I Finally Took The Plunge.... So, What Could Be Next?

I realize this sounds a bit insane but I've been looking at new pots and pans for over a year now. I've had the same set of Revere Ware copper clad pans for the last 25 years and they just aren't *cutting it* anymore. Although I've been comfortable with them for many years I think I'm justified in my (reluctant) search for new cooking vessels. 

The Revere Ware has been good to me but it has, in the last year, outlived its usefulness for me. I don't mean it's not usable, because it is. The set is just archaic compared to modern technology, which makes it a bit difficult to follow modern recipes and expect the same results. My Revere Ware just doesn't perform like I need it to. These days you need pans that can transfer to the oven with ease. The Revere Ware couldn't do that. I also need tempered handles so I can pick up the pans when they are hot. This will save me a lot of trips to the emergency clinic. Uh-Huh. It's happened.


Thus, began the long search for the right set of pots and pans that would rock my cooking world. It has been a long, questioning journey which has finally come to an end. I finally purchased the Weil by Spring set of pots and pans plus the double boiler and the 5 qt. dutch oven, made in Switzerland. Luckily, the entire set is sold online through Tuesday Morning (online), which is a great discount outlet for just about everything for the inside and outside of your home. They also have additional pieces at local Tuesday Morning stores, where I plan to finish off my set with a few extra pieces.


My lovely pans arrived yesterday and I plan to use them very soon. Well, as soon as they fix my exhaust fans and get my electricity back to working order.


So this is a picture of my cooking top. We have four gas burners, a griddle in the middle, and to the left is the Char-Glo indoor grill. You can see the Toastmaster warming ovens just below the stove.


So, I started thinking maybe I should try to find some new knobs and burner pans for my stainless steel O'Keefe & Merritt gas cook top with griddle. Evidently, mine is the only one in existence because I can't even locate a picture of one. Anywhere. Oh, there are gazillions of O'keefe & Merritt stove/ovens and people are still buying them like crazy. The company is no longer in business but I believe it was bought out by Frigidaire back in the 1960's, about the time our stove was put in.


Believe me, if I had the money I'd go out and find one of their vintage stoves because they are completely amazing and gorgeous. These appliances were made to last several lifetimes, if not more. 


How about a stove/oven that has 6 burners, a griddle, 4 large ovens, and 3 warming ovens? I suppose it would be a treasure for a large family or someone with a cook. But, it's really cool. Don't you agree?


Or, you could even get one in bright red or a royal blue or even hunter green. They did make normal stove/ovens as well, but they are still just gorgeous and highly prized by their owners. Like many other appliances of yesteryear, these were all built to last seemingly forever.

Then, of course, there is The Big Daddy of Them All: 

I think these days you would have to build a house around a stove/oven like this humongous beauty.



However, I also stumbled across Viking stove/ovens and they are equally as awesome. For around $3,000.00 you can custom design your own stove, color and all.




I guess I'll have to dream on, but it sure is a nice dream....