WARNING- This is an in depth review for those who want to make an informed buying decision. If you prefer a brief summary, see the section with the title "THE BOTTOM LINE".
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When I decided to give the Calphalon Premiere Space Saving Stainless Steel set of pans a run, my family rolled their eyes. Yes, I do love to try out cookware. Most of the time, it is not quite as nice as expected. My husband in particular has been completely unimpressed with anything Calphalon. He was not at all thrilled about this endeavor. Let's see how this cookware measured up..
WHAT IS THIS COOKWARE LIKE?
FRY PANS
This set of cookware comes with two frying/saute pans- one is 10 inches and the other inches in diameter. The handle is long and hollow (sealed at each end)but sturdy. There is heavy duty plate that is attached to the end opposite of the handle as well as where the handle is attached. Each has a notch in it. This allows the cookware to be stacked at a nice space from the other pieces, and it also helps the lid to stay in place via the notch in it. There are very large rivets that do go through to the pan.
LIDS
The two flat glass lids that come with this set have a flat glass lid with no obstruction for viewing, The 8 inch diameter glass lid has a larger inner lip on it that is about 1 1/8 inches long. In the lid perpendicular to the handle, there are slots which allow for draining. This lid fits both 8 inch pans. The 10 inch lid has a smaller lip on it. Both glass lids have a v shaped notch which fits into the negative notch on the pans. That allows the lid to rest on the tops of the pans without shifting easily
The lids have a long flatter handle on the one side which ride piggy back with the handle of the pan. This allows you to hold both handles in place to rearrange or drain the pans if you like. To remove the lid, you simply slide the lid handle to the side of the pan handle and remove.
SAUCEPAN/DEEPER PAN
This pan is deeper. It has 3.5 quart capacity. There are NOT MEASUREMENTS INSIDE THE PAN. Some pans have measuring lines inside which makes it handy to quickly fill with liquid and not have to use measuring cups. The handle is hollow( sealed on each end ) but very sturdy. The end has a plate attached to the pan with large rivets. The end plate has a notch in it with allows the pans to be stacked, but also allows the lid to stay in place. There is a large GRAB HANDLE on the end which helps when draining the pan.
HOW DO THESE PANS PERFORM?
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS INCLUDING WEIGHT
I have used a wide variety of pans over the years. I have used low cost pans from the average department store like Walmart, Target, etc. I have used Revereware. I have used Farberware. I have used very high end cookware, including waterless, and even names that some have probably never heard of. I tend to prefer cast iron cookware, as does my family in most instances. Therefore we are used to heavier pans.
These pans are on the heavy side. That means if you are used to featherweight pans and do not like heavier pans, this set might not be for you. However, don't move on just yet. These are not as heavy as cast iron and these pans are such high quality, you might want to continue your consideration of them.
I have used these on a gas stove. I have not had the chance to use them on another stove top at this time.
LIDS STAY IN PLACE?
One concern we had with these pans is that there is not a vent hole in the top. We were concerned that this could lead to the top jiggling once the food was cooking. However, we did not find that to be the case.
COOKING PASTA
Cooking pasta is a breeze in the saucepan. We made not only noodles, but perogies and ravoli. In each case, the noodles/pasta based food cooked beautifully. Draining was a breeze. Because of the handles on both ends of the pan, it is easy to hold the lid into place as we drained them into the sink. I did not need a hot pad for the long handle, but used one on the end handle so I could hold the lid in place.
COOKING VEGETABLES OR MEAT IN FRYING PANS
We have used both frying pans to stir fry both vegetables and meat. The pans were a breeze to use. Nothing stuck to the pans AS LONG AS YOU FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS.
INSTRUCTIONS
The key to this cookware for us was to heat up the pan WITH NOTHING IN IT. Once the pan is heated up, the best test is to put fingers under water in the faucet, and splatter water into the pan. If the drops of water dance on the pan before evaporating, then the pan is ready.
Put the oil/fat into the pan at that point, and then turn the pan down. If low is too low, then play with it until you find that perfect place. Ours was just above low.
The food cooks beautifully and does not stick- at least in our experience. I would say that it is comparable to some very expensive waterless cookware we have used as far as quality and performance.
CLEAN UP
Cleaning up was an expected shock. I let the pans sit and then when they had cooled enough to wash them, I used soap and water and washed well with a scrubby that is safe for teflon. The pans cleaned up beautifully. I did not have any problems with ghosting on the surface or problems with them not cleaning up totally.
If that were to happen, I would simply put white vinegar in water, turn the stove on until the liquid came to slight bubbles, turn it off, and when cool, washing it out and usually that will return stainless steel right back to looking like new.
STACKING
The stacking feature is fantastic. These can be stacked well and fit into a spot much more evenly than pots and pans usually are. That in itself is a wonderful feature. I really love how these look and perform. Storage is fantastic.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The stacking feature is perfect (they don't scratch each other). These pans are VERY HEAVY DUTY and well made. I expected not to like these, but we all ended up being pleasantly surprised at how much we love these pans. Clean up is a breeze (when used as instructions I laid out), and we don't mind them being heavier, because we are used to using heavier pans. These are made to last.
MY RATING
These are a HUGE FIVE STARS. We all love these pans- even though we usually have completely different preferences in cookware. I have to say this set of pans is one of my favorites to date. We will use these a lot (and already have).
| メーカー | Calphalon |
|---|---|
| 型番 | 2010605 |
| 梱包サイズ | 61.5 x 44.7 x 27.9 cm |
| 素材 | ステンレス鋼 |
| 色 | ステンレススチール |
| サイズ | 10-piece |
| その他 機能 | 食器洗浄機対応。 |
| 梱包重量 | 14.92 キログラム |
| 電池使用 | いいえ |
| 電池付属 | いいえ |
| お手入れ | 手洗い |
| ブランド名 | Calphalon |
| 商品重量 | 25.68 ポンド |
