Calphalon Cookware Review: Complete Review of Calphalon

Last Updated on August 9, 2023 by Emily Anna
Reason to Buy:
- Best budget-friendly option
- It comes with domed lids
- Durable and long-lasting
- Has Double nonstick coating
- Neither heavy nor flimsy
- The handles are riveted
- Distributes heat evenly
Reason to Avoid:
- Not compatible with dishwasher
- The bottoms do not have smooth finishing
- The handle of the Lid catches heat quickly
The importance of high-quality cookware must be considered when creating perfect culinary results. A high quality set of pots and pans can make a huge difference in cooking process. It influences everything from the texture and flavor of your dishes to the overall cooking process.
Based on these things, Calphalon has earned a name in the culinary world. The brand is known for producing high quality cookware. It offers a range of best, innovative, and reliable cookware sets that elevate your cooking experience.
I own a cookware set from the Calphalon brand, which I have been using in my kitchen. So In this article, I will provide a Calphalon cookware review based on my first-hand experience. I will discuss the distinctive features that set this cookware apart, its performance, and more.
Calphalon Cookware Review
Cookware Items In Set
We first need to discuss what is included in this set. The Calphalon 10-Piece Set consists of a versatile array of cookware essentials:
- 1-Quart Saucepan with Lid
- 2-Quart Saucepan with Lid
- 3-Quart Sauté Pan with Lid
- 6-Quart Stock Pot with Lid
- 8-Inch Fry Pan
- 10-Inch Fry Pan
This unique combination of saucepans, a sauté pan, a stock pot, and fry pans offers a well-rounded selection that can accommodate a wide range of recipes.
For example, if you are in a hurry you can cook an omelette for breakfast or sear small cuts of meat, a compact pan is a go-to choice. An 8- or 10-inch fry Pan included in this set is the best option for making such things. You can effortlessly have food on your table without worrying about extensive cleaning afterwards.
However, a frying pan is not always a good option when sautéing vegetables or making soup. These dishes have liquid content, and you may require a deep high-sided pan with a lid. So nothing can be better than having a 3-Quart Sauté pan. It also allows experimenting with different recipes and techniques.
Likewise, sometimes you must reheat leftovers, warm milk, or make pasta sauce. You need a compact utensil that can provide an enough solution. For that purpose, a 1 or 2-Quart Saucepan is ideal, which I used to make these things.
But what if it is a family gathering at your home? For sure, you want a large pot to accommodate big quantities of ingredients. This is where a 6-quart stock pot comes to play. It provides you with enough flexibility to entertain your guests with tasty meals.
Apart from this, another impressive thing about this exclusive 10-piece set is that it includes four lids. The lids serve multiple purposes. Firstly, they help retain heat and flavour while cooking. Secondly, they trap moisture and maintain consistent temperatures. So overall, this is the best pans and pots cookware set, providing several required items for different types of cooking.

Design and Build Quality
The most important thing to consider when investing in cookware is its quality and design. Calphalon pans and pots are crafted from hard anodized aluminium. An electrochemical reaction manufactures this high-duty material. As a result of this reaction, a hard, long-lasting, and virtually non-porous surface is formed.
However, the bottoms are very rough, and if you drag them across your glass top stove, it will result in scratches on your stove. So be careful while using these items on a glass stove. Apart from this, lids are domed-shaped. This shape enhances both the aesthetics and functionality. It also allows the condensation to drain continually.
In contrast, the flat covers tend to collect condensed water; when you remove them, you will find water everywhere. So this is another standout feature of this set. These tops are oven safe up to 450° F. Remember that the lid handles are not heat resistant and can get hot at high temperatures.
Fortunately, the side handles are made of stainless steel, along with silicone. So this material is not only soft to the touch but also keeps the handles cool. Moreover, it provides a non-slippery grip even when the handles are wet with soapy water. Handles are tightly riveted and would not lose anyway.
NonStick Feature
Calphalon kitchen products are best known for their exclusive nonstick interiors. And when it comes to this cookware set, pots and pans are truly nonstick. The nonstick properties of this particular set are because of two reasons. As mentioned, they are crafted from anodized aluminium with a smooth finish. This high-end finish ensures that foodstuff slides off easily.
Secondly, each piece comes with a double nonstick coating. In case your one coating is damaged due to any reason, the second layer will still perform its function. The coating is PFOA-free and does not release toxic chemicals, even in extreme conditions.
In short, Calphalon nonstick reviews differ from other utensils reviews claiming nonstick properties. Unlike other cookware, their nonstick coating is long-lasting and doesn’t chip off easily.
Note that the nonstick coat can wear off if you intend to use them in the restaurant kitchen. This is because it can not withstand the extensive demands of professional chefs. But if you are an ordinary home cook who loves trying different recipes, these nonstick pans and pots can remain functional for years.
Heating Capacity
An ideal utensil has good heat capacity. It means it should be a good conductor and heat up evenly and quickly. Moreover, it should retain heat for consistent results.
The hard-anodized aluminium construction of this set promises all these things. Based only on my experience, this cookware ensures an enjoyable experience with every dish you prepare by providing quick and even heating.
Cleaning
While providing a Calphalon cookware review, it is important to discuss its cleaning procedure. As advertised, this cookware needs to be dishwasher safe. I prefer to hand wash them to avoid damaging their nonstick coating.
Apart from this, the pots have straight sides rounded towards the bottom. Due to this feature, it is easy to remove any leftover food as it will not stick to the bottom sides. Secondly, their nonstick surface also simplifies the cleaning process. In other words, these pots and pans are easy to clean.
Pricing
The Calphalon pan and pot set is a budget-friendly option that neither compromises quality nor functionality. For example, compared with Calphalon Pans Stainless Steel 11-piece set, which is about $295, this 10-piece set for approximately $199.99 is a better option for home chefs who are looking affordable cookware set. It provides long-term value with its versatility and durability.
Final Overview
The unique design of this cookware collection makes it an indispensable asset in any kitchen. From its exceptional nonstick coating to its stay-cool stainless steel handles, every element of the Calphalon set is perfectly crafted.
However, it might require additional attention to prevent potential damage to the delicate coating layers. Besides, using anodized aluminium in construction ensures reliable performance for years.
Furthermore, by including a diverse range of cookware pieces in various sizes and shapes, this Calphalon Set comprehensively addresses a wide array of cooking requirements.
FAQs
Q1. Is Calphalon a high-end brand?
Yes, Calphalon is generally considered a higher-end brand in the cookware industry. The brand produces high-quality kitchen products with advanced features, innovative designs, and durable materials.
Q2. What brand is better than Calphalon?
Some brands comparable with Calphalon include All-Clad, Cuisinart cookware, Rachael Ray, Staub, Anolon, etc.
Q3. Is Calphalon the same as Teflon?
No, Calphalon and Teflon are not the same. Teflon is a brand named after a type of nonstick coating that is often used on cookware. In comparison, Calphalon is a brand that offers a range of cookware, including some with nonstick coatings.
Q4. Is Calphalon ceramic or Teflon?
Calphalon produces cookware with various types of coatings, including both ceramic and nonstick coatings. But the brand claims its nonstick coating is Teflon and PFOA-free. However, still Teflon pans are safe to use.
Q5. Is Calphalon made in China?
Calphalon cookware is designed in the United States, but the manufacturing location can vary. While some Calphalon products may be manufactured in China, the brand also has manufacturing facilities in other countries.