Over the past 7 or so years I've been buying All Clad (it IS expensive but it is good -- my daughter-in-law teasilingly asked 'can I inherit it?') but it is wonderful. There are sales occasionally and I'll buy another piece.

I've never been one for a COMPLETE set of a certain type of pans. I still have some LeCreuset pans from 37+ years ago (a Dutch oven and an au gratin dish that I still use tho the color - sort of aqua blue - is NOT me anymore!); plus grill pan (don't remember the brand); and my Joyce Chen pan and so on.

However, my All Clads are the WORKERS - and they heat well - last well and look good. They are easy to clean. (mine are not the non-stick type = they came out with that after I bought mine but I probably would not have bought them with non-stick finish anyhow). However, if I'm doing something that sticks - say, sauteing or browning meats -- after I've scraped out the goodies. All I do is put some hot sudsy water in them - and in 15 - 20 minutes they wash in a breeze - just with a little Dobie type pad.

Good luck.