great suggestions here - just thought I would add if you really want your cookware to be BIFL, think real hard about if you will ever have an induction range. I have one and love it, but copper cookware doesn't work with induction. cast iron, stainless steel, etc typically work great (if a magnet sticks to the bottom it will work). would be a shame to have a whole set of copper pans to replace if you switched to induction someday!