I'm looking at getting a couple new pots/pans, as well as possibly new knives. My wife and I aren't passionate chefs, per say, but she is a stay at home mom and cooks most days during the week. Looking for best value (not to be confused with lowest price), and I have no idea where to start. For pots/pans, I can't help but think getting a 10 piece set at The Bay on "sale" is not going to get me the best stuff.
Specifically at the moment, I'm having trouble finding a good cook and serve pan/pot (the ones that are 12" x ~3.5" depth). I want something that's well made (not aluminum), non stick, and not cast iron. We have a couple cast iron pans and for some reason I can't get them seasoned well so they never really become non stick.
Also for knives, I'm just not sure if buying a set from a department store is a waste of money or not, and I also assume knife stores in malls are rip off artists.