I’m going to throw in here, this is something where it’s less about brand names and more about just finding something good. Many good brands have a range of products from Walmart crap to near-professional grade. In terms of stainless pots and pans, you want something with a multi-ply bottom(copper core or similar) that’s significantly thicker than the walls. It should have some good heft. Imagine using that pan to knock out an intruder, if there’s any doubt that the pan warps before the intruders head you want a heavier pan. While some good deals can be had from commercial products, the nice thing about home-marketed pot and pan sets is they’re usually designed to nest well to minimize the storage space needed.

FEIW, I’ve got Kitchen Aid and a Jaimie Oliver branded sets at home. Happy with both heavy multi-layer bottoms, reasonably comfortable handles(the Jamie Oliver handles are a little weird, but it’s not like a knife where you’re holding the handle the whole time), and I’m sure both will last my lifetime for home use.