Marshall's and Ross and HomeGoods are all your best bet for needs. No one needs a "set". If you have an Ikea close by, they've got some decent cookware, too, if you get the more expensive lines, heavier stuff.

Thanks all. I agree not to buy a whole set bc we need specific things but not necessarily what is included in a set. We tend to cook a lot of soups and stews so I'm also looking for a very large stockpot. Often times there are 14 or so people there and lots of kids, so the smaller sized saucepans and egg pans almost never get used.

I didn't mean to buy a set of Cuisinart. You can get their things open stock anyplace from TJ Maxx to Amazon or Target.

Mix and match. Stainless is great for some, cast iron is great for searing, and non-stick is good for eggs.

A stainless dutch oven would be a good buy for this situation. Dishwasher safe, works on the stove or in the oven, and it has a lid and fits easily in the fridge (no long handles like a frying pan). In a vacation home, I should think that pots and pans that are versatile and minimize having to do dishes are ideal.

I recently got this Cuisinart one (link below), and while I'm happy with the quality, the capacity is definitely too small for a big family meal. If you end up looking for your own, I'd say a 5-6 quart size would be better.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008N2RZ1E/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Yes, a good non-stick egg pan would be good.

I also need to look for a plug-in skillet because the stove top up there doesn't have a bridge area. When there are big groups I've been dragging my skillet up there, but I'd like to buy one instead. Mine comes apart so you can put the skillet part in the dishwasher, but it's discontinued. I'll need to search for one like that.

Love my AllClad, but agree, pricey for a vaca place. Have several pieces of Tramontina tri-ply, which is excellent value for the price. By the set or piece. Tramontina

Look for: family extras, thrift stores, Ikea.
Expect things to get abused or even stolen.

When I travel somewhere where I will cook I bring my own good cooking tools. Although the brands here are more expensive than they need to be (Dollar store pastry scrapers work fine, and good fish spatulas can be had for ca. $5) here is a basic list:

The Food Lab's Emergency Cooking Kit: How to Fit All the Tools You Need in One Small Box

Thanks! I love that serious eats website.

It's not a rental any more, right?

I second the Tramontina...amazing, easy to clean. not too heavy...

Calphalon, Cuisinart and Tramontina are all good. If you are near a Costco and Bed Bath and Beyond check them.

I have Calphalon and Cuisinart Tri-ply saucepans and the Calphalon is better quality--heavier, three rivets vs two for the handles, a better-fitting glass lid, and the stainless doesn't discolor like the Cuisinart. I bought them all at Marshall's.

I would not go as high end as All Clad. Cuisinart makes excellent cookware sets.

I think All Clad's not worth the price.

Cuisinart does make some great cookware, but be aware that they have several lines. I have Cuisinart Multi-Clad Pro. I chose it because the stainless steel encapsulates a couple other metals, and those metals go all the way up the sides (their other lines have those other metals only on the bottom). I've had them almost 10 years, and they're still like new.

Do read the reviews and details before you purchase. I made my choice years ago, and I can't remember all the details.