Updated January 2011

In comparison testing, Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless cookware receives mostly high scores for performance and value. It's also a favorite of owners posting comments on Amazon.com and Macys.com, who say this Cuisinart… cookware heats evenly and is comfortable to use. A fully encapsulated aluminum disk is built into the base of this cookware, making this set less expensive than All-Clad, which carries its aluminum core up the sides of the pans. Although the Cuisinart cookware has riveted, stay-cool handles like more expensive brands, some owners say they aren't as sturdy as those on pricier brands. This stainless-steel cookware is oven-safe to 550 degrees Fahrenheit, and is dishwasher-safe.

Overall, reviewers say All-Clad Stainless (*Est. $680 for a 10-piece set) is easily the best stainless-steel cookware. However, for a lot less, experts and owners agree that Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless 10-Piece Cookware Set is a good budget choice. Unlike the All-Clad cookware, which has an aluminum core that extends up the sides of each pot, the Chef's Classic line has a fully encapsulated aluminum disk built into the base of each pan, but it doesn't extend up the sides. Because of this, these pans heat fairly slowly, but once heated, they tend to run a little hot, requiring you to keep a close watch on your food as it cooks. Also, both professional tests and user reviews expose some durability problems with this cookware, ranging from minor scratches and stains to cracked and split pans. Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless pans are oven-safe to 550 degrees Fahrenheit and have comfortable, riveted handles that stay cool to the touch.

Cook's Illustrated magazine includes Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless cookware in several of its exacting cookware tests. This brand is also part of the latest cookware reviews at ConsumerReports.org. To gauge how this cookware holds up over time, we consulted hundreds of owner-written reviews at Amazon.com and Macys.com.

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Cuisinart 77-10 Chef's Classic Stainless-Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set List Price: $400.00 Sale Price: Too low to display   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days 28 new from Too low to display

Description

Saut%E9ing wild salmon and stirring a perfect risotto take on spiritual dimensions with this classic Cuisinart cookware%2E Made of professional quality 18%2F10 stainless steel that won%27t react with acidic foods%2C the pots and pans in this set feature solid cast handles%2C tight%2Dfitting lids with drip%2Dfree rims%2C and a mirror finish that retains its brightness through dishwasher%2C freezer%2C broiler%2C and oven use up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit%2E For superior%2C even heating%2C an aluminum disk is encapsulated between two layers of stainless steel in each base%2E The set includes%3A 8%2D and 10%2Dinch skillets%2C 1%2D1%2F2%2D and 3%2Dquart covered saucepans%2C 3%2D1%2F2%2Dquart covered saut%E9 pan%2C and a 8%2Dquart covered stockpot%2E Cuisinart covers the set with a limited lifetime warranty%2E

Features

• Classic cookware made of mirror finish stainless steel
• 8- and 10-inch skillets; 1-1/2- and 3-quart covered saucepans
• 3-1/2-quart sauté pan; and 8-quart covered stockpot
• Solid, riveted handles, aluminum in base for even heating
• Safe for dishwasher, freezer, broiler, and oven to 550 degrees F

Reviews

If you just want a no-frills coffee maker, reviewers say the Mr. Coffee JWX27 is a good bet. This programmable coffee maker does include a brew-strength selector, pause-and-serve feature, two-hour automatic shutoff and a… cleaning cycle. Owners rave about the flavor of its coffee and say it brews fairly quietly. This coffee maker is covered by a one-year warranty.

The Mr. Coffee JWX27 is a good choice for those seeking a cheap coffee maker, professionals and users say. This programmable model includes features like a pause function, a brew-strength selector, cord storage and a built-in water filter. The carafe is glass, and it gets some mixed reviews for pouring, with some complaining of dribbles. Also, the housing is mostly plastic; some fancier coffee makers are made of stainless steel. Owner reviews for the Mr. Coffee JWX27 are generally positive. If you can spend more, reviews suggest the Cuisinart Brew Central DCC-1200 (*Est. $80), which has a small-batch setting for brewing less than a full pot.

We found the best ratings at ConsumerReports.org, which rates 36 coffee makers, although you'd need a subscription to see where the Mr. Coffee JWX27 ranks. Our usual complaint about ConsumerGuide.com reviews is that they appear to be written off specifications rather than actual testing, but this Mr. Coffee model does seem to be taken for a test drive. We found nearly 50 owner views at Walmart.com and a handful at Viewpoints.com.

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Mr. Coffee JWX27KV 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker Sale Price: $39.99   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days 2 new from $39.99

Description

Its Brew Strength selector provides the option to personalize coffee strength. The Fresh Brew Timer indicates how long the coffee has been waiting. With 2 hour Auto Shut Off option, coffee is kept warm for 2 hours before automatically shutting off. Simply great coffee.

Features

• Brewing Pause n Serve
• Brushed Stainles Steel Accents
• Removable Filter Basket
• 2-hour auto shut off
• Water Filtration

Reviews