This is an excellent set of cookware! The pans are heavy and sturdy. The handles fit the hand well and have a cushioned coating to protect from burns from metal handles. The lids also have cushioned handles. I especially like the fact that you can use metal utensils in these pans. I have tried metal spoons and spatulas and, so far, the pan bottoms are holding up well. The only reason I did not rate this set as a 5 star set is, I prefer a shorter, wider sauce pan. This pans are attractive, tall and narrower, but for what I cook ( like potatoes for mashed potatoes and apples for applesauce) the taller narrower pans don't cook as evenly. The other pans in the set are fine. I especially like the smallest saucepan with the spouts.