What are the top POTS & Cuttlery...

for pots... get the nonstick kind and it will be SOOO much easier on you for clean up..

knives depend on how much you cook, you could really use any set... but for someone who cooks more I would say Wustoff ... you want to see that it is 'forged'...
i personally just got a sabatier..

i actually use farberware for everyday cooking. I am not afraid of scratching them and they are easy to clean because they are lightweight. Comet makes them so clean Because clad costs more, I am so much more careful with them. Clad is great but keeping them clean is tough because I am afraid of scratching them if I use the tough cleaners like comet and soft scrub....

I know they used to be better quality. The metal was definitely thicker, but i never heard of the handles coming off.

I also researched cookware in Consumers Reports and Calphalon were rate #1. For knives, you can't go wrong with Wusthof or Henckles.

In my opinion - Farberware is really not very good quality. I had them for years. The handles were wobbly and they rusted. Also - they were serated and they didn't come clean easily and got dull fast. Never get all serated knives.

I love my henkels. You have to hand wash but they are super quick to clean.
Don't get a huge set - 4 knoves in a set should do it.