If you are looking for new cookware for your household use, there
are many types available and in many different price ranges. You can
buy individual pieces or a complete cookware set for your specific
needs. Choosing a cookware set usually saves you money and a set ensures
that all the pieces you have will match in quality, appearance and use.
But which cookware set should you choose? Read these cookware set
reviews to see which may be best suited to your needs:
Calphalon Cookware
The
Calphalon cookware is created from a process invented by NASA to create
anodized aluminum cookware, which has the advantage of being very hard
and smooth, naturally resistant to corrosion, and being non-stick as
well. The first cookware products were created for professional chefs,
but later the Calphalon products were brought to the consumer market.
Calphalon
has a couple of different cookware product lines. The Calphalon One
Infused cookware combines the hard anodized aluminum material with a
non-stick surface to produce extremely durable pots and pans. They are
safe to use on the stove, in the oven or under the broiler, and you can
even use metallic utensils with them. As a note, the Calphalon One also
comes in a standard non-stick version.
The simply Calphalon
Stainless product line is designed for home cooks on a budget. This line
is made of 18/10 stainless steel and is easy to use and maintain. There
is also the Calphalon Everyday cookware that is still very durable,
with a non-stick surface. With both of these product lines, it is
recommended that you do not use metal utensils with them, or use them
under a broiler.
The Calphalon cookware pans heat very quickly, so
it is recommended to heat and cook on low to medium heat only to avoid
food overcooking and burning. This line of cookware is contemporary in
design, easy to clean, and varying-sized sets include frying pans,
omelet pans, saucepans, saute pans and stockpots. Prices range from
about $200 up to approximately $700.
Le Crueset Cookware
The
Le Crueset cookware company in France has been making cookware for over
80 years. This cookware is made from enameled cast iron. After the cast
iron has been molded and enameled, much of the finishing on the
cookware is done by hand so each Le Crueset Cast Iron piece is
completely unique. In several publications, Le Crueset cookware has been
rated as the best enameled cast iron cookware on the market today.
The
cookware has a heavy cast iron core which is consistent in quality and
thickness up the side walls and in the lids. This creates great heat
conductivity and allows the food within it to remain hot for a
considerable length of time when you take it to the table. It is reputed
to be able to withstand high temperatures without warping, and can be
used on the stove top, in the oven or for broiler cooking.
The
downside to Le Crueset cookware is that it is considered to be a bit on
the expensive side, but most considered the cookware to be worth the
price. A 5 ½" Round French Oven is about $249 and a 7 ¼" Round Enameled
Cast Iron Dutch Over is approx. $328.
Le Crueset also makes a
stainless steel non-stick set of cookware that starts at about $428 for
an 8 piece set. Superior heat conduction is ensured with these 3-ply
stainless steel cookware pieces with a pure aluminum core. The pans heat
quickly and food cooks evenly, and they are ergonomically designed for
comfort.
Farberware Advantage Cookware
The
name of Farberware has been long known for its
classic stainless steel cookware. Farberware has now introduced the Advantage line of cookware
which is constructed from quality 18/10 brushed stainless steel with a
number of special features. The pans have a thick disk base with an
inner core of dense aluminum sandwiched between layers of stainless
steel that create even heat distribution for ease in cooking. The pans
are designed for easier pouring, and the flared design works with
Epicurean style lids to create a reduction chamber that locks in food
flavors as it cooks.
The long stainless steel handles on the pans
are riveted in place and are open at the ends to assure minimal heat
transfer so they stay cool to the touch throughout cooking. The
Farberware cookware is oven and broiler safe, up to 500° F and is also
dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. It is suitable to use on all stove
types, including solid burner plates, ceramic, gas, electric, halogen
and induction. The Farberware Cookware can be obtained at quite
reasonable prices. A 12 piece set can cost about $130.
All-Clad Cookware
All-Clad
cookware is reputed to be one of the more popular brands of cookware on
the market today, but it is considered quite pricey with a single
frying pan over a hundred dollars. But All-Clad is mostly considered to
be worth the price, being created from cutting edge technology which
pioneered the process of bonding metals together to enhance the benefits
of each, while minimizing the drawbacks. The result is adequate heat
conduction is maintained ensuring that food cooks evenly.
All-Clad
has extremely high standards and good quality construction. Each stage
of the manufacturing process is hand inspected to ensure quality. This
is sleek, contemporary cookware with flowing lines and attention paid to
every detail. It is a quality product good for the home cook or
professional chef.
All-Clad offers a few different product lines
for you to choose from. All-Clad Stainless is one of the original
products which boasts an aluminum core for faster, more even heating.
The Master Chef 2 line is crafted after the original design but
re-imaged with the input from professional chefs. It boasts a brushed
aluminum exterior lined with non-reactive stainless steel in a
contemporary style.
The Copper Core All-Clad line blends stainless
steel with a copper core for those who want the precision of copper
cooking with the fuss and hassle. It is easy to clean and use. There is
also the All-Clad LTD cookware set that features layers of anodized
steel, aluminum and stainless style for excellent heat conductivity. It
has a gleaming black exterior for an impressive appearance. The Cop R
Chef is cookware designed for the professional chef.
When using
All-Clad cookware, you should avoid using high heats which could burn or
tarnish the exterior, and unless it states otherwise, this cookware
should not be placed in a dishwasher.
Anolon Titanium Cookware
There
are many advantages to using titanium cookware. It is reputed to be
healthier because you use less oil while cooking. The pans are supposed
to be truly non-stick so you don't need to use oil or water to cook your
food, and which makes it easy to clean. Titanium cookware is very
light, weighing less than other pots and pans which still retaining the
strength needed for a solid piece. It also is very durable and lasts
literally forever, and it resists dents and scratches. This type of
cookware also heats quickly which reduces cooking times, but as a
downside, titanium can be prone to 'hot spots' which if not watched can
cause food to burn.
Anolon provides a set of titanium cookware
that is fairly reasonably priced at about $270 for a 10 piece set. This
cookware is composed of heavy-gauge hand-anodized aluminum coated with
titanium composite that is non-porous and easy to clean.
Whichever
cookware set you decide to choose, you will be assured of many years of
use. Of course, price may be an issue, but buying the best quality
cookware that you can afford will offer you years of cooking joy.
