Need help outfitting kitchen

For skillets I would get Lodge brand cast iron - cheap and heavy. I would also get a non-stick skillet for eggs and maybe fish. You don't need an expensive non-stick because no matter what brand you'll have to change them eventually if you're like almost everybody.

For Pots I would buy the Martha Stewart enameled pots. You want enameled and hers are middle of the road in price. Maybe someone else will have a better suggestion but you want enameled. Not only do they come in a lot of different colors but they also brighten up a kitchen and they look classy.

Forks, spoons and dining knives - I like heavy utensils. If you're price conscious just pick a set with heft that's appealing to you and it will feel way more expensive than what you paid for it. I've seen some heavy, cheap stuff.

For kitchen knives used for chopping up stuff I'd go with Chicago Cutlery or Top Chef if you're looking for mid-priced. I've had a Chicago Cutlery butcher knife for over 20 years and it holds a fine edge.

Here's the kitchen stuff I can't live without:
--All Clad MC2 saucepans. 4 quart, 2 quart.
--a stainless steel stockpot, 15-20 qt. (unless you NEVER make large quantities of anything)
--10" and 12" ScanPan ceramic nonstick skillets
--5 quart enameled cast iron round dutch oven (Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge)
--10" enameled cast iron skillet or braiser
--silicon spatulas/spoon-tulas (couple diff sizes), wide pancake turner spatula, 2-3 sets of tongs, granny fork
--2-3 rolled-edge half-sheet pans in heavy aluminum (called bun pans at the resto supply stores, get the plastic covers too)
--8" chef's knive, 4" utility knife, serrated bread knife, big heavy cleaver (Global is my current fave)
--2-3 decent plastic cutting boards (dishwasher safe), 1 nice wooden cutting board

Assorted other things like colander, cake pans, etc will vary depending on the kind of cooking you do.

Avoid buying sets of pots, pans and knives. Get a better quality version of what you will really use with the savings.

Here is a link to All-Clad Irregular pots and pans

You can get some nice copper core pieces that you will really use, piece by piece.

Also, buy a really nice chef's knife. It's a must have.