Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I currently own about 7 pieces of Calphalon cookware. I have been very pleased with the quality, and I try to pick up additional ones whenever I can. I was happy when I saw an Amazon offer for a Calphalon Commercial Hard-Anodized 7-Quart Chef's Casserole with Lid set for $60, down from $190. The few customer reviews were mostly favorable so I ordered one.

I did note some issues people were having with the Calphalon Commercial Hard Anodized 12-Quart Stockpot with Lid. To summarize it was noted that the pot was not made in America, was flimsy and thin in construction, and the finish quality was substandard. Being that I had already ordered, I waited to see what would arrive.

I opened the Amazon box and took out the plain white box whose only markings were "Made in China." Nowhere did it even say Calphalon, so this was an object never intended for normal retail sale (at a Macy's etc.). The pot was indeed flimsy with comically puny handles. I scratched at the surface with my fingernail and appeared to slightly mar the surface. I then walked to my computer, clicked return, and printed out the return authorization.

I think what disturbs me the most is if Calphalon is calling this piece of junk commercial quality, how can I possibly order one of their products unless I can physically touch it before I commit? Claiming a 68% savings on the price of this pot is ludicrous. This is more like one of those infomercials that packages 50 cents worth of plastic and says it's a $20 value. This flimsy pot would be expensive at $20. Calphalon may very well have lost me as a customer.

I grabbed my caliper and took a couple of quick measurements of the thickness of several of my Calphalon pieces.

My truly professional fry pan: 0.19" (4.8mm)
Calphalon Contemporary pan: 0.179" (4.4mm)
Calphalon Commercial Hard-Anodized 7-Quart Chef's Casserole: 0.10" (2.5mm)

This is a great pot if you know what you are getting. First of all, Calphalon's Commercial Hard Anodized line is NOT non-stick in the traditional sense, they make other lines that are, but this one is not. That said, if you follow the instructions, it does things a non-stick pot/pan can't do and cleans up very easily. It's especially good at searing and creating flavor in deglazing. At this point though I use this pot mainly for things like stews or chili. It does make a great pot roast too if that's your goal. I took one star off because it's not the same really heavy gauge as most of the other pots and pans I have from their Commercial Hard Anodized line. It's still a good pot, but noticeably lighter gauge. None of the this line is dishwasher safe either, if that's an issue for you.

I bought this to work as a dutch oven. I've made soups and roasts in it so far.

The sides of the pot are a bit thin for my tastes, although the bottom is comfortably thick. There are no hot spots on the bottom at all. Cleanup is a snap since it's hard anodized. Since it's not teflon, you can make pan sauces from the fond.

It's not cast iron, so it won't substitute for your Lodge or La Creuset. On the other hand, it doesn't weigh 15lbs either.

All in all, a very good pan for the money ($[...] on sale). I recommend it.

I love this pan. Very durable and it is very lightweight comparativly to its size. It cleans fairly easily, but it is not dishwasher safe. I think it is a fantastic product.

I'm pleased so far. I've followed the directions and have had little trouble with sticking. It is a big change from non-stick cookware. However, you can taste the difference. Food does taste better cooked in this product. I also feel better knowing I'm not feeding my family all the chemicals for the non-stick cookware. I do reccommend, but be prepared to change the way you cook. It's not really a problem, you just have to follow the directions.

I did not care for this product. I have used Calphalon commercial Hard Anodized products before but for some reason this was a disappointment. They did not clean well and the handles were poorly made. I have since learned there are different grades of Calphalon.

I was going to purchase this 7qt dutch oven BUT after reading reviews I have changed my mind. It seems from other reviewers, that this piece is definately NOT commercial grade (like my 12qt stock pot is). Too light weight to be commercial and the fact that they don't even make this in the USA is another reason. I have several pieces of Calphalon, each of those pieces are quality made. Perhaps Calphalon will wake up and realize what they have done! If you what a cheap piece of cookware, then buy this pot. If you don't want a cheap piece, then I would stay clear of this one. For me personally, I will take the quality first.

Pan is ok. I use fairly often for speghetti,stews or soups. Pan has turn white-ish inside where food cooks. I wonder if it is going to rust soon. I have had it for a year. I think pan is overpriced.

The pot is lightweight and definitely not Commercial grade as indicated in the description. There are only two good things about the pot as far as I'm concerned: the domed lid and the size. Over-all, I'd rate it poor quality and I would never have made the purchase if I'd touched it. If you're a serious cook -- don't buy it.

This is a nice pan. I like the Hard Anodized finish because you can use metal utensils or you can scrub as much as you want and the pan still looks great.