Like other reviewers, I went to the state fair and watched the demo of the West Bend cookware, wanted to buy it, but refused to pay $3200.00 for it. I did some research and found this set. I pulled information from the West Bend site and compared features, layers, and claims between it and the World's Finest set. I also found several reviews from satisfied buyers of the World's Finest set. The burning question still remained: Could this set be as good as the $3200 West Bend set, and really cost less than 1/10 of the price? Well, I have never owned the West Bend set (and at $3200, never will...), but I can honestly say that the World's Finest set was VERY comparable in many ways--the 1/2" thick bottoms, tri-rolled rims, weighted lids, steam valve, heavy duty handles, dishwasher safe, oven safe (up to 350 degrees), multi-ply construction (which if you compare, are the exact same metals). In my opinion, the West Bend handles and knobs probably are a little better (they would have to be because they will warranty them for life). However, you could buy 10 sets of this cookware for the price of the West Bend cookware, and could probably replace hundreds of knobs and handles for the price difference. Other than that, I could tell very little difference if any at all in the quality of the metal pots and pans. In fact, the construction of them looked identical to me. Am I satisfied? VERY. Am I impressed? YOU BET. Would I recommend this set? WITHOUT A DOUBT. In fact, I am planning to purchase a set for my mother for her 40th wedding anniversary next month. So, when you go to the state fair, watch the demo, and the demonstrator asks you "How much does GOOD Cookware cost? How much is your health worth? How much is the health of your family worth?" You will know the answer is about $280, NOT $3200!! Oh, and one more tip--I purchased my set off Ebay for $280 including shipping, but I saw this same set listing for as much as $600 on some sites. So, SHOP AROUND!

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 280.00