Chef's Pots and Pans
I've used these pot and pan and can attest to their quality. You will get what you pay for and so in most cases these items cost more than the pots and pans you will find at a Dollar Store or at "As Seen on TV" bargain racks, in some stores!
The truth is that a quality, thick bottom pan will yield better cooking results that a thin one and that stainless steel clad pans will last about forever. In the restaurant world, some brands have established themselves as the "I wish I had a pot like this brand": All-Clad, Wear-Ever, Vollrath and the French line of Mauviel. An up and coming brand, Tramontina, is gaining a good reputation, as is Winco.
Home kitchen brands of Le Creuset, Cuisinart and the Farberware Millennium Series are respectable. I won't recommend celebrity or celebrity chef branded pots and pans or the popular copper pans seen on TV.