In your search for an excellent set of every day kitchen cookware, you may have come across the Calphalon brand before. It’s definitely one of the more popular brands of quality cookware available on the market today. But is Calphalon cookware all it’s cracked up to be? And do they offer a complete set of pots and pans that’s just right for you? Let’s take a closer look and find out.
Calphalon provides cookware sets to suit a wide range of diverse customers and cooking needs. Now let’s dive in for a closer look at the best rated Calphalon cookware sets.
#1: Calphalon Classic Hard Anodized 10 Piece Nonstick Cookware Set
What’s In The Box?
8 inch frying pan
10 inch frying pan
1.5 quart sauce pan with lid
2.5 quart sauce pan with lid
3 quart sauté pan with lid
6 quart stock pot with lid
This one is a popular option in the marketplace. With close to 2000 actual customers reporting, this cookware bundle rates an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars. Clearly buyers overwhelmingly approve of Calphalon Classic Nonstick Cookware.
Calphalon Classic pots and pans are built from hard-anodized aluminum. With an interior finish that features a double layer of nonstick coating, these pans provide exceptional non-stick performance. The aluminum is fairly thick (medium gauge 3 mm) to provide a sturdy foundation for these pans. Handles are made of stainless steel and stay cool during stovetop use. But it’s always a good idea to have an oven mitt, pot holder, or tea towel handy. It’s also a good habit to test the handle before grabbing hold of it.
When aluminum is hard anodized, it becomes much more durable and able to withstand the rigors of daily use. Equally important is the fact that aluminum provides even heating across the pan. It’s also is more persistent and corrosion resistant.
With a dual layer of nonstick coating, most foods slide out of these pans with relative ease and cleanup is a quick and efficient task.
Although a lot of manufacturers suggest their nonstick cookware is dishwasher safe, we always recommend hand-washing only. It’s also important to avoid harsh utensils made from metal. Even some plastic, nylon and wooden utensils can damage a nonstick surface. It’s also important to always wash out your pans with a soft cloth or sponge and warm water. Regular dishwashing detergent is fine as long as it’s a mild liquid. Beware that the kind of detergent used in dishwashers is too harsh and will damage your pots and pans.
Calphalon nonstick cookware is designed to save you time in the kitchen as you prepare quality cooked meals for you and your family.
One feature we liked on this Calphalon Classic set is the measuring marks inside the pans. This makes it easy to load it with liquid – without guessing on quantity – and without the need for a measuring cup, strainer, colander or ladle – and unnecessarily add to the dishwashing load. Other handy features include the straining covers and pour spouts that allow you to drain water from pasta or vegetables.
Calphalon Classic comes with long stainless steel handles that provide a high degree of heat resistance when used on a stove top. These pots and pans are oven safe up to 450°F and come equipped with tempered glass lids – so you can monitor you’re cooking without losing any heat inside.
What It’s Not
Calphalon Classic nonstick cookware is not dishwasher safe. It’s also not a stackable set, so be aware that if you stack or nest these pots and pans (without protection) you can easily damage the nonstick surface. And the lids on the Calphalon classic bundle are not interchangeable.
#2: Calphalon Classic Stainless Steel 10 Piece Set
What’s In The Box?
8 inch frying pan
10 inch frying pan
1.5 quart sauce pan with lid
2.5 quart sauce pan with lid
3 quart sock sauté pan with lid
7 quart Dutch oven with lid
This set features three layers with stainless steel on the inside and outside, surrounding an aluminum core. With a solid aluminum core that is impact-bonded, you get even heat across the pan. Stainless steel handles remain cool during most uses – except went in the oven. Speaking of the oven, these pots and pans are oven safe up to 450°F. And this set of stainless steel cookware is suitable for all types of stove tops, including induction.
Long stainless steel handles remain cool to the touch. Convenient interior measuring marks plus built-in pour spouts and straining covers allow you to cook with better efficiency and to get the results you want.
Tempered glass lids allow you to peek in on what’s cooking without disrupting the process.
With direct feedback from well over 2500 actual buyers, this Calphalon stainless steel cookware set rates eight solid 4.5 out of 5 available stars.
What you get with the Calphalon classic stainless steel cookware set is a durable and stylish stainless steel cookware. The aluminum base provides superior heat control and those long handles remain cool on the stovetop. Just be careful when placing your pans in the oven since the handles will definitely heat up. Handles on the lids are not going to stay cool since they are directly over top of the heat source.
You can easily cook scrambled eggs with cheese on these using nothing more than a silicone spatula and a little bit of oil or butter. The secret is letting the pan preheat to the correct temperature before adding any fat then letting that fat oil or butter get to the right temperature before adding your food. This is how you ensure great results every time. Let it preheat for about 5 to 7 minutes on a low setting. This requires a little patience but once you get the routine down, you’ll be impressed with the quality of your food. It also makes clean up a breeze. It’s simply a matter of finding the sweet spot for your stove and these beautiful pots and pans.
For anyone who spends a serious amount of time in the kitchen you understand the importance of having quality tools to work with. That’s why good cookware like this set from Calphalon is essential kitchen equipment.
#3: Calphalon Simply 10 Piece Pot and Pan Set
What’s In The Box?
8 inch frying pan
10 inch frying pan
1 quart sauce pan with lid
2 quart sauce pan with lid
3 quart sauté pan with lid
6 quart stock pot with lid
This Calphalon Simply set features hard anodized aluminum construction and a durable dual layer of nonstick coating on the interior.
The hard anodized aluminum is made of medium gauge (3 mm thickness) for a sturdy build quality. This model also features stay cool handles with a silicone comfort grips built-in. Despite the silicone handles – you can still use these in an oven up to 400°F.
This set is one of the more popular offerings from Calphalon. With nearly 5000 actual buyers reporting, this bundle scores an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars. That’s huge – given the number of customers chiming in.
Calphalon Simply makes an excellent choice for home cooks on a budget. You get the durability and performance Calphalon is known for, along with good value in an affordable set of nonstick cookware. With the nonstick coating, you can count on easy food release and quick cleanup. A hard anodized aluminum build makes it lightweight while supplying quick and even heating across the pan. And the silicone handles ensure a comfortable and solid grip that remains cool to the touch when on the stove top.
The durable dual layer of nonstick coating is PFOA-free. Domed, tempered glass lids provide a ready view of whatever it is you’ve got cooking inside.
This cookware is excellent for many different every day tasks including reheating sauces, making homemade soups, steaming rice, creating delicious vegetable stir-fry’s, or frying omelets. With even heat across the bottom of the pans – you get consistent cooking – whatever food goes inside. The nonstick coating on these pots also makes them excellent choice for melting caramel for candy apples, preparing fondues, or gooey chocolate desserts.
With nonstick pots and pans like these, it’s vitally important to only wash them by hand. Placing nonstick cookware in the dishwasher it will ultimately lead to its premature demise. It’s also important to avoid abrasive cleansers and only use a gentle sponge, soft bristle brush or microfiber cloth when dish-washing. That’s all it takes. If food particles get stuck on more than normal, simply let the pan soak in hot water after cooking.
Exposing these pans to a dishwasher will only damage the surface. Hard anodized aluminum is an excellent material to use as a base of any pot or pan. It’s remarkably strong and has an extended lifespan. And because it’s solid – it naturally resists sticking. Plus, with the dual layer of nonstick coating added – inside you have quality nonstick cookware that should serve you for the foreseeable future.
#4: Calphalon Premier Stainless Steel 11 Piece Cookware Set
What’s In The Box?
10 inch frying pan
12 inch frying pan with lid
1.5 quart sauce pan with lid
2.5 quart sauce pan with lid
3 quart sauté pan with lid
8 quart stock pot with lid
Calphalon Premier stainless steel cookware features three ply construction with a core made of aluminum surrounded by layers of stainless steel on the inside and outside. The aluminum core provides even heat distribution. Stainless steel handles built-in stay cool. And they say that it is oven safe up to 450°F. Since this set is made of stainless steel, it’s suitable for any stove top including induction.
It’s completely dishwasher safe – since it’s made of stainless steel and there’s no non-stick finish involved. But it’s always preferable to wash your pots and pans by hand anyway. That’s the best approach to take to ensure you get maximum value from these pots and pans and keep them looking their best.
With nearly 600 customers weighing in, the Calphalon Premier stainless steel set manages a solid 4.6 star rating out of 5 available stars.
With Calphalon premier stainless steel cookware you get quality appliances that are built to last. That means you can count on reliable performance from these elegant looking pots.
These pots and pans are fully clad with multiple layers that span the entire shape of the vessel and are not just limited to the bottom. These pots and pans are also oven safe to 450°F. This line competes with the All Clad try ply stainless steel set.
After cooking, always allow your cookware to reach room temperature before cleaning. You should never immerse a hot off the stove pan into water – especially cold water. That’s what can cause major warping which produces an uneven cooking surface that is difficult to manage.
It’s important to keep the temperature down and never go above medium with any cookware. It’s really not necessary to use extreme heat. When cooking soups, stews, or curries – you can keep the heat on low and that heat will distribute throughout the dish. You can check on it now and then and add a little water or broth if it gets too thick.
#5: Calphalon Premier Space Saving Nonstick 10 Piece Cookware Set
8 inch frying pan
10 inch frying pan
2.5 quart sauce pan with lid
3.5 quart sauce pan with lid
3 quart sauté pan with lid
6 quart stock pot with lid
When space is minimal – Calphalon premier is a worthy solution. These pots and pans are cleverly designed to stack smaller and nest in a more compact way – saving you up to 30% more cabinet space.
Despite the fact that these are stackable pots and pans, they’re also nonstick and in fact are 40% longer lasting non-stick than the Calphalon Classic line. Every pot and pan in this Premier set comes with a durable three layer hard anodized aluminum composition. Glass covers are flat to save space when stacking. Long handles stay cool on the stove top and you can place this cookware in the oven up to 450°F.
Calphalon’s Premier Space Saving bundle is compatible with most stove tops, including: gas, electric, halogen, ceramic, and glass top units. But it’s not induction-compatible.
What’s the primary unique feature of this set? The answer is that it’s fully stackable. The shape of these pots is such that they naturally fit together better in a more efficient manner.
Not surprisingly, this set rates a stellar 4.7 out of 5 stars – with nearly 600 actual customers commenting.
According to the manufacturer, this cookware set can withstand metal utensils. That’s not something we recommend, however. Despite the more durable three layer nonstick interior on all of these pots and pans – it’s always a good idea to stick to silicone, wooden, or nylon utensils. Just make sure they have no rough edges before using them with your new cookware.
Thanks to the nonstick coating, it’s quick to release foods without using an excessive amount of oil or butter. So that makes it a healthier way to go too. This set allows you to easily organize your cookware, so you can free-up additional space – something you can never have too much of in the kitchen.
#6: Calphalon Signature 10 Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set
What’s In The Box?
8 inch frying pan
10 inch frying pan
2 quart sauce pan with cover
3 quart sauce pan with cover
3 quart sauté pan with cover
8 quart stock pot with lid
This Calphalon Signature series is made of five layers of metals – a triple layer of aluminum, sandwiched between a solid layer of stainless steel on both the inside and outside. This triple layer of aluminum in the middle creates the solid core that is responsible for distributing the heat evenly across the span of the pan. That’s what establishes such an ideal surface for sautéing, searing, or browning to perfection.
This set is safe to use in the oven up to 500°F. Handles remain cool on the stove top – just be sure to use oven mitts. Since it’s made of stainless you can put these in the dishwasher and you won’t have to worry about any damage. That said it’s still preferable to wash your cookware by hand. They said it’s also compatible with all types of stove tops including electric, gas, ceramic, halogen, glass – and induction.
This set manages a respectable 4.4 out of 5 available stars – from about 160 buyer reviews.
This is excellent cookware for searing meats like steak and pork chops, reducing wine sauce, or cooking pasta. You can do all of the above – and a whole lot more – without any sticking. Even acidic sauces like tomato sauce clean up easily with no residue left behind. And with this rugged cookware set, you are safe to use any kind of utensils – including metal utensils – without fear of damaging the cooking surface.
These multiple layers are impact-bonded for added strength, creating super-durable pots and pans that should last forever. The rim of the Calphalon signature stainless steel set flares out slightly, allowing you to pour more easily. Finish is a stunning brushed stainless steel.
Quality Built In
Calphalon’s numerous lines if kitchen cookware is definitely a step up from the run-of-the-mill variety and it lasts significantly longer than those cheaper labels you can find in the big box stores. If you’re tired of replacing your cookware all too frequently because it doesn’t hold up to the demands of your family’s kitchen, then you’re probably ready for the kind of products Calphalon designs and manufactures.
Calphalon has been around since the early 60s and has evolved into a major manufacturer of cookware. With a large variety of lines, there’s something to please virtually every cook – with the exception of those looking strictly for a bundle of bargain basement pots and pans.
Sorting It Out
The problem with such a diverse lineup is that it becomes a daunting task trying to sort it all out. And that’s the purpose of this article – to help narrow the selection for you to the best, most practical Calphalon Cookware sets available
We spent several weeks looking at every available line of Calphalon cookware and came up with a handful of sets that we feel offer the most versatility, functionality and overall value. What we found are five complete bundles that are ideal for home chefs, foodies and anyone who wants to easily improve their culinary skills.
Our intention is to save you endless days of research you would otherwise have to conduct yourself. What follows will make you a more informed consumer and help you hone in on the best kitchen set for you and your family.
What’s Your Preference?
As with other major manufacturers such as All Clad, Calphalon produces essentially two categories of cookware sets: nonstick and stainless steal. Most people cooking at home tend to favor primarily one system of cooking or the other – although, as is often the case, there may be room for both and. For example, we really like quality stainless steel cookware for the majority of our daily cooking. However, there are times when having a decent nonstick pan can save the day – particularly when we’re rushed for time.
It really boils down to personal preference, what you’re used to cooking with, and how you tend to view the cooking experience. If cooking is a necessary chore for you, chances are you’ll prefer nonstick cookware. But if you love cooking gourmet quality meals at home – you’ll likely prefer stainless steel cookware.
Nonstick From Calphalon
Nonstick pans are a popular option for many home cooks because they offer easy cooking and cleanup with common favorites like eggs and pancakes. Of course, with a little skill you can cook with similar ease on stainless steel and get outstanding results too. But once you’ve used good nonstick cookware like Calphalon, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.
Calphalon quality nonstick cookware can easily last on average for about five years. Some even get more use out of their Calphalon nonstick. But all nonstick surfaces have a limited lifespan due to their very nature. Nonstick coatings are simply sprayed on to the metal base of the pan. Even with multiple layers, that finish itself is remarkably thin – as durable as it can be.
Robust Stainless Steel Cookware
On the other hand, stainless steel pans can last forever. With correct techniques applied, there’s no reason why you cannot cook easily with stainless steel cookware from Calphalon and get terrific results. You can even attain easy food releases, similar to what you can accomplish with nonstick cookware. But having stainless steel cookware gives you better value in the long-haul because these pans can last indefinitely and should never need to be replaced.
Calphalon is a good choice for most kitchens because it is well-made cookware. Sure you can buy individual pots or pans as needed. But when you look at the sets we recommend, it makes sense to buy a collection rather than singles simply because you’ll get more for less. Most of these sets provide wide ranging versatility, functionality and good value versus buying individual pieces, one at a time.
It doesn’t matter whether you looking to buy a gift set for someone or you’re furnishing a new kitchen with a beautiful set of pots and pans. Either way Calphalon cookware is a solid choice.
The Verdict
Calphalon Cookware oozes quality – that’s a big reason why this brand has been among the market leaders for decades. You really can’t go wrong with Calphalon and it’s more a matter of choosing between stainless steel cookware and nonstick cookware. We heartily recommend the above 6 sets from Calphalon. Choose the one that is best for you.
In our view, the ultimate cookware is crafted of stainless steel. Not only does it produce excellent results – it will last you a lifetime and you’ll enjoy whatever time you get to spend in the kitchen.
