The Calphalon Copper Triply 2-½-Quart Shallow Saucepan with Stainless Lid is crafted with precision to deliver premium performance.

Great Performance

As its name suggested, the saucepan is constructed by bonding three difference metals together. Its copper exterior does not only contribute to its warm and classic look but also the best heat conductor. Then there’s the pure, heavy-gauge aluminum in the saucepan’s inner core. The combination of two of the three metals results in the premium performance of the saucepan. This will sear and brown food quickly with all the control that you need.

The interior of the Calphalon Copper Triply 2-½-Quart Shallow Saucepan with Stainless Lid is made from stainless steel. It will not tarnish or react to highly acidic food. Personally, I like that it is highly reflective so that I could see the color and texture changes and judge how the food is cooking. All three metals are bonded under extreme pressure into a disk and then drawn into its shape so that all of the walls are equally thick.

Ergonomically Designed

The Calphalon Copper Triply 2-½-Quart Shallow Saucepan with Stainless Lid is designed to work effortlessly. Thanks to the Cool-V design, the handles will stay cool on the stove so that you will not burn yourselves while cooking. Plus, the handles are secured by heavy duty stainless steel rivets. I love that the rims are flared so transferring stew and soups from the saucepan to the serving dish are easy and non-messy.

Maintaining the saucepan is easy – just don’t put it in the dishwasher as the detergent is too harsh and would tarnish the copper. To restore the shine, all you need to do is polish your copper cookware with a paste made from 1 ½ cup white vinegar and 2 tablespoons of coarse salt with a sponge or dishcloth. Rinse it in hot water afterwards.

The lifetime warrantied Calphalon Copper Triply 2-1/2-Quart Shallow Saucepan is a great buy! Amazon has some great deals on it from time to time.

Copper cookware is always attractive when you buy it but you’ll need to know how to care for copper cookware so that they keep on looking nice in your kitchen. Otherwise you might be better off buying a set of stainless steel cookware or hard anodized cookware that don’t need a lot of polishing.

Find out more in my Best Cookware Set blog.

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If you are looking to add on to your existing collection of cookware, the Calphalon DS9DC will be a great addition. This five-star cookware set has among the few amazing pieces from Calphalon at an excellent price.

Calphalon DS9DC Commercial 9-Piece Hard-Anodized Cookware Set

Heat Up Quickly

All of the pots and pans in the set are either spun or drawn into shape to ensure that the thickness of the pan are even all over and thus guarantee even heating throughout. Like cast iron pans, anodized aluminum will heat up rapidly, possibly faster than cast iron since aluminum is a better heat conductor. Another plus of having anodized surfaced pans is that they will not rust within time. Should this happens, well, you can always make a claim from Calphalon any time because the set has a lifetime warranty.

Due to the hard anodized surface, the Calphalon DS9DC will have food sticking on it when you want it i.e. when you’re browning or searing the ingredients and releases the food once it is cook thoroughly. Be reminded that these pans are not non-stick pans. These pans are meant to give you those delicious crusts when you’re browning your chicken or making thin crepes! If you’re not used to this, either stick to traditional non-stick pans or make sure you cook at a low to medium heat to prevent food from burning.

Easy Cleanup

With this set of cookware, caring for them is a breeze. One, you don’t need to oil/season the pans. Two, you will only need water and a small amount of dish detergent to clean small mess. If there’s food sticking on the surface and is too stubborn to part with the pan, all you need to do is soak the stain with water. It should lift off the surface easily after that.

Personally, the combination of pots and pans in the Calphalon Commercial 9-Piece Hard-Anodized Cookware Set is not really desirable for first time owners. However, it would be great to add this set to your existing collection. The price for this set is known to fluctuate, so time your purchase to get the best deal!

If you like this Calphalon cookware set, maybe you’d like to check out these also:

• Best Hard Anodized Cookware Set
• Rachael Ray 10-Piece Hard-Anodized Cookware Set
• Calphalon Tri-ply Cooper 10 Piece Cookware Set
• Simply Calphalon Stainless 10-Piece Cookware Set

Or go back to my home page of Best Cookware Set.

Tags: Calphalon Cookware by Susan
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If you are looking for a set of cookware to use everyday or as a gift, this Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Non-stick Hard-anodized 17-piece Set will be suitable for you.

Complete Combination

Of all the cookware sets I’ve seen, I would say that this set has everything that you would need on a regular basis. The two skillets are great for fixing breakfast foods like fluffy pancakes or crispy bacon and sunny side eggs while the saucepans are great for cooking your dinner menu like rice and steamed veggies. These are among the pots and pans in the set which includes two inserts; one is an all-purpose covered steamer and the other is a deeper pasta insert.

You may think that with these entire pieces, storing it will be a nightmarish experience. Well, the set doesn’t need much space when stored away properly. Of course, to prevent any damage on the surfaces, she makes sure that when she stacks them up together, she put the cardboard pieces from the box in between the pots and pans.

Fast Cooking

The pieces in the Cuisinart 66-17 Chef’s Classic definitely heats up much faster than most other cookware. There’s a learning curve with this one; you might burn the first piece of bacon you cook with one of the skillets but soon you’ll be a pro at controlling the amount of heat. In my own experience while cooking in her kitchen, the stockpot gets water boiling in more or less five minutes. Cooking pasta with the deeper insert was fast and I needn’t need a colander to drain out the pasta! Hooray for less cleaning up!

I believe that the Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized 17-Piece Cookware Set is a great gift to give – to someone else or even for you!

Hard anodized cookware are quite good for non stick cooking, and while you’re at it check out this best non stick hard anodized frying pan to go with your cookware set. Other excellent hard anodized cookware set include the Rachael Ray 10-Piece Hard-Anodized Cookware Set and good value comes with KitchenAid Gourmet Essentials 10-Piece Nonstick Hard-Anodized Cookware Set.

Back to my Best Cookware Set page here.

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When one of your favorite food is pancake, this Lodge Logic Pre-Seasoned 10 ½ Inch Round Griddle is the most delightful piece of cookware to have.

Makes the Best Pancakes

Although my cast iron skillet works just as well, this ½ inch deep round griddle is much more efficient and easy to use for pancakes and omelets, because the spatula can be easily slipped underneath to flip them over.

Cast iron cookware is just wonderful for frying. Nothing sticks! I’ve made stacks and stacks of pancakes and this is way better than non-stick Teflon. Especially when it’s also non-toxic.

This Lodge Logic Round Griddle can be used straightaway because it is pre-seasoned but some would like to do their own seasoning before using.
I find it no trouble at all to re-season this griddle after every use, though some folks who’d rather use the dishwasher for everything should think twice before buying this. Tell you what, the perfect pancakes are really worth the effort.

I just use this griddle for pancakes and omelets but others have found it useful for rotis, chapattis, tortillas, dosas, quesadillas, crepes, bacon, eggs and even pizza. Since it is oven-safe up to 500 F degrees I imagine it’d make a very good pizza pan.

As the whole griddle is made of cast iron, even the handle, mittens must be used to hold it when it has heated up. This might be a downside for some, but I wouldn’t expect anything else of this griddle since it’s meant to go into the oven.

This Lodge Logic Pre-Seasoned 10-1/2-Inch Round Griddle is flat and easy to store away too. I just hang it up on the kitchen wall!

You may also like to read my reviews on other cast iron cookware such as:

• Lodge Pro-logic 14-inch Cast-iron Wok
• Lodge Logic 12-Inch Pre-Seasoned Skillet
• Lodge Enamel Cast-iron Apple Pot

Reviews and recommendations in my Best Cookware Set main page here.

Tags: Lodge Cookware by Susan
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The Lodge Pro-Logic 14-Inch Cast-Iron Wok is great for cooks who rely heavily on woks – especially those who are ardent Asian cuisine fans! This wok will not only help you produce the most mouth-watering dishes but also will last for a very long time.

Even Heating

This wok is one of the best woks that I’ve ever used in my kitchen because it heats fast and even. Its flat bottom ensures that heat is transferred quickly from the burner to the wok, spreading through the sides of the wok. In the meantime, the cast iron ensures that heat is well retained. This is so important when you are stir frying, simmering and braising. You will never get uneven cooked food ever again!

It comes out of the box ready to be used. The pre-oiled cast iron makes cooking with the Lodge Pro-Logic 14-Inch Cast-Iron Wok easy and healthy. You will no longer need a large amount of oil to start cooking your dish! You will also need not to worry about food sticking to the wok’s surface thanks to this innovative pre-oiled cast iron!

Sturdy and Safe

This wok will last even if you use it very regularly. The surface will not peel of chip off! If it does, you can always report to the manufacturer and get a new one since it comes with a lifetime warranty! There will be no issue with the manufacturer if you need new parts or a totally new product! It is also safe to use thanks to the flat bottom that will keep it from sliding off from the burner!

Do be reminded that the Lodge Pro-Logic 14-Inch Cast-Iron Wok needs more maintenance than your normal anodize aluminum cookware. Use hot water and a stiff brush, then dry it off before rubbing the surface with oil. It needs extra work but it is very worth it! Head to Amazon.com to check for any price deals!

Other Lodge cast iron cookware I have reviewed include Lodge Logic Pre-Seasoned 10-1/2-Inch Round Griddle and Lodge Enamel Cast-iron Apple Pot.
You can find my reviews for other types of cookware in my Best Cookware Set home page too.

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Are you looking for a sturdy, high-end fry pan? This All-Clad Stainless-steel Fry Pan has a three-ply structure consisting of a thick core of pure aluminum that capable of consistent and even heat distribution sandwiched between layers of stainless steel.

Premium performance

I always believe to the adage “You get what you pay for.” For the price you’re paying for the All-Clad Stainless-Steel Fry Pan, you will get nothing less than premium performance. You will get dependable, even heating from the aluminum core. The solid stainless steel surrounding the aluminum core results is the best cooked meals AND it will look just like the day you bought it even after years of use.

I love the All-Clad Stainless-Steel Fry Pan for shallow frying, sautéing and browning. It will retain the flavor and moisture of the food much better than any other pans, resulting in a mouth-watering dish. All I need to do when I want a pan-fried breaded fish fillet is drizzle some oil, put the breaded fillet into the pan and wait until the pan “let go” of the food, which indicates that the fish (or anything really) is perfectly cooked on one side.

Pop the pan into the oven after you’ve seasoned and browned any types of meats to oven-cook it. Other than being oven-safe, it is definitely easy to wash! However, the handles will get hot despite the stay-cool handles.

Easy to clean

Some people are just lazy to wash dishes by hand so the good people at All Clad made these pans dishwasher safe. However, it is always best to wash your premium pans by hand. All you need is your regular liquid detergent and dish cloth/sponge. Do not use harsh, steel-based cleaning scrubbers to clean your pans though – it will just ruin the aluminum core.

The All-Clad Stainless-Steel Fry Pan is an excellent cookware and it makes a wonderful investment. To get the best price, just click away to Amazon.com!

If this stainless steel fry pan delights you, you will certainly like this All-Clad Stainless 9-Piece Cookware Set. I have reviewed many other sets of stainless steel cookware such as Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Cookware Set and KitchenAid Gourmet Essentials Cookware Set

Look for other types of cookware in my Best Cookware Set blog too.

Tags: All-Clad Cookware by Susan
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One of the reasons that cast iron cookware is not for everyone is because not everyone likes ‘seasoning’ their cast iron cookware. This is why the great people at Lodge decided to counter this problem by making an enamel-coated cookware line. The Lodge Enamel Cast-iron Apple Pot is part of that line.

Very Even Heating

My mother’s glossy red apple-shaped pot works great on the stove top and in the oven and its thermal properties is amazing. The pot is best used on low to medium heat on the stove top or any temperature under 500°F in the oven and it does a great job at distributing the heat evenly.

Due to this property, the Lodge Enamel Cast-iron Apple Pot can work as good as a slow cooker. This pot is particularly great for any bean dishes. It may take a while for it to heat up but once it gets to the optimum temperature, it will slow-cook your dish to perfection. After cooking, it will keep your dish warm so that you can go back for seconds!

Easy To Clean

After a long time cooking your dish, the underside of the lid will get messy with dried-on liquid and the ingredients will leave a cooked-on ring. It is usually difficult to clean these messes but with this apple-shaped Dutch oven, the mess can be easily wiped off. Oh, do be reminded that it is best to wash it by hand and use mild dish soap.

This cast iron pot has only one negative point: it is very heavy. This may be hard for someone who has arthritis or tendonitis to transfer a full pot from the stove to the oven. Despite this small hiccup, the Lodge Enamel Cast-Iron Apple Pot is a great buy from Amazon.

I have also reviewed other cast iron cookware such as the Lodge Pro-logic 14-inch Cast-iron Wok and Lodge Logic Pre-Seasoned 10-1/2-Inch Round Griddle. For tips on how to care for cast iron cookware, click here.

Well, you’ll find more articles in my Best Cookware Set site.

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Non-Stick Vs Uncoated Cookware

What is the difference between non-stick vs uncoated cookware? I think it’s best described by consumer report, but I’m going to sum up a bit here.

Non-stick – Best for easy cleanup. As you know, non stick cookware needs less oil to cook so it’s healthier. But it can be scratched easily compared to uncoated cookware. For that reason we don’t encourage using metal utensils, although some manufacturers say it’s okay. Foods also do not brown as well in nonstick pans as they do in uncoated ones. And because food doesn’t stick, there are no nicely caramelized bits that can be deglazed to make a sauce for an otherwise plain pork chop.

Uncoated – Best for browning, braising, and deglazing for sauces. No special kitchen utensils are required for this kind of cookware but it is more time-consuming to clean up compared to non-stick cookware. You’ll need lots of scrubbers, steel wool, and elbow grease to clean a sticky oatmeal pot. And it’s definitely not easy to clean. If you choose an uncoated set, you may still want a nonstick piece or two, and vice versa.

Go to my Best Cookware Set main page for more reviews on different types of cookware like the Best Stainless Steel Cookware Set, Best Cast Iron Cookware, Best Copper Cookware Set and Best Hard Anodized Cookware Set.

Tags: Cookware Guide by Susan
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Let me sum all the points of this Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless cookware set:

Cuisinart 77-7 Chef's Classic Stainless 7-Piece Cookware Set

Positives:

• Cook evenly.
• Quality made.
• Handles stay cool, unless used in the oven (duh!). The covers do get hot; I just remove them quickly or with a potholder.
• Easy enough to clean (for stainless).
• Look good (nice and shiny).

Negatives:

• Heavy, they don’t slide around while cooking. But, hard to dump out when they are hot and full (if you are 5′ and 100 lbs).
• Not non-stick, using butter fixes that.
• Take awhile to heat up on radiant flattop stove; once it does, it heats evenly. I blame the stove.
• With time, there has been some discoloration inside.

Overall, this is a great product especially considering the affordable price.

• Set includes 1-1/2-, 3-quart saucepan; 8-quart stockpot; 10-inch skillet–all with lids
• Cookware and lids constructed of mirror-polished 18/10 stainless steel
• Aluminum encapsulated in base ensures quick, even heating
• Stay-cool stainless-steel handles; dripless rims on lids
• Oven-safe up to 550 degrees F; limited lifetime warranty

What people said about this Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless cookware set:

The Bad:
I am pleased with the performance and style of the Cuisinart Chef’s Classic. Looks good and cooks generally ok. I just wanted to mention a few problems I’ve had. 1. Dishwasher safe-the say ok but they don’t recommend it because food particles from other items in the dishwasher may scratch the surface. 2. After one use, the pan interior surfaces fail to maintain the original luster. The manufacturer provides very specific cleaning directions, but even following them I find the pans hard to maintain. 3. They recommend using only lower heat-follow it! Foods burn easily even on medium heat – K. Mccabe

The Good:
“Any shopper who is name conscious should stop for a moment and seriously consider this seven piece set. Cuisinart, a mainstay in the kitchen offers the cook in the household this wonderful 7 piece cookware set and Amazon.com offers it at an exceptional price. The set features 18-10 Stainless Steel construction that makes each piece feel substantial. The design also aids in convection and, thus, requires less heat from the stove top but that Heat is not transferred to the handle making the handle cool to the touch.

Each piece features a high shine and bears the brand name on the side. Each piece is also rated up to 550 degrees which means it could double as bakeware. The only thing I would have liked would have been a 12 inch rather than a 10 inch skillet but with that said, the 10 inch skillet is a great piece. – Martin P. McCarthy

Read more reviews on this Cuisinart Chef’s Classic cookware set here:

• Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless Cookware Set

You might also like these articles:

• Best Stainless Steel Cookware
• Cuisinart cookware reviews
• Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless-Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set
• Farberware Millennium Soft Touch 12-Piece Cookware Set

Don’t forget to drop by my home page for more:

• Best Cookware Set

Tags: Cuisinart Cookware by Susan
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This lodge logic 12-Inch pre-seasoned skillet is my top pick for traditional cast iron skillet and this is what people said about this best cast iron skillet/frying pan:

J.R Rodriquez from amazon.com user said “A Masterpiece of Lodge Production. For those who complain about seasoning & rusting, you’re a bunch of wussies! When you dry the pan, use a cotton towel. If you’re a cheapo, use a paper towel; you want to avoid rust to form in the pan after washing. When you season a pan, use olive, canola, or peanut oil; they tend to work best. When you use any of the above oils, use a wax paper to coat the pan; they won’t absorb the oil as much as a paper towel would; less paper towel residue left behind to burn.”

“A Great Deal. I ordered four of these. Two for the house and two for camping. They all arrived with skimpy packing, but in great shape nonetheless. The two I bought for the house have already proven themselves…sturdy and virtually non-stick. These pans were built to last.” – From Sarah Cholla.

Lodge Logic 12-Inch Pre-Seasoned Skillet

• Pre-seasoned heavy cast-iron skillet
• Superior heat retention and even cooking
• Two handles for heavy lifting
• 12 inches in diameter, 2 inches deep
• Heirloom pan for kitchen or camping

Amazon.com Review
Pancakes, eggs, and bacon somehow taste extra hearty when cooked in a heavy cast-iron skillet. Cast iron creates superior heat retention, heats evenly, and loves a campfire, unlike flimsier pans. Fry up a mess of catfish, roast a chicken, or bake an apple crisp in this generous 12-inch pan that features two handles for heavy lifting, and two subtle side lips for pouring. While the skillet comes preseasoned to prevent food from sticking, it works best when sprayed or lightly coated with vegetable oil before use. Whether used in a kitchen or camp, this virtually indestructible pan should last for generations.–Ann Bieri

Summary:
The Lodge Logic Pre-Seasoned 12-Inch Skillet is really worth getting if you fry a lot of food and dislike the short life span of non stick cookware. Follow the link to find out the price at Amazon now.

I like the other Lodge cookware such as the Lodge Logic Pre-Seasoned 10-1/2-Inch Round Griddle and Lodge Pro-logic 14-inch Cast-iron Wok too. If you need tips on how to care for cast iron cookware, click here.

I have more articles and tips in my blog site: Best Cookware Set

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