Cookware

Fry Pan: 7-1/2 inch

Dimensions: 7-1/2" Manufacturer: All-Clad Where to Buy: Chef's Catalog, Amazon As far as I'm concerned, it doesn't get any better than All-Clad.  You can get this on sale, usually for $70 or less, around the holidays.  They've got several different lines (stainless steel, anodized, etc.) so be sure to check them out.  (You should be aware that the stainless steel line is the only one that's safe in the dishwasher.)  This is a great way to introduce yourself to the All-Clad line.  If you're cooking for yourself start with this one then get the 10-inch pan.  If you're cooking for two start with the 10-inch then get this one.

Roasting Pan/Au Gratin/Casserole: 12x8-inch Oval

Dimensions: 12" x 8" Manufacturer: All-Clad Where to Buy: Amazon This is my solution to what to roast a small chicken or single game hen in.  It's really All-Clad's Au Gratin pan, but it works beautifully as a roasting pan and a casserole dish as well.  And All-Clad is just the best.

Saucepan: 2 Quart

Dimensions: 2 Quart Manufacturer: All-Clad Where to Buy: Amazon If you're cooking for one, start with this one then add the 3-qt then the 4-qt. saucepans.  If you're cooking for two, start with the 3-qt., then 4-qt pans before getting this 2-qt. pan.

Bakeware

Cake Pan: 4-inch Round

Dimensions: 4" x 2" Manufacturer: Magic Line Where to Buy: Sugarcraft Magic Line cake pans are commercial-quality cake pans used by professionals.  I've got the 6" pans also.  The pans are great..

Cake Pan: 6-inch Round

Dimensions: 6" x 3" Manufacturer: Magic Line Where to Buy: Amazon The aluminum pan feels good and solid and has never given me any trouble, and two of them produce a lovely layer cake.  I've use them and I like them (I've got 3).

Cookie Sheet: 13 x 9 Small Non-stick

Dimensions: 13" x 9" Manufacturer: Chicago Metallic Where to Buy: Amazon rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Jelly Roll Pan: 13x9-inch Quarter Pan with Lid

Dimensions: 13" x 9" Manufacturer: Nordic Ware Where to Buy: Amazon This pan also feels good and solid (rust-proof aluminized steel - no wonder). Dishwasher safe.  I just bought this last week and I've used it twice already.  I'm very happy with it.

Loaf Pan: 7-inch Stainless Steel

Dimensions: 7" x 4" Manufacturer: Hamilton Beach Where to Buy: Kitchen Collection Stainless Steel, dishwasher safe with a 15-year warranty.

Loaf Pan: 7-inch Silicone

Dimensions: 7" x 3" Manufacturer: KitchenZone by SiliconeZone Where to Buy: Discount Cooking Silicone.  Oven, freezer & dishwasher safe.  Even though it says it's 8-1/4 inches, that includes the rim; the inside length is 7 inches.  This is one I own and my only complaint is sometimes the sides bulge a little.

Muffin Cups: 3-inch Silicone

Dimensions: 3"                               Manufacturer: Kitchen Supply Where to Buy: Amazon Rating: n/a, but their mini-size cups are rated at 5 out of 5 stars Set of 6 cups.  Oven-safe to 500° F.

Pie Pan: 7-inch Glass

Dimensions: 7" x 1.5" Manufacturer: Marinex Where to Buy: Amazon Rating: 4+ out of 5 stars Borosilicate glass, so it can go from freezer to oven or microwave.  Oven, freezer, microwave and dishwasher safe.

Pie Pan: Individual Pie Slice Pans

Dimensions: 5" wedge                   Manufacturer: unknown Where to Buy: King Arthur Flour Rating: n/a Stoneware.  2/3 cup capacity.  2 pans to a set. Dishwasher safe.

Appliances

Blender - Hand Blender

Manufacturer: Braun Model: MR5550-MBC-BC Where to Buy: Amazon Rated: 4+ out of 5 stars It blends, but also whisks and chops.  It comes with several blades & attachments and has a 400-watt 5-speed motor to give you more control then most other hand blenders.  As one review says: chopping Parmesan and whisking eggs aren't the same, so versatility matters.

Blender - Bella Cucina Rocket Blender

Manufacturer: Sensio Model: MR5550-MBC-BC Where to Buy: Amazon; Target Rated: 3 out of 5 stars  Solocooking: 4+ out of 5 stars It blends and chops. (And it chops ice and grinds coffee).  You can microwave the blended/chopped contents right in the cup.  You can make a smoothie in under a minute and most of that time is just putting the ingredients in a cup.  And it is just so freaking easy to clean!  This model is the 17-piece set - 2 blades, 1 small cup,1 regular blending cup, 4 large cups, 2 cup covers, 2 shaker tops, 4 cup rims and the base.  I love mine.

Crock Pot: 1-1/2 qt. Oval

Manufacturer: Proctor Silex Model: 33116 (White) Where to Buy: Amazon Rating: 5 out of 5 stars 3 Heat Settings - High, Low and Warm.  Dishwasher-safe crock and glass lid.  Lid-latch travel strap.  Also available soon in Red, Green, Orange and Yellow (in April 2010).

Crock Pot: 3-1/2 qt. Oval

Manufacturer: Cuisinart Model: PSC-350 (Stainless) Where to Buy: Amazon Rating: 4 out of 5 stars Oval.  Programmable. 24-hour LCD countdown timer and 4 cooking modes, including a WARM function when the time elapses.

Digital Scale

Manufacturer: Polder Model: KSC-310-28 (Silver) Where to Buy: Amazon Rating: 5 out of 5 stars A scale that measures down to 0.1 ounce makes it easy to "scale down" (so to speak) recipes to our size.

Thermometer/Timer

Manufacturer: Polder Model: THM-362-86 Where to Buy: Amazon Rated: 4+ out of 5 stars You can use it as a regular timer, or insert the probe into food and set the alarm to go off at a certain temperature.  Or use both at the same time.  The display swivels on the base and the base has magnets, so you can stick the unit on the stove, although the probe wire is an extra-long 43 inches.

Waffle Iron

Manufacturer: Cuisinart Model: WAF-4B Where to Buy: Amazon Rated: 4 out of 5 stars This makes beautiful waffles with the crisp exteriors that I love. They make a 6-slice version, but this one is perfect for one or two people (unless you're two people who really, really love waffles, in which case you'll want to grab the 6-slicer).

Gadgets & Misc.