Chef's Secret 22pc 12-Element Super Set

If you want to know exactly what you are going to get, read on for an intricately detailed description with references to the product pictures that I uploaded...This set is not what I expected. I thought that this was a name brand, but there are no markings anywhere that say "Chef's Secret" and all pieces are made in China.The bottom of the pieces are stamped "Multi Ply 12-Element; Surgical Stainless; Waterless Greaseless" (see pic). The inside of each handle is stamped "Mfg. in China, Nat'l Headquarters USA" but is too light and small to take a picture. The Limited Lifetime Warranty is backed by "CSC," which has a P.O. Box address in Dallas, Texas. I am assuming this is the US Headquarters.Brand name and country of origin aside, these pieces are very solid/durable, look beautiful, and are a pleasure to cook with. In my opinion, they are well worth the "discount" price that Amazon and other retailers are selling them for, but I would not buy them at the "list" price.The KTSS22 set includes the following 22 pieces:(1) *1.5 qt Saucepan with long handle;(2) Thermo Control Lid for 1.5 qt Saucepan;(3) *2.0 qt Saucepan;(4) Thermo Control Lid for 2.0 qt Saucepan;(5) *3.0 qt Saucepan;(6) Thermo Control Lid for 3.0 qt Saucepan;(7) Medium Mixing Bowl or Dome Cover for 3.0 qt Saucepan;(8) Plastic Lid for Medium Mixing Bowl or 3.0 qt Saucepan;(9) Steamer for 3.0 qt Saucepan;(10) Fryer Basket for 3.0 qt Saucepan;(11) Side-Lift Handle with Plastic Grip for Fryer Basket;(12) Grater for 3.0 qt Saucepan or Medium Mixing Bowl;(13) Center-Lift Handle for Grater;(14) *7.0 qt Roaster;(15) Thermo Control Lid for 7.0 qt Roaster;(16) Large Mixing Bowl or Dome Cover for 7.0 qt Roaster;(17) Plastic Lid for Large Mixing Bowl or 7.0 qt Roaster;(18) Adapter Ring for Fryer Basket or Grater to fit 7.0 qt Roaster;(19) 10" Skillet;(20) Thermo Control Lid for 10" Skillet;(21) Suction Knob for Dome Covers;(22) Whisk;(--) "Instruction Book for Waterless Cooking" (English and Spanish);(--) Limited Lifetime Warranty(*) These are the top volume measurements on the inside of these pieces, but they will actually hold more if you fill above this level.Each piece has a mirrored finish on the outside and a satin finish on the inside cooking surface and bottom encapsulated heating surface (see cleaning note at end). There are several pieces that fit snugly into each other for various combinations of stack cooking. The plastic lids fit into, not onto, the mixing bowls (see pic) and form a tight seal.The insides of the Saucepans and Roaster are marked with volume measurements in quarts (see pic). Each handle is attached with two rivets (see pic) and has a black plastic insert that insulates the handle and gives the pieces a finished look.The Thermo Control knobs (see pic) are, in my opinion, more novel than practical. They make the pieces look interesting, but I have not found them to be very useful for the type of cooking that I do regularly.One reviewer commented that the lids rest in the handles; however, the 2.0 qt Saucepan is the only piece in my set that does this (see pic). The rest look like they might fit if the plastic handle inserts were removed, but I am not certain.With regards to the review about the metal melting, the instructions warn that the pieces might melt if left dry over a lit gas burner or hot electric element for prolonged periods. They also advise "NEVER PLACE COOKWEAR UNDER A BROILER" (the only instruction in all CAPS). Unfortunately, there is no mention of use in a conventional oven or maximum safe usage temperature.According to several other online retailers' websites (via web search), each of these pieces is made of "XL304A" "Surgical Stainless Steel," which is a carbon-free, nickel-free, alloy of the following elements:(1) Chromium: gives metal its corrosion resistance;(2) Silicon: an excellent heat conductor;(3) Manganese: prevents rust and corrosion;(4) Copper: an immaculate heat conductor;(5) Molybdenum: used for hardness & strength;(6) Columbium: used for its corrosion resistance;(7) Titanium : corrosion resistance & strength-to-strength ratio;(8) Vanadium: stabilizes against oxidation;(9) Cobalt: for wear-resistant;(10) Iron: for weight and strength;(11) Stannum: resist corrosion, especially from salt;(12) Lanthanum: increases strength.A chain is as strong as the weakest link. In this case the weakest link is Stannum (Latin), which is better known as Tin, and has a melting point of 449 degrees F (according to various sources via web search). The overall melting point of the XL304A alloy depends on the percent composition of each element in the alloy and is probably much higher than 449 degrees F, but I could not find a source to verify any more information on this alloy. I will contact CSC for more information on maximum safe usage temperatures and post if they respond.Another reviewer who actually baked with these pieces noted that the plastic in the thermo control knob or handle inserts can melt in the oven. Fortunately, the handle inserts can be easily removed with a Phillips screwdriver (see pic) and the Thermo Control knob can be easily unscrewed left over the top, or "lefty-loosey" (see pic).I have not used these pieces in the oven yet, but I might try at some point. If I do, I will remove the plastics, but I am not too worried about the metal melting since I rarely bake above 350 degrees F. Of course, I'm not an expert and recommend that anyone who chooses to bake with these pieces proceeds with caution and at their own risk. Aside from melting, the instructions warn that high temperatures may cause blue or golden-brown staining/discoloration (see cleaning note at end).As mentioned above, the pieces are covered under a Limited Lifetime Warranty, backed by "CSC" with a P.O. Box address in Dallas, Texas. The warranty covers manufacturer's defects but does not cover handles and knobs (or melted cookwear). The warranty states that CSC will repair, replace, or return the piece within 30 days. The owner pays shipping both ways whether or not the piece is covered under the warranty.The included "Instruction Book for Waterless Cooking" (see pic) is a handy reference and is well written; albeit, brief. It notes various advantages of Stainless Steel, gives basic care instructions, and outlines basic usage with cooking recommendations for different types of food and various recipes. Regardless of the instructions, you will probably burn a few things as this cookwear takes a little getting used to.A note on cleaning... Stainless steel is supposed to "stain less" than regular steel but it doesn't mean that it will never stain. Burnt-on food and stains come up easily with boiling water or after soaking and scouring. BUT, you won't want to use a scouring pad on the exterior because it will be almost impossible to polish back to a mirror finish. Go to your local market or hardware store and purchase some stainless steel cleaner to keep the exteriors gleaming.Happy cooking.-leffingw

I was excited to go back to stainless steel cooking. Wasn't sure about the waterless aspect but I knew my mom loved her SaladMaster. I was impressed that it was heavy and really seemed to be good quality for the little (comparatively) that I paid for it. Just know when your buying you are truly only getting 4 pans. The bowls, grater, and lids I could have done without. The handle they sent for the fry basket doesn't fit so it's useless. Won't be going in after a fry basket that isn't secured. Saw absolutely no where that this was marked as Chef's Secret, even on the warranty sheet that was enclosed. You get no instructions on how they expect you to stack or use the "extra" pieces they send along. I think I would buy it again but just know that you're not getting a big pan set. I purchased a griddle and another pan since to fill in my set.

I bought this set to use in a weekend cabin. The cook space is limited to two burners and I hoped to use this stack cooking set to be able to cook complete meals in the limited space. I like this set; it's heavy duty, looks good, and cleans easily. I find that I don't use the fancy gauge on the lid much, but that might change if I ever figure out the stack cooking thing. There are a LOT of pieces with this set, and I'm not entirely sure how they all work together. I've asked the seller to give me a booklet outlining the best uses, but they referred me to the manufacturer. I've not found much information particular to this set, although there is plenty on the more expensive sets. This set is configured differently though, and I feel I'm not using it as intended. It's just pots and pans and storage bowls with lids....nice ones but I'm not getting any stacking benefit. All in all, it's a good set for the money, even if you're not going to stack them. On the other hand, if anyone knows where I can get some info on stacking this set, I'd like to hear it.

I have owned this set for less than a year, and would describe myself as an occasional cook. So far, the knobs have broken on two of the lids, which renders the item useless. In addition, the handles are unbelievably flimsy.That is unfortunate, especially since the actual pots and pans are of good quality. I love that the bases are so heavy! Wonderful to cook in, for as long as they work.Will replace these with other stainless cookware, unless I can locate replacement lids.

I bought this to replace my other non-stick cookware where the teflon was chipping off. I decided to get stainless steel this time. I'm glad I went with this! I love it - I've only had it for about a week, but love it so far. I have only done brocolli using "waterless" cooking and it went great. I've done spagetti & mac n' cheese in the pots so far and didn't stick to the bottom any more than my non-stick pans did. It's heavy duty - I don't think it feels cheap. I'm very happy with my purchase. I wish it came with more clarification on what you could use the differnt pieces with - there is a suction cup and these plastic lid type things that I'm not sure about. But other than that, very happy with my set! Someone posted before me about the lid melting in the oven...well, there is a plastic piece on the lid for the handle so I don't think I'd put that in the oven since I'd think it would melt. I haven't looked in my book to see if it actually says oven safe. But I don't plan to use these in the oven...I have Corningware for that.Update 4/2011I still love the pans...but hate the lids. The part where you grab the lids are coming off. That part isn't under warranty. Still like them though...clean up nice.