Executive vs. Stainless: Choosing the Best Cookware for Your Kitchen

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

This thread explores the preferences and experiences of participants regarding Pampered Chef's Executive and Stainless cookware. Participants share their thoughts on the ease of use, cleaning, and personal cooking styles that influence their choices between the two types of cookware.

Discussion Character

  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses uncertainty about choosing between the Executive and Stainless cookware, noting the ease of cleaning the Executive and the dishwasher-safe feature of the Stainless.
  • Several participants mention a preference for the Executive cookware due to its ease of cleaning and non-stick properties.
  • Another participant shares their experience that while they prefer the Executive, they acknowledge the Stainless cookware's benefits for certain cooking techniques, such as making pan sauces.
  • One participant highlights that their sales are predominantly for Executive cookware, indicating a strong market preference.
  • Another participant mentions using both types of cookware, noting that they find the Stainless more difficult to clean compared to the non-stick Executive.
  • Some participants discuss the importance of personal cooking habits and preferences in determining their cookware choices.
  • One participant shares a cautionary experience with the Stainless cookware, mentioning issues with overheating and cleaning difficulties.
  • Another participant expresses a strong preference for Stainless cookware, citing a lifelong familiarity with it.
  • Some participants note that the choice between cookware types is ultimately a matter of personal preference.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no clear consensus on which cookware is superior, as participants express varied preferences based on personal experiences and cooking styles.

Contextual Notes

Participants' experiences reflect a range of cooking practices and preferences, with some valuing non-stick properties while others appreciate the durability of Stainless cookware.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to Pampered Chef consultants considering which cookware to promote or use in their own kitchens, as well as those looking to understand the differing opinions on cookware types within the community.

C
chefmoseley
Gold Member
Messages
491
Okay I'm not sure which to get the stainless or the executive :) I will earn one of these by doing a show in sept and getting the set as a half price. I decided if I only need to get 300 in orders that I will earn the full set at half price instead of doing a smaller show and getting a partial set at 60%. I will use the sept special to get like the griddle or something. Which would you get and why? I really like the executive because it is so easy (no stick) but the stainless is dishwasher safe. Help me make my choice :) Also the executive is cheaper!
 
Its all a matter of preference. I like the executive because its easier to clean!

Oh and the grill pan is my favorite and most used pan, other then the saute pan!
 
vwpamperedchef said:
Its all a matter of preference. I like the executive because its easier to clean!
Click to expand...

Ditto that! I LOVE my executive, have never used my two pieces of stainless but have EVERY piece of executive.
 
I also think it is a matter of preference. I prefer the Executive HANDS DOWN to the Stainless, dishwasher safe or not. I feel that the Executive is so easy to clean that you don't even need to wish it were dishwasher safe. I love the way it looks and how nice it is and my BF loves it so much that he got a 7pc set and bought his parents the entire 12pc Executive set for Christmas last year.
Good luck in your decision making!!
 
LOVE the executive skillet, and can't wait to get more. I earned the 8" saute stainless, and my DS made potstickers using oil, and it got too hot, and the entire pan turned gooey gross yellow. I eventually got it clean, but I can never bring it to a show, and have a hard time talking about it. I find myself showing off the inside measurements of the inside of the (borrowed) saucepan that I bring, but tell people that it is really a matter of preference.
 
Another vote for Executive.

I know there is a market for SS - but about 90% of my sales are for Executive - and EVERYONE wants the 12" Family Skillet!
 
Another vote for Executive here but also a slightly different way of looking at things... I am not the kind of person who does a lot of recipes that need frond or anything that is exclusive to stainless but I told my best customer that every body should have 1 piece of the "other". He is a stainless man, I told him he needs at least one piece of executive because there are some recipes you need to do easily non-stick. I must've said something right because he booked a show in September to get that one executive piece (he already has the entire set of our stainless).
 
It's a personal preference....for me I love the SS and only have a few pieces of the Executive to take to my shows. I don't generally use it at home.

It depends on what you are used to cooking with, what you learned to cook with, and how (and what) you cook. For most people, the ease of cleanup of the Executive is a big selling point.
 
Executive - Hands down.
 
I plan on getting pieces from both, I want the 10" SS that's now open stock and some of the executive pieces.
 
i think it is a matter of preference and what kind of cooking you do. i love the executive, but nonstick is non stick and when you are trying to make certain types of food, say something you sear the outside of and then want to make a pan sauce out the dripings and bits left in the bottom of the pan, well you would get better results from the stainless. course i have had this discussion with some ppl and they look at me like they didn't know it was possible to make home made pan sauces anymore. but like i said, personal pref. i think i would use the executive more, and am planning on doing the same as you in september. however i think i may get a peice of stainless so i can test it out for myself.
 
My hubby insisted that we get the stainless last year when I earned points for the Pan o rama. I'm still getting used to them but I like them. He sells them better than me! Every time I've had him at a show (usually an open house or kick off event) he has sold 1-2 sets! I does dislike cooking things like potstickers in it though, the oil does quickly get too hot (especially on electric cooktops). Lauri, try creating a paste out of bar keepers friend and a little water on your pan. You may need to let it sit on there for while before cleaning it off. I swear by that stuff, so far nothing that has "ruined" our pans has stood up to the Bar Keepers Friend. It makes them look brand new again. I used to give out a container of it to anyone that purchased a stainless set - but now we have the PC stuff (which I don't like as much) and so there's the dilemma. ;)
 
Executive, hands down.
 
I am a BIG fan of stainless ... I grew up with it and cannot fathom stirring my pots with anything but METAL!But PC does not have metal spoons ... and open stock availability on stainless is VERY LIMITED.So if you just want to get stuff to show off at shows, get the executive. If you have a preference for both, get one set of each.
 
I love stainless, but non-stick has it's ups too.
The grill pan is defintely awesome!
 
I totally agree that it is a personal preference, and dependent on how you cook, what you cook and what you are used to.
That being said, I prefer the Executive cookware and have just about every single piece. My favorites are the 12" covered skillet, the grill pan and the square griddle pan, but I love every piece of my executive set!!!
 
I like SS for my stockpots and saucepans (too bad those aren't open stock yet), but use executive for my skillets and plan to buy the grill pan.
 
I love my ss I earned for free. I find it cleans very well. I would have the grill pan if I bought something else. I use the 12" covered SS at my shows.
 
Another vote for executive!
 
I am curious to know the percentages of PC cookware sales, Executive vs. SS. I know when the SS came out, they gave us national cookware percentages - but I wonder if PC's are matching that.
 
After discussing the issue with a chef, he recommended SS because of the finish on the executive one. He stated that non-stick finish can release a chemical when it is scratch or heated that can be hazardous to ones health. He is under the impression that in a few years, you will no longer be able to get any non-stick finish on pots and pans.

Think about it!
 
Chef Gilles said:
After discussing the issue with a chef, he recommended SS because of the finish on the executive one. He stated that non-stick finish can release a chemical when it is scratch or heated that can be hazardous to ones health. He is under the impression that in a few years, you will no longer be able to get any non-stick finish on pots and pans.

Think about it!
Click to expand...


That is not full or accurate info. Teflon is on it's way out, but that isn't what PC cookware uses.


I can't find my info about the whole non-stick controversy, because my computer crashed....but I'm sure someone else has it saved and can post it.
 
I have both, and I like the nonstick much better. The stainless is much more difficult to clean. But I use both. I don't have all the information, but the nonsitick uses autograph (not sure of the spelling) and it doesn't have the problems that Telfon does
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Executive and Stainless cookware from Pampered Chef?

The Executive cookware is designed with a non-stick surface and features a thicker base for better heat distribution, while the Stainless cookware is made from high-quality stainless steel, offering durability and a classic look. The Executive line is ideal for those who prefer non-stick cooking, while the Stainless line is perfect for those who appreciate the benefits of stainless steel cooking.

Which cookware is better for searing and browning food?

The Stainless cookware is better suited for searing and browning food due to its ability to withstand higher temperatures and its excellent heat retention. Stainless steel allows for a good fond to develop, which is essential for creating rich flavors in sauces and gravies.

Can I use metal utensils with Executive cookware?

No, it is not recommended to use metal utensils with Executive cookware as they can scratch the non-stick surface. Instead, it is best to use silicone, wood, or plastic utensils to maintain the integrity of the non-stick coating.

Is the Executive cookware dishwasher safe?

Yes, the Executive cookware is dishwasher safe, making it convenient for easy cleanup. However, hand washing is recommended to prolong the life of the non-stick surface.

Which cookware line is better for everyday cooking?

Both lines have their advantages, but the Executive cookware is often favored for everyday cooking due to its non-stick properties, which make cooking and cleanup easier. However, if you prefer a more traditional cooking experience with the ability to achieve a good sear, the Stainless cookware may be the better choice for you.

You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar Pampered Chef Threads

  • Poll Poll
Stainless Cookware Vs. Executive Cookware
  • jessicafawn
    • Products and Tips
Replies
22
Views
11K
KellyTheChef
Executive Vs. Stainless: Choosing the Best Cookware for Your Kitchen
  • hperschnick
    • Products and Tips
Replies
7
Views
2K
rlombas
  • Poll Poll
Choosing the Right Cookware Set - %60 Off Anniversary Deal!
  • jss016
    • Products and Tips
Replies
13
Views
3K
chefshawna
Discover the Versatility of Executive Cookware | Oven-Safe & Stainless Steel
  • ChefMary412
    • Products and Tips
Replies
4
Views
2K
Staci
Stuck Choosing a Free Cookware Prize: Pick My Winner!
  • nikiknits
    • Products and Tips
Replies
27
Views
3K
skaugchef
Executive vs. Stainless: Pros and Cons for Choosing Cookware
  • Symara
    • Products and Tips
Replies
10
Views
2K
DMB75
Should I Get the Stainless Steel Cookware Sets?
  • Ginger428
    • Products and Tips
Replies
11
Views
2K
heat123
5 Piece or 7 Piece Executive Cookware Set?
  • Tropicalburstqt2
    • Products and Tips
Replies
9
Views
5K
Tropicalburstqt2
Question About Generation Ii Cookware
  • winklermom
    • Products and Tips
Replies
7
Views
7K
winklermom
Which Skillet is Best for Consultants?
  • Tracy99
    • Products and Tips
Replies
7
Views
2K
rlombas
Back
Top