Hi,

We have a TJ MAX bought Calphalon Anodized aluminum saucer pan that has
been put through dishwasher serveral times lately. I noticed large
area of discoloration both inside and out and some area simply shows
the underneath shining aluminum. When I rub my finger against the
surface, I see black/grey stuff coming off it.

I only found out online today that dishwashing a calphalon like that
is a big no no, since the pan did not have any packaging or instruction
pamphlet when we bought it from TJ Max. I dont really care about the
warrenty at this stage and just want find out: What exactly is this
black/grey stuff coming off the pan? Is it harmful to health?

Any information is appreciated.

Thanks.

Ling

Ling wrote:

> We have a TJ MAX bought Calphalon Anodized aluminum saucer pan that has
> been put through dishwasher serveral times lately. I noticed large
> area of discoloration both inside and out and some area simply shows
> the underneath shining aluminum. When I rub my finger against the
> surface, I see black/grey stuff coming off it.
>
> I only found out online today that dishwashing a calphalon like that
> is a big no no, since the pan did not have any packaging or instruction
> pamphlet when we bought it from TJ Max. I dont really care about the
> warrenty at this stage and just want find out: What exactly is this
> black/grey stuff coming off the pan? Is it harmful to health?
>
> Any information is appreciated.

That's the anodized aluminum coating coming off. It's not a huge health
risk, but it won't do you any good, either. At this point, you might as
well get a steel wool pad and remove the rest of the coating from the inside
of the pan. (Or if you have access to a sandblaster, it's only a few
moment's work.)

The anodized coating made the pan non-reactive. Once the coating is gone,
the bare aluminum will react with acidic mixtures. If you cook things like
tomatoes, vinegar, or citrus, the pan will impart an off-flavor and will
become pitted over time. It will work fine for other things, though.

It's a shame that the instruction pamphlet wasn't included; I've got a set
of those pans and I like them a lot, but I carefully follow the instructions
for how to take care of them.

Bob