Why have all of my quality pans started smoking at once?
It is possible you have some soap or oil film from the washing process that has not been cleared off these pots and pans.  From what I read, all of them have been washed at least once.  I suggest the following steps:


Replace your dish washing sponge with a new one and wash the pans properly by hand and and rinse them thoroughly under running hot water.  If you see any suds anywhere, rinse more (dish soap is carcinogenic).  Don't place them in the dishwasher (at least for now).  
If you're going to Target buy a new pan, buy a heavy bottom Stainless Steel one (they are better for cooking anyway).
Pour 1/2 inch of water in a pan or pot.  If you see a film or any funny color on the water surface, wash and rinse again.
Turn the heat to medium and wait for smoke (if any).  Oil smoke is usually thicker, and heavier whereas soap smoke seems (to me at least) lighter and ghosty.