They are just amazing for that price. I was very impressed. Not only are they gorgeous looking cookware, they are made very well. They look like a $150+ set, and nicer than the Cuisinart Chef's Classic. They are a good weight and feel solid. They are sold out now, as they were down as low as $49.99 which is what I paid. The 3.5 qt. pan is great too. That was down to $8.63 at one time. My only criticism is that the covers, although built well, are a bit light and might dent easily. They need to add a 12" all purpose pan with domed lid to the line.

I have an Analon griddle that has held up very nicely for several years. I would rate it as good as Calphalon (at least the series I have - I'm sure there are several YMMV). That said, recent discussions have me thinking about switching to a Lodge griddle for several reasons (but you didn't ask that ;-). Anyway, for an anodized aluminium, non stick griddle the Analon I have is everything I could ask for. Ken

Thank you for your response, Linda C and Hawk307. No, of course I won't be sauteeing in a saucepan, but it's good to know that it isn't so flimsy that stuff will burn if you blink (like some of my old crappy pans). It's 18/10 stainless with a "thicker-than-usual" encapsulated aluminum disk bottom, and more than one reviewer stated that they had no scorching with milk-based sauces. As for the stockpot, I don't have a stockpot this big (and will eventually get an even bigger one), but if nothing else it will make a good pasta pot. I'm feeling optimistic. :-) I guess I'll just wait for the two pots I ordered to arrive. If I'm impressed then I'll buy the set for my stepdaughter, as they are expecting grandchild #2 and broke as all get-out. She'd love a set of pretty cookware and as long as it's functional for her cooking level (interested beginner) then I'd love to give it to her. And if her husband uses the stockpot to drain his car's oil into (yes, he's done that!) she'll have a reasonably heavy skillet to brain him with!

I went in JC Penney for the first time in a long time a few weeks ago. I was looking for clothes and was pleasantly surprised with the changes in what they were carrying -- esp. in plus sizes. There was still what I call the bingo/casino collection, but there were more stylish choices and also active/workout wear. And the prices were great. I've never been one to collect and manage coupons very well (cut them out and forget them, or even put them in my purse then forget them, they expire on me, etc.) so the one-price thing is fine for me. I thought the store redesign looked like they were trying to become the Target of department stores (letting Sears be the Wal-Mart of department stores). But the iPhone/iPod-based checkout system seemed a little to Apple Store for Penney's, KWIM? There must be a corporate connection there somewhere. Back to home goods. I took a spin through tat department and it was indeed very, very sparse. I only looked at lamps and pillows, but there were a lot of empty shelves and everything was on clearance. So I guess the back half of the store is about to get the same treatment the front half of the store already got.