In the market for new pots and pans, what would you suggest?

If you go to stainless and want a set for life...go with allclad.

Le Cruiset (sp) ceramic pots. Thank me later

I'm not a big fan of matched sets or of non-stick cookware. Buy good quality pieces as your budget allows and they'll last you a lifetime.

Start with a 12-inch chef's pan. My preference is heavy aluminum clad with stainless steel. I use this more than any other piece of cookware, sometimes several times a day. If you use cooking spray it's better than a non-stick coating. Look for one with an all metal handle so it can go directly from stovetop to oven.

I do have one set of stainless steel--three saucepans, a ten-inch stock pot, and a ten-inch saute pan. Add a really big stainless stock pot for cooking for a crowd (spaghetti, red beans, etc.) and you're pretty well covered.

A Dutch oven is another essential. I have a LeCreuset that I've used for more years than I care to say and it's none the worse for wear.

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Do they make any kind of heat transfer gadget

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It's called a heat diffuser or simmer ring.

The cheap one:



The expensive one (comes in 6 or 8 inch sizes):

All Clad

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The enamel does nothing than make the pots look cool if you serve at the table.

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Wrong.
It allows you to cook with acidic foods so you don't damage your cast iron. Such as a tomato based gravy of some sort.... sauce picante, spaghetti, tomato soup etc. etc.
also helps with the non sticking aspect.

I have the emeril set... like em, not as good as my parents al clads but does the job well. They are made by alclad though. Plus i have a few crueset pieces and regular cast iron pots that i've collected over the years. Also, picked up some copper pots a few years ago. Don't need all that shite, but i'm not getting rid of anything till i buy new stainless alclads.