Well thought out and well executed design
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| Review Date: April 12, 2006 |
| Reviewer: R. P. Poletti, Hillsboro, OR USA |
This is the set you want. Why? Here are some reasons. Some are about Stainless steel cookware in general, but all apply specifically to this set.
o Stainless steel is sanitary. You can get them perfectly clean very easily. (Commercial food processors are often required to use stainless steel for nearly everything that comes in contact with food.)
o Stainless steel cleans up nearly as easily non-stick cookware. You do clean it differently, however.
o These pans have an aluminum core wrapped on both sides by stainless steel. Stainless steel does not transmit heat quickly but aluminum does. Aluminum is soft and dents easily, stainless steel is hard and strong. This means you get the toughness of stainless steel with the even heat distribution of aluminum.
o Even heat distribution and rapid heating allows you use lower heat setting thus saving energy and reducing the chance of burning food.
o Handles stay fairly cool, better than most cookware I have used.
o Dishwasher safe, unlike most non-stick pans.
o Oven-safe. Like to grill that steak then broil it to get it tender? Or you need to bake that stuffing then keep it warm? Use one pan!
o Pans are a little bottom heavy. They will not tip as easily as lighter weight pans, even empty or with a large spoon hanging off one side.
o Pans are well balanced and not too heavy. Want to flip those pancakes or toss those grilled onions, these pans give you fine control. They have been excellent for every use I have put them through.
o Lids are interchangeable and fit well! The lids even fit the skillets which is great if you are making grilled sandwiches. Note that lids may seem loose, especially when pans are cold. Remember that as pans get hot, their shape can change. Also, you do not want a perfect seal as you can make a bomb just by boiling water. Thus the lids need a little room to vent steam as well as accommodate changes in the shape of the pan.
If you have a gas range, consider using a flame deflector. This is good advice for ANY type of cookware.
Personally, I have owned the high quality non-stick stuff as well as stainless steel cookware. The non-stick stuff is quite over-rated, it does not clean up any more easily than the stainless pans. None of my non-stick Analon and Caliphon stuff has lasted more than six or eight years. The only stainless steel pot I ever had I got from my mother back in 1979. It is in great condition and looks like I bought it last month.
Unfortunately, some researches recently have linked some of the binding agents in non-stick cookware to cancer, so perhaps, to be safe, avoid the complex chemical treatments of the non-stick stuff and go for simple stainless steel. |
You can pay more, but you can't buy better!
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| Review Date: July 15, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Happy as a steamed Clam!, Left Coast |
For those of you considering upgrading your cookware to professional grade stainless steel, look no further.
I've owned this 12 piece set for over a year, and can't offer enough praise. It still looks brand new (use Barkeepers Friend to clean it). It heats evenly and quickly, retains heat for a long time, sears and browns well without burning, handles comfortably, cleans up easily and looks great! I'm fortunate enough to have several different types of cookware to compare. My cookware includes: All-Clad, JC Penny Elite (5 ply Copper Core), Chefmate tri-ply, Hard Anodized non-stick and Cuisinart Tri-Ply Copper.
In my opinion, the All-Clad Stainless Steel line is much overated. Its great cookware, but has no rolled edges for easy pouring without making a mess, and I prefer the handles on just about any other brand. All-Clad's materials and construction are the same as the other premium lines, with the exception of the rolled edges. Incidentally, staunch supporters of All-Clad make inferences of inferiority when speaking of other brands such as Cuisinart, stating "its made in China". I have two All-Clad pans hanging on the pot rack right now, one made in China, and the other made in Indonesia. Most of their line is made in the USA, but premium cookware made overseas (including some of their own lines)is not inferior!
The Chefmate Tri-Ply in direct comparison to the Cuisinart cooks and handles about the same with a slight edge in cleaning ease. The Chefmate has a true mirror finished interior, but overall isn't as heavy duty. The Stainless Steel lids are also a lighter gauge. Its been discontinued.
The JC Penny Cooks Elite 5 ply Copper Core is fantastic cookware, and the equal of the All-Clad Copper Core in every way except the handle. The handle of the Elite is far superior to All-Clad's. In comparison to the Cuisinart, its very comparable in performance, but quite a bit heavier. Its original price was about 2-3 times the cost of the Cuisinart. It too has been discontinued.
The Hard Anodized non-stick cookware is fine, convenient to use, even heating, and now relegated to camping. It doesn't brown foods like Stainless Steel does. The non-stick fininsh WILL wear off, and render the cookware somewhat useless with daily use.
The Cuisinart Copper Tri-Ply is fantastic and really the only competitor for the Multiclad. It looks fantastic, cooks fantastic and gives you an ever so tiny advantage in temperature control over the Multiclad. The pots and pans are the same configuration as the Multiclad, albeit with an outer layer of Copper instead of Stainless Steel. The handles are different as well, but both styles of handles are cool to the touch and comfortable to hold. I enjoy the Copper and don't mind the few minutes it takes to polish, but if you don't want Copper and the extra effort, the Stainless is perfect. I only use the Copper when preparing special dishes for company or when I need specialty pans such as Sauciers for Risoto or sauces. Otherwise, I rely on the Multiclad for daily use.
Incidentally, I have no afilliation with any of the above cookware brands. I am in the food service industry (restaurant design and build) and have the opportunity to speak with many chefs. You'd be very surprised by how many of them use Cuisinart Multiclad or Copper tri-ply at home. I'd say its a 50-50 split between All-Clad and Cuisinart for their home use.
With so many high end brands after your hard earned dollar, you can buy similar quality and performance, but there is no better value than Cuisinart Multiclad. It's heirloom quality and will be your last cookware purchase.
Update:
I reviewed this cookware set some time ago, and thought it appropriate to write an update. I've been reading through all the reviews that have been written since my first review, and everyone seems to say "as good as All-Clad".
I DISAGREE!
Cuisinart Multi Clad isn't as good as All Clad; IT'S BETTER! I have both All Clad and Cuisinart as well as other brands of high end cookware including Tri Ply, Five Ply Copper Core, Copper etc. Here are my reasons for declaring Cuisinart the winner:
o Rolled edges on the Cuisinart eliminate dribbling down the side of the pan as experienced with the All Clad. All Clad top of the line Copper Core does have rolled edges as well, but their stainless line that directly competes with the Cuisinart does not. In daily use this makes a huge difference.
o The Cuisinart handles are far superior to the All Clad. The Cuisinart remain cool enough to touch without pot holders, and their ergonomic shape and angle are very comfortable when shaking, flipping, tossing and moving the pans. The All Clad handle is thrust up at a sharp angle which is somewhat awkward, and the handle itself is uncomfortable.
0 The Cuisinart can be used on induction ranges. The previous Multi Clad line wasn't designed for induction ranges, but the Multi Clad Pro is and therefore no more advantage to All Clad in this respect.
0 The Cuisinart line cleans up easier than All Clad. I've cooked eggs in both All Clad and Cuisinart pans using the same prep and cooking mediums. In fact, I've cooked one egg per pan using the same burner without altering the gas flow. Eggs stuck slightly in the All Clad, and not at all in the Cuisinart. The Cuisinart's interior is slightly more highly polished than All Clad, and I suspect this to be the reason. I was able to repeat the same results with skin-on chicken, fish and other troublesome foods. Deglazing and clean up is just easier with the Cuisinart.
o Some All Clad pieces don't come with lids! You have to purchase a lid as an option. I have nearly every piece of Cuisinart, and each came with a lid (skillets are the exception).
o Cost. Cost isn't the only factor here. However, if two products perform similarly and will last virtually forever, why pay way more for one based on brand prejudice? The product that performs the best should be the clear winner regardless of price. Therefore, Cuisinart wins outright, and the fact that the entire 12 piece set costs less than most All Clad single pieces makes it a remarkable value.
In conclusion, Cuisinart has better design and construction, both ergonomically and practically (rolled edges and handles), easier clean up and maintenance, and out performs All Clad. |
Ah, the joy of cooking...
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| Review Date: April 13, 2006 |
| Reviewer: The Writer Bee, USA |
...with the right pot.
When I was checking into buying more high-quality cookware a few years ago, I was totally sold on AllClad, but then a friend of mine whose job at the time was to test kitchen cookware (if you can believe that!) told me I should check out Cuisinart's MultiClad line instead. Turns out it's had the same features (and add-ons) as the AllClad I was so in love with (stainless steel wrapped around an aluminum core), but without the major price tag that comes with the "AllClad" name.
So I got the Cuisinart line and absolutely have loved it ever since - I've even been adding to my collection every year or so.
As far as comparing it to nonstick cookware...well, I still have some nonstick pieces, but I don't use them much - a little bit of Pam Cooking Spray, and I haven't had any trouble. It also comes with great cleaning instructions...in fact, mine still looks almost new. |
Great set at a great price.
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| Review Date: October 27, 2006 |
| Reviewer: Dakar, Littleton, CO |
This is a great set. I looked at Calphalon, All-Clad & Emeril (and others) before deciding on these. I have an All-Clad pan and yes they are great. But for a Stainless steel set like this, the All-Clad, Calphalon & Cusinart Multiclad are all made the same way. They all have stainless interior and exterior with an aluminum core that runs from the bottom up the sides. Cheaper sets like Cuisinart's Chefs Classic or Emeril's, only have the aluminum core on the bottom of the pan with little or no core on the sides.
The Multiclad, tri-ply, etc. sets will all perform basically the same way. However the Cuisinart Multiclad Pro is in my view an outstanding set of pans and they work great. I cannot see any reason to pay $100-$350 more for a set of pans that are basically the same thing. And, if you look at them closely, the Cuisinart Multiclad pans have a nicer more polished interior finish than Calphalon. That means they stick a little less and are easier to clean. The other benefit of stainless is it's dishwasher safe as well, but I usually hand wash. I've only had this set a few weeks but I've used most of the pans. And I've been so impressed by them that I have also purchased a few additional Cuisinart Multiclad pans to complete my set - the 4 Qt. sauce pan, the 5.5 Qt. saute' pan and their double boiler. I like the 4 Qt. size when I want to boil water but don't want to use a big pot. And just to let everyone know, I also have an old Cuisinart 12.5" skillet and it still looks and works great. I've used it on gas and electric stoves and it just works great. One other thing about these pans, you don't need to set the heat above medium for most cooking and to boil water, I only need med-high. I'm very happy with Cuisinart and I know these are the last pans like this I'll ever need to buy. I do own a few non-stick pans as well but I really don't use them that often now that I have these.
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Excellent High-End Cookware Set
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| Review Date: February 25, 2007 |
| Reviewer: C. MacMinn, Somerville, MA USA |
My girlfriend and I did a huge amount of research when we were looking into buying a cookware set, and we found the Cuisinart Multiclad Pro to be by-far the best compromise between quality and price. They're substantially cheaper than, for example, the All-Clad MasterChef line, and they have a stainless steel exterior which is generally preferrable to aluminum for cleaning (dishwasher safe, among other things). We've been cooking hard with them for a few months now, and they've been awesome so far.
Notes:
1. Don't confuse these with the Cuisinart Chef's Classic line. Chef's Classic is cheaper, with thin, stainless-steel sides and an aluminum plate inside the bottom only. Multiclad Pro is fully clad -- aluminum in the bottom and all the way up the sides for more even heating, sandwiched between stainless steel on the inside and outside for durability and corrosion resistance.
2. Neither of the Cuisinart lines will work on an induction cooktop. If you have an induction cooktop or you're thinking of getting one someday, you may want to look elsewhere -- the All-Clad Stainless line might be your best bet, but they cost an arm and a leg. |
Everything I expected
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| Review Date: January 25, 2007 |
| Reviewer: rregis, NY USA |
Great set at a fantastic price. I really wanted a set of All-Clads for quality and because they are manufactured here in the USA. I'm all about buying/supporting local first. However, I couldn't justify the price difference between an All-Clad set and the Multiclad Pro by Cuisinart. The price difference was just too great to ignore.
I used to work as a cook in several restaurants and I can assure anyone that doesn't know already that there are two types of cooks. One that cooks a lot and has stained pans to prove it. And the Other type that doesn't cook, much, and has the shiny pans to prove it. If you like to cook then expect any stainless pan(s) to get dirty. If you like them to have that showroom shine then I would suggest getting a second set just to display. Unless you have a lot of free time to buff and polish.
This Multiclad Pro set was made to use and I'm expecting it to last at least 30 yrs. It performs as expected. I like the thumb and finger groove on the handle tops for control while pouring and shaking. It heats evenly. The lids cover properly while the recessed part of the lids fit loose enough to allow steam to release. A snug fitting lid (ex. the old Revere Ware copper dipped sets) is potentially dangerous and not a desired feature. The 18/10 stainless steel feature is very durable. If you plan on owning and using this set for years then plan on using the "wrong" utensil now and then and this set can take it. I make no excuses for using steel utensils. And I use a copper bristled scrub brush during clean up. Here's a tip for easy clean up with stubborn stains. Run hot water from the sink and put a little in the pan (even if it was just used and the pan is hot) and put it back on the burner and bring to a quick boil. Then carefully place in sink and work the boiling water around with a nylon scrub brush. Personally I use my copper scrub brush without leaving scratches. Copper is softer than Stainless steel. |
Great product at a great price
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| Review Date: January 11, 2007 |
| Reviewer: raincntry, |
I purchased these pots and pans in December 2006 and I've resisted writing the simple "these things look great!" reviews.
Prior to purchasing this set I did some research and searching to see if the construction of these pans, their materials, and their performance was what I wanted. I like to cook, and I like to cook for large groups of people. This set replaced a crappy non-stick set I had and since I've had them I have used each and every piece multiple times.
The pans work great. Coming from non-stick it took a bit to get used to. I found I needed to gradually heat the pan, add oil or butter, and then add whatever I wanted to cook. Done like this, eggs come out great with minimal sticking. They behave like cast-iron but don't hold their heat as well. That's not to say they don't heat evenly, or retain heat, but cast-iron is the best material for that. These pans allow and almost force you to cook at a lower temperature, which in turn allows flavors to more fully develop in your dishes, and who wouldn't want that?
I have used them for the following tasks:
Eggs/omelets
Searing yellow-fin tuna
Frying chicken
Grilled cheese (great!)
Making roux
Making mac&cheese (both box and scratch)
Blackening pork loin
Oatmeal
Steaming broccoli
Toasting walnuts
Making various sauces
Sautéing onions and peppers
In each task, and it has only been a few weeks, this product has performed better than I expected.
On the off hand chance something does stick to the surface, a simple pre-wash soaking gets it off. I'm not all that worried about having them look like they're unused and sort of feel some of those people don't really want to cook with them but rather want people to think they do. However, if you wash and dry them they stay looking great. When they do discolor, and they will, a bit of barkeepers friend and a wet rag do the trick.
On the whole I strongly recommend this product. My friend received an All-Clad Sauté pan around the same time and the construction is virtually the same, with the only difference being the All-Clad line can work with an induction stove, whereas these do not, but I don't do induction cooking, and neither does he, so it doesn't really matter.
These pans might not make you a better cook but, if used correctly, they should make your food taste better. |
Cuisinart MCP-12 Multiclad Pro Stainless-Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set
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| Review Date: January 20, 2007 |
| Reviewer: J. A. Anderson, |
An outstanding collection of kitchen cookware. It looks and performs exactly like All Clad for about 1/4 the price. It cooks exceptionally well AT MUCH LOWER TEMPERATURES THAN YOU ARE ACCUSTOM TO. Because of the aluminum center/core, there is very uniform heat throughout the pot, including the sides. The long handles on the fry, saute, and sauce pans stay very cool. However, the handles on the 8 Q pot can get hot (because they are close to the body of the pot) while boiling with a gas stove, but otherwise are non-hot pad cool.
Don't believe the reviews about hard to clean, food sticks etc. It is &*(%. In my opinion these reviewers don't know how to use the cookware properly. If you are frying/brazing/browning, use a small shot of Pam (I have tried al types of oils, but this works best) and make sure that the temperature is ~ 25% less than normal. This works even for eggs and omletes, but again, use a temperature setting of medium-low rather than medium for egg dishes. Also, Bar Keepers Friend, as recommended in the users manual, is perfect for making the inner and outer surfaces shine. It is non-abrasive.
Fantastic product and great value. I bought the set for $218 on Amazon in December 2006. It is a steal! I have an All Clad 5Q saute pan, and the Multiclad Pro pan is equivalent at 20 to 25% of the price.
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Good stuff
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| Review Date: November 28, 2007 |
| Reviewer: T. Singarella, Memphis |
Purchased this from Amazon for $189 in mid-November. However, be advised that Amazon appears to fluctuate between $265 and $189 for the Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-piece cookware set, so enter "Cuisinart MCP-12" into the Amazon search engine and you may be able to get the less expensive price (as I did from my home computer but not work computer). Got free SuperShipping and the set arrived in pristine condition within 7 days (plus use the coupon for a free knife). The MCP-12 set is WELL WORTH the money, and not to be confused with the less expensive (and inferior) Cuisinart Chefs Classic cookware set. The bottom of the Pro-Clad pans is seamless (not like the Chefs set) and the stainless wraps around the lip, they are heavier, multiply construction, and the handles are much more sturdier than the Chef's Classic set--in short, well worth the extra dollars. Like with all stainless seal, be careful of using metal utensils. They clean up just fine if you soak them. Once again, I researched all of the cookware sets, and this is the best bang for the buck IMO.
This is a follow-up, August 15. I am still extremely happy with this cookware set. What I am NOT happy with is that I completed and mailed all paperwork for the Santoku Knife Offer (Rebate #C1534A) requested--free Cuisinart 6" Santoku Knife with Paramount Handle (advertised as FREE with purchase of $99.95 or more of Cuisinart Cookware from Amazon.Com)and after 3.5 months when I did not receive it, I wrote again (March 5, 2008), and again submitted the paperwork (copies this time) and still never received the knife. This kind of scam is an irritation, especially since Amazon has used reputable promotional rebate offers in the past. |
Solid cookware for easy cooking.
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| Review Date: March 31, 2007 |
| Reviewer: D. W. Denbo, Shoreline, WA USA |
I had already owned a Classic Cuisinart saute pan and was impressed with its construction and feel. The Multiclad Pro is definately a couple of steps up! I immediatly noticed a more even heating and bringing water to a boil was quicker than with my old stainless steel single ply pots & pans. The construction is top notch with a great feel and a very nice weight. Lids fit securely, although the handles can be a little warm.
Very pleased with my purchase. |
Great Value for the Price
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| Review Date: January 1, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Internet Coffee Guy, Marietta, GA United States |
When you look at the fact that you can get 12 pieces for the price of just a couple of All Clad pieces it's a great buy. I have added the 5.5 quart saute pan as well. I cook every day, 7 days a week and they seem to have held up pretty well over the 9 months I have had them. You will need some stainless steel clear like Bar Keepers Friend to keep them looking nice. Overall, great value for the money.
I had a couple of the Cuisinart Chef's Classic Pieces, and the Multiclad is much easier to use without burning the food. |
Excellent Cookware, Excellent Price
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| Review Date: January 4, 2007 |
| Reviewer: N. Hawker, Portage, MI United States |
I've never owned good quality cookware before, but I needed a completely new set so I did my research and found out that "clad" (aluminum wrapped inside stainless steel) was the best generic design. I looked at All-Clad and KitchenAid, among others. Still, Cusinart offered one of the best prices. I was also attracted to the brushed stainless because it would show scratches less. Also, Cusinart was one of the few brands advertised as dishwasher safe.
I'm extremely happy with this purchase. Good quality cookware has made cooking a better experience for me. It really does make a difference. While I bought Cusinart because it was dishwasher safe, so far it has cleaned up so easily that I have used the dishwasher only once. |
If you're thinking of buying this cookware, read review number 4 on page one, and buy it!
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| Review Date: December 24, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Book Lover, Illinois |
I've been wanting stainless steel cookware forever, but the price for quality was more than I cared to spend. I was reading the reviews for this cookware and read one in particular that convinced me to buy this cookware. If you're thinking about the MCP Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless-Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set, read the 4th review on page one and you will be convinced this is the way to go.
Prior to purchasing this cookware, I was looking at a 7 piece set of All-Clad in a High-End cooking catalog and drooling over it. My husband wanted to buy the $700.00 (!!!!) set for me as a gift. I just couldn't bring myself to buy something so expensive without doing some comparison shopping first (the guilt factor working here!). That's when I came to Amazon and started reading the reviews for this cookware. Review #4 on page one convinced me that this cookware was just as good, if not better than All-Clad and he was so, so right!
First let me say that I kept my eye on the Amazon price. I ended up getting this set for $239.00 plus FREE Shipping! It's a no-brainer.....$700.00 for a well-known name brand (7 piece set) or $239.00 for a well-known name brand of the same quality (12 piece set)? I had to wait 4 weeks to get it, but it was more than worth the wait. While I waited for my cookware I decided to buy the All-Clad 12 inch fry pan with lid for $89.95 just so I could do a true comparison myself and the MCP set doesn't come with a 12 inch fryer, so it would also be a useful pan to have (get the MCP 12 inch fryer with helper handle...if you need a 12 inch fryer...it's $21.00 CHEAPER). I got my beautiful new cookware in November, right before Thanksgiving. Well, let me say....there is no difference except price and in my opinion, that's a HUGE factor. I honestly see no difference in the cookware...other than the name. They cook the same, they heat up the same and they clean up the same. In fact, the handle on the MCP is much more comfortable for me to use and the larger rolled edge for pouring makes the MCP better than the All-Clad....no drips down the side of the pans. The lid fit on the Cuisinart is no different than the lid fit on the All-Clad. Quality/construction difference? None. I truly do not see any difference in the 2 different brands. I am THRILLED with my decision to buy the MCP.
I was in awe when I opened my box of new cookware. It's beautiful, hefty, well-made and pure quality! I love the brushed exterior....no fingerprints! The lids fit very well and the lid handles, on the stove-top, stay cool to the touch for a long, long time (simmering soup for hours will make those lid handles hot!). The long handles never get hot (except in the oven, of course). The small helper handle on the saute pan and stock pot handles get hot, but that's a given IMO. I have used every piece of my MCP and it is absolutely fabulous cookware. It cooks evenly, no hot spots. The clean-up is a breeze too. I just soak the pans while we eat and a simple wash with a soft cloth wipes it perfectly clean. Cuisinart says the cookware is dishwasher safe, but I hand wash it. You may choose to use the dishwasher, but that may leave water spots. If water spots don't bother you, use the dishwasher. I have had white shadowy areas after cooking, but Barkeepers Friend takes it right off (get Barkeepers Friend in the grocery store in the kitchen cleaning product aisle...by the Comet cleanser). It looks brand new and I know it always will. I use wood utensils or nylon utensils and will never have scratched bottoms. No metal utensils if you don't want scratched cookware! I did purchase the 5 1/2 quart casserole with lid separately and I LOVE it. It's the perfect size for just about everything.
I have cooked everything from bacon and eggs, chicken breasts, to pork tenderloin (finished in the oven), to pasta dishes and soup/chili and everything came out perfectly. I've never burned anything in these pans and for me (and the smoke detector) it's a Good Thing. I ALWAYS had burned chili or soup because of hot spots in my other pans, even on the lowest heat setting on my stove. Simmering soups for hours in my old cookware just resulted in terrible hot spots/burned bottom. Not with this cookware. I start heating the pans on low and only go up to med/lo to medium and have never had a problem. The only time I took the heat to high was boiling water for pasta, other than that, cooking at a medium heat is perfect. I also love the fact that this cookware can go from the stove-top to the oven for finishing certain dishes. You can't do that with all cookware....especially teflon. The "secret" to cooking with stainless steel is to heat it BEFORE you put your food in it. If you do that, the food won't stick....even eggs.
I just love it and I know it will be the last set I ever have to buy. This was money well spent and probably the best value EVER. $239.00????? Are you kidding me? Buy this cookware. It's worth every dollar paid...even at $299.00, it's worth it, believe me it is. |
Great Cookware
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| Review Date: December 24, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Katherine of Ohio-gon, Akron Ohio |
Beautiful stainless cookware. Heats quickly and evenly. As mentioned by other reviewers, these stainless pots are very easy to clean - even cooked-on cheeses.
The directions that come with the cookware advise to soak pots with cooked-on foods with warm water and then wipe clean with a soft cloth. This is exactly what works.
For the lids, I bought a wire-formed envelope rack that works really well for sorting and storing the lids, and keeping my cupboard neat. (I didn't want to stack the lids in the storage drawer under the oven.)
I would definitely recommend to others. |
Excellent value
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| Review Date: January 26, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Marie, PA |
| I rarely ever write reviews, but after a long search for a good stainless set, feel compelled to comment. After much research I first purchased the Calphalon Tri Ply Stainless set and used them for almost a year. I was kind of stuck on having glass lids, but later I found that the glass lids really didn't matter as much as I thought. They were easily dented along the thin stainless rim (which is sharp if you have little ones aspiring to cook). Everything stuck to these pans. I also had a major problem with condensation building in the lids and seeping out through the "seal" between lid and pan. This created stains on the outside of the pans requiring additional scrubbing, as well as a huge mess on my cooktop almost every time I cooked (4 or more days a week). Luckily, Bed Bath and Beyond has an excellent return policy, and I returned the other and purchased this Cuisinart set from them (cheaper than Amazon with 20 off coupon). What an amazing difference! Heavy duty. Great value. Look beautiful. Handles are comfortable. Not too heavy. Lids fit well (no condensation dripping over the sides of the pans), mirror stainless interiors of the pans are so nice and almost like non stick. I made eggs with a drop of oil, and they slid right out of the pan. The other set required serious scrubbing with Bar Keeper's Friend every time . . . a real pain. The only thing I miss is a 4qt. saucepan, but could add that anytime. I've also made the switch to all plastic and wood utensils as to not scratch the interior, but you could use metal if you do not mind scratches. Nothing bad to say about these pans, and I saved almost $100 in returning the other more expensive set. Hope this helps anyone with their search for the perfect set of cookware. |
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