Looking for a moderately priced cookware set. Reviews of Calphalon
(Simply Calphalon series or similar) make it seem ok. While it is
nonstick, wonder if the handle rivits collect alot of dirt. It also
seems a bit on the heavy side...

Any suggestions?

"Martin Lewis" > wrote in message
...
>
> Looking for a moderately priced cookware set. Reviews of Calphalon
> (Simply Calphalon series or similar) make it seem ok. While it is
> nonstick, wonder if the handle rivits collect alot of dirt. It also
> seems a bit on the heavy side...
>
> Any suggestions?
>

Calphalon makes more than one line. If you are talking about the anodized
line, it is about as far from nonstick as you can get - at least in my
experience. It is well made and very durable but food sticks to it like
gangbusters. My skillet went to goodwill a long time ago, and my saucepan is
used only for things that will not stick.


--
Peter Aitken

Remove the crap from my email address before using.

Peter Aitken wrote:

> "Martin Lewis" > wrote in message
> ...
>=20
>>Looking for a moderately priced cookware set. Reviews of Calphalon
>>(Simply Calphalon series or similar) make it seem ok. While it is
>>nonstick, wonder if the handle rivits collect alot of dirt. It also
>>seems a bit on the heavy side...
>>
>>Any suggestions?
>>
>=20
>=20
> Calphalon makes more than one line. If you are talking about the anodiz=
ed
> line, it is about as far from nonstick as you can get - at least in my
> experience. It is well made and very durable but food sticks to it like=

> gangbusters. My skillet went to goodwill a long time ago, and my saucep=
an is
> used only for things that will not stick.
>=20
>=20
I've had Calphalon (notice the past tense). I got rid of it for the=20
reason that Peter listed.

Heavy is not a bad thing. Typically it means that the heat retention=20
is going to be very good. Which for quite a few dishes/methods that's=20
the desired behavior. For saut=E9 pans that react quickly to temperature =

changes check out restaurant supply stores for lighter pans.

For a "set", I've been very happy with the QVC line called Cooks=20
Essentials. I also have separate saut=E9 pans and a few other more=20
specialty items but the QVC line is well made and functions well too.=20
It is heavy however.

Whatever you get, I'd recommend something that can go into a 500dF=20
oven if needed.

--=20
Steve

Experience is a wonderful thing. It enables you to recognize a mistake
when you make it again.

Peter Aitken wrote:

> "Martin Lewis" > wrote in message
> ...
>=20
>>Looking for a moderately priced cookware set. Reviews of Calphalon
>>(Simply Calphalon series or similar) make it seem ok. While it is
>>nonstick, wonder if the handle rivits collect alot of dirt. It also
>>seems a bit on the heavy side...
>>
>>Any suggestions?
>>
>=20
>=20
> Calphalon makes more than one line. If you are talking about the anodiz=
ed
> line, it is about as far from nonstick as you can get - at least in my
> experience. It is well made and very durable but food sticks to it like=

> gangbusters. My skillet went to goodwill a long time ago, and my saucep=
an is
> used only for things that will not stick.
>=20
>=20
I've had Calphalon (notice the past tense). I got rid of it for the=20
reason that Peter listed.

Heavy is not a bad thing. Typically it means that the heat retention=20
is going to be very good. Which for quite a few dishes/methods that's=20
the desired behavior. For saut=E9 pans that react quickly to temperature =

changes check out restaurant supply stores for lighter pans.

For a "set", I've been very happy with the QVC line called Cooks=20
Essentials. I also have separate saut=E9 pans and a few other more=20
specialty items but the QVC line is well made and functions well too.=20
It is heavy however.

Whatever you get, I'd recommend something that can go into a 500dF=20
oven if needed.

--=20
Steve

Experience is a wonderful thing. It enables you to recognize a mistake
when you make it again.

In article >,
Martin Lewis > wrote:

> Looking for a moderately priced cookware set. Reviews of Calphalon
> (Simply Calphalon series or similar) make it seem ok. While it is
> nonstick, wonder if the handle rivits collect alot of dirt. It also
> seems a bit on the heavy side...
>
> Any suggestions?

Recently, I bought a 8 1/2 QT saucier in their Commercial line from
Amazon.

Specifically this:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...d=1096418983/b
r=2-3/ref=br_ts_slwth_th_3/103-5581805-9275030?v=glance&s=kitchen&n=29135
9

The pot leaked water from the rivets new out of the box (slow drip). I
sent it back and got a replacement - which leaked worse than the first.
These pots are made in China and supposedly an Amazon exclusive. This
may explain the bad quality but I was shocked to see that QC was so bad.
Amazon claims they were priced at $180 and are being cleared out at $40.
They obviously are worth $0. Before I discovered the leak I was trying
to boil water in it. After a single boil there were signs that some of
the anodization was wearing off. Theoretically, the anodized surface is
supposed to be very hard. Again my experience would suggest very poor
QC.

I realize that Calphalon makes a lot of cookware of differing quality
(Simply, everyday, Calphalon One etc. etc). Some is made in the US some
in China and perhaps their non clearance stuff is of better quality.

But a rivited design has the potential for leaks ALWAYS: it is an
inferior design. Any hole through the vessel is a potential leak spot.
If you bang the handle around the rivited joint will weaken and
potentially leak. I am glad I discovered the problem sooner rather than
later.

Roland

"Martin Lewis" > wrote in message
...
>
> Looking for a moderately priced cookware set. Reviews of Calphalon
> (Simply Calphalon series or similar) make it seem ok. While it is
> nonstick, wonder if the handle rivits collect alot of dirt. It also
> seems a bit on the heavy side...
>
> Any suggestions?


This is what I use and recommend:
http://tinyurl.com/3l4zu

I think that non-stick is undesirable except for a piece or two I don't
understand the comment about the rivets. How would they collect dirt?

In article >,
says...
>
> "Martin Lewis" > wrote in message
> ...
> >
> > Looking for a moderately priced cookware set. Reviews of Calphalon
> > (Simply Calphalon series or similar) make it seem ok. While it is
> > nonstick, wonder if the handle rivits collect alot of dirt. It also
> > seems a bit on the heavy side...
> >
> > Any suggestions?
>
>
> This is what I use and recommend:
> http://tinyurl.com/3l4zu
>
> I think that non-stick is undesirable except for a piece or two I don't
> understand the comment about the rivets. How would they collect dirt?
>
>
>
I'll second that motion. Good stuff.

You can get a top of the line 9 piece Kitchenaid Hi*Density anodized set for
only $194.99 at overstock.com. You can get a further discount using ebates.com.
The Simply Calphalon isn't a great choice. Better to get a good discount on the
Commercial Nonstick, but the KA is an even better deal!

http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2....PROD_ID=739610

<< >>Looking for a moderately priced cookware set. Reviews of Calphalon
>>(Simply Calphalon series or similar) make it seem ok. While it is
>>nonstick, wonder if the handle rivits collect alot of dirt. It also
>>seems a bit on the heavy side... >><BR><BR>

In article >, Martin Lewis > wrote:
>
>Looking for a moderately priced cookware set. Reviews of Calphalon
>(Simply Calphalon series or similar) make it seem ok. While it is
>nonstick, wonder if the handle rivits collect alot of dirt. It also
>seems a bit on the heavy side...
>
>Any suggestions?
>
If you area members of BJ's Club, they have their own version on the anodized
alumnium with a non stick interior and riveted handles. Best things is the
whole set is under $120.


_
(_) Daniel Warren, RPh
_______// Marion NY
(________) Clinical Pharmacist
\ /
| Rx |
/______\
(________)

In article >, Martin Lewis > wrote:
>
>Looking for a moderately priced cookware set. Reviews of Calphalon
>(Simply Calphalon series or similar) make it seem ok. While it is
>nonstick, wonder if the handle rivits collect alot of dirt. It also
>seems a bit on the heavy side...
>
>Any suggestions?
>
If you area members of BJ's Club, they have their own version on the anodized
alumnium with a non stick interior and riveted handles. Best things is the
whole set is under $120.


_
(_) Daniel Warren, RPh
_______// Marion NY
(________) Clinical Pharmacist
\ /
| Rx |
/______\
(________)

Dan W wrote:

> In article >, Martin Lewis > wrote:
>
>>Looking for a moderately priced cookware set. Reviews of Calphalon
>>(Simply Calphalon series or similar) make it seem ok. While it is
>>nonstick, wonder if the handle rivits collect alot of dirt. It also
>>seems a bit on the heavy side...
>>
>>Any suggestions?
>>

Honestly, check out the QVC line before purchasing. They are what they
claim. http://tinyurl.com/4fnao

--
Steve

Why don't they make mouse flavored cat food?

In article >,
Martin Lewis > wrote:

> Looking for a moderately priced cookware set.

My suggestion? Don't buy a set. Sets are a much better value than
buying open stock (individual pieces), but ONLY if you're going to use
all of the pieces. The way you presented your question, it does not
sound like you have very specific uses in mind. Which means that
buying a set is gambling that you will find everything in the set
useful.

If you have pots and pans now, think of which ones you find very
useful. You'll want to make sure that size/shape/capacity is replaced
with whatever you buy. Think about the pots and pans you _wish_ you
had (like a very small saucepan for melting butter or heating up milk
or broth). Make sure you buy something like that.

You could be lucky. You could find a set with pieces close to what
you're looking for. If you do, buy it. But my experience is that most
sets include pieces you won't use or the sizes are too close to each
other. At that point, open stock can be cheaper than a set.

I can't advise on Calphalon anything because I have not used it enough
to form an opinion. I recently bought a couple of Cuisinart "Everyday"
pots; they're stainless steel with a copper core. I've had an
"Everyday" pot for about 20-25 years and I've really enjoyed using it.
I understand "Everyday" has been discontinued in favor of Cuisinart's
"Chef's Classic" line, which has an aluminum core and which some
people seem to like even more than "Everyday." It's reasonably priced,
cleans up easily, and stands up to dishwashers. I'm happy with it.

sd

"sd" > wrote in message
...
> In article >,
> Martin Lewis > wrote:
>
> > Looking for a moderately priced cookware set.
>
> My suggestion? Don't buy a set. Sets are a much better value than
> buying open stock (individual pieces), but ONLY if you're going to use
> all of the pieces. The way you presented your question, it does not
> sound like you have very specific uses in mind. Which means that
> buying a set is gambling that you will find everything in the set
> useful.

You have to do the math. It is often much cheaper to get a set of cookware
than to get the two or three pieces that you really want. If you end up
with a couple of pieces that you only use occasionally, then so be it. I
don't use every piece that I have on a regular basis, but I do use them all
over time and I have added a few open stock pieces. You can always give the
pieces you don't want as gifts. My suggestion is to pick wisely and do the
math. That's the only way you can really tell if a set is a good value.
There are quite a number of sets in the Wolfgang Puck line ranging from a
very basic starter set to an over-the-top set loaded with questionable items
like trivets and springform pans. I don't think there is much of a gable in
buying a 20 piece set of cookware for $150 - the price of a single piece of
All-Clad.