This is heavy duty, nice looking, substantial cookware.   Food cooks quickly and evenly.   I wanted something that would last a while, without non-stick coating peeling away during use.  However, I also didn't want to spend a fortune on top of the line cookware, because that seems a waste to me, as well.   I'd looked into all the different types of cookware (e.g., hard anodized, stainless steel, non-stick, cast iron, etc...) and I took a chance with this.  Excellent decision, I have to say.   Cuisinart seems to have increased in quality lately, because I'm not disappointed in any way with this set.