is sort of rare, but it's good because the aluminum is thicker than tri-ply and you still have the inner stainless that is non-reactive and will keep it from warping. 6)There are 5-7 ply cookware. This stuff is also very good, but very expensive. 7) Thick copper with stainless on the inside is maybe the best, but extremely expensive-heavy, and hard to keep looking nice- must be hand washed. I'd recommend the tri-ply set (do not get non-stick) and then if you need a single, non-stick egg pan, getting one with a disc bottom is ok., or a tri-ply. Also, a cast iron fry pan and a porcelain (colored) cast-iron dutch oven (casserole) makes a good addition.

Thank you circuspeanut for the feedback! I don't mind washing by hand at all, in fact most of my cookware is hand washed, not a fan of large and heavy stuff in my dishwasher (le crueset etc). On the Ruffoni, I'm looking at a deep pan and a large oval braiser. I love making roasts and this would be perfect for my new kitchen -- I think I can leave it out for viewing its' so beautiful!

Dear Bmorepanic: Thank you very much for this cookware forum link. It has been very useful. Jacob

I was going to say the same. Go to the Cookware or Cooking forums. There have been many discussions on cookwares. As for copper, the tri-ply has a copper layer too. Whatever you chose, make sure the cookware applies to your needs and method of cooking. For example, I like to brown meat and seafood before throw them in the oven. With a high heat cookware, I wouldn't need to make changes and just put the whole thing in the oven. Like Muscat mentioned, you'd want to chose a cookware that is made of the same material all the way up to the sides for even heating and not just at the bottom. Good luck and happy cooking =o)