Customer Reviews

Calphalon Commercial Hard-Anodized 7-Quart Chef's Casserole with Lid

5 star:		(68)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

The shape is nice, the design is good, but the thickness of the pan is very thin on the sides, but thicker on the bottom. Maybe somebody could argue that this puts the heavy metal on the bottom where it is useful and saves weight where it isn't needed, but I'm afraid that I'll dent this thing if I drop it or mishandle it by accident. The metal at the rim is only about 2mm or less I'd guess. I'm used to old heavy duty Calphalon commercial pots, so this one was a surprise... but it was also much less expensive than the ones I bought years ago, so since this isn't one of my workhorses but something I use when cooking for more people, I guess I'll live with it. It isn't a bad pan, it just has less material than you would expect if you have some of the older calphalon commercial stuff from years ago. I'd recommend it for someone in my situation, who needs a pot of this volume and shape for occasional use.

I have been purchasing the commercial line and this is the thinnest pot in the line (so far). The rivets are much smaller also. I am not impressed with this and would not recommend this item as I have the others in the commercial line.

I have a number of Calphalon H-A pieces. Some are high-end, others are from the lower priced lines. While I've always noticed the difference in quality in the lower priced pieces, I've considered that to be a trade-off for the reduced price. This dutch oven is a disappointment even by the lower standard. As other reviewers have mentioned, the pan is extremely thin. Worse, the first time I cooked in the pan the interior surface seemed to wear away leaving irregular, shiny marks. Other discounted pieces (especially the 12" everyday pan) hold up well over time, but this one seems to be a dud.

As a side note, Calphalon is willing to examine any pan to determine if a replacement is warranted, but after shipping costs it's hardly worth the effort to send it in.

My husband and I are thrilled to own nearly all of the Calphalon Commercial Hard Anodized Cookware (as well as some Professional and some Nonstick). While I am happy with this piece because of its size (sometimes 5 qt. just isn't enough and stockpots, with their high and tall shape, are more difficult for me to use), as other reviewers have noted, the weight, thickness, and quality of this piece is far lower than expected. It is more reminiscent of Calphalon's Pots 'N Pans or Simply Calphalon lines. While I debated returning it for these reasons, I admit I did keep it to use when I really need something bigger than 5 qt. (and the price was great). If I had seen it in person in a store, I probably wouldn't have taken it home.

This pot is meant for quick searing/braisng on the stove , THEN IT IS MEANT TO GO INTO OVEN. It is thin for even heating
IN AN OVEN. If you want to cook on the a stove top, get stock pot or sauce pan.

I bought this piece over a year ago and have had nothing but great success with it. Yes, it's a little thinner than the other ppots in the line, but I understand that because it's really a dutch oven, the thinness at the top and the domed shape of the lid help with condensation and limiting evaporation of liquids. I use it to braise, make soup (fits my oven better than the tall stockpots), brine (I just found out it holds 4 qts of liquid and a 6lb chicken!), make spaghetti sauce--pretty much anything that requires a large pot.

It still holds heat very well, and I can boil water in it and still pick it up by the handles. The inside bottom on a couple of pots have become discolored even after only a couple of uses, but this one is still in pristine shape. It even fits nicely in my small sink!

I use this pot for everything, would buy another if I had the space to store it, and highly recommend it to anyone. Buy this workhorse and enjoy!

It's a worst piece of Calphalon Commercial line I have owned. The pan has good size (only 10" foot print) but very thin. Like the other reviewer, the first time I have boiled a large piece of chicken breast in the pan,the interior surface at the bottom seemed to wear away leaving irregular, shiny permanent stain marks. I don't cook acidic food at all. I wish I can return this pot.

Calphalon's new Commercial Hard-Anodized line of cookware is great! I love the stainless steel handles which, unlike the cast aluminum handles of their regular hard-anodized line, stay much cooler to the touch. Also the lids on this line of cookware are domed, which create a tighter seal that reduces evaporation, so you don't have to add liquid during cooking. The handle on the lid is also stainless steel, and the shape has been redesigned to allow for easier lifting. These pans can also be used in the oven.

The Commercial Hard-Anodized 7-Quart Chef's Casserole with Lid is perfect for making a large batch of split pea, lentil, or chicken soup; Irish stew; and Coq au Vin. It's easy to braise your meat first at a medium-high heat, and then add broth or stock when you turn the heat down to a simmer.

For a tomato-based pasta sauce or anything acidic, I still like to use my Le Creuset pots and pans. Also, I don't put any of the Calphalon pots or pans in the dishwasher.

To brew up a large pot of home made soup, chili, a pot roast with brown potatoes (Dan Quale where are you?)and carrots - you just won't find a better large pot. Brown your meat and onions on the stove top add some water, and pop into the oven until the meat is tender, add veggies and continue to cook at 300~325, covered, for the best roast you'll find anywhere. The down side is the price, here.You can find this pot at less than half the price as listed here if you do a bit of searching. As great as they usually are here, they do get a bit pricy from time to time so it is worth shopping around to find the best deal. But you will not go wrong with this pot.

Like previous reviewers, I was also surprised by the light weight and thinness of this pot. I own several other pieces of Calphalon cookware, and this one is by far the least sturdy feeling of them all. However, it performs very well - heats evenly and quickly, cleans easily, and has a small footprint for such a large capacity. It stains easily, but who cares? I definitely recommend this item - it's a great bang for the buck!