Customer Reviews

Calphalon Tri-Ply Collector's Edition 12-Inch Everyday Pan with Lid

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The best feature of this pan is how uniformly it really does cook. There wasn't a single hot-spot, unlike many of the other different brands of stainless pans I have used.

Because I am interested in prolonging the lifespan of this pan, and since it is a large size to be squeezing into most dishwashers, I had already planned in advance to hand-wash, despite my aprehension about that being a difficult process. I now know that there was no reason to be aprehensive. This is a pan I frequently use and it cleans up easily whether it contained Spanish rice, eggs, or a cheese-topped casserole.

Also, unlike a similar pan I have from the hard-anodized line, the glass lid is quite handy for monitoring without letting out the steam. Plus, the lid seals extremely well. I had to alter the amount of water I used in a couple of my recipes because this kept the steam in so much more effectively than my old pan that I was left with extra water in this one!

I wanted a stainless steel pan to replace the various brands of coated non-stick skillets I own that seem to scratch and lose their non-stick properties over time despite meticulous care. The Calphalon 12-inch everday pan meets that need and more.

Admittedly, before purchase I was skeptical about the non-stick claims made about this pan. If one follows the manufacturer recommendations to preheat the pan before adding food to it, I find that most foods do not stick. Some foods (mainly meats) stick a little, but they clean off readily with soapy water and a soft-scrub sponge. A new-like shine can be maintained with Barkeeper's Friend.

If you simply want a skillet, there are many other pans that would work quite well, but what sets this pan apart from those skillets is the high-dome glass lid and short side handles that make it a great brazier. You can prepare tender, thick pork chops that will cut with a fork by putting them in this pan with about 1/2" of water in the bottom, covering with the lid, and baking them in the oven at 325 degrees for a couple of hours. And the pan will come clean easily. The glass domed lid retains moisture in the pan very well, which keeps foods moist and tender during the cooking process.

For those who like to fry foods, this pan is a great choice. Unlike coated non-stick pans and skillets, you can cook with as much heat as you want without worrying about damaging the pan. The pan and lid are rated to handle up to 450 degrees.

The size of this pan can be a plus or a minus depending upon the amount of food you want to cook. The 10-inch version of this pan, which sells for about $20 less, would probably be sufficient for one or two people cooking small meals. Even though there are only two in our household I find myself using this 12-inch pan, however, instead of a 10-inch skillet because I can cook without worrying about food spilling over and/or make enough for leftovers. It is also a handy size for cooking small roasts with the lid on or off.

The pan has nicely tapered edges that make for dripless pouring of liquids from the pan. I use oven mitts to hold the glass lid slightly ajar against the pan to strain liquids. The weight of the lid makes this a little awkward, but it is made easier with the two side handles. A lightweight aluminum splatter cover might work better for this, but I tend to minimize the number of items that I care to wash after cooking by using the lid instead.

One handy feature of this pan which is also a negative is the short side handles. They are wonderful for baking things in the oven, and a pan this size would be heavy and awkward to lift with a single long handle (I own a 12-inch non-stick skillet with a handle, and it is very heavy and takes great strength to hold a lid against it to drain off liquids). The downside, though, is the short handles get quite hot with cooking heat above a simmer making usage of potholders or oven mitts a necessity for safe handling. If Calphalon would create handles that could remain cool during cooking, this pan would be perfect.

If you enjoy cooking, want a versatile pan that can be used equally well on the range or in the oven, want relatively non-stick cooking without the hassles of coated non-stick cookware, and want it to last forever, you will be very happy with the Calphalon 12-inch everday pan. I know I am.

I purchased a custom collection of Calphalon tri ply pieces in the past six months, starting with smaller pans and working my way up. I am so IN LOVE with them. This everyday pan is a workhorse and you simply cannot beat the ease of cleaning. Once you get used to it, cleaning the stainless (versus nonstick) is just as easy - and better because it is dishwasher safe. Stainless versus nonstick is now my preference virtually all of the time. For skillet chicken, this is the absolute best you can do for a perfectly browned end result. I have one piece of All-Clad and I can tell you honestly that I PREFER the Calphalon tri ply to it - though ALL Clad is definitely exceptional. You will not regret this purchase.

The Calphalon Tri-Ply Collector's Edition 12-Inch Everyday Pan with Lid is the best pan you will ever own. I have attended cooking classes all over the place, even attended butling school and never have I come across such a great pan. It is the perfect pan for cooking almost everything. It is versitile beyond compare. I bought additional pans for friends. In one month, I have used it 18 times. Truly, an exceptional pan, and an exceptional value.

This is my NEW favorite pan. I love it. It is a high quality product, EASY to clean (slip it in the dishwasher and voila), and not too big - not too small. I like the small handles. The handles on some of my other pans hang over the heating element. This Calphalon Tri-Ply is a MUST for every cook and a must in every kitchen!

This pan has been an excellent investment and a very nice substitute for the much more expensive All-Clad version. I am happy I tried this line and absolutely love the much lower cost without sacrificing quality. I suggest the Tri-Ply line as a cost cutting alternative to some All-Clad products.

What a great buy. A terrific pan for putting together a one (or at most two) pan meal. Flat bottom is large enough to saute veggies and aromatics, while the sloping sides are great for stirring in a sauce, al dente pasta, or whatever you're adding. Goes from stove top to oven with a great glass lid. Much better than the average saute pan in my opinion. There's no reason whatsoever to go to the much more expensive All-Clad version.

This is my all time favorite pan. Exceptional, high quality piece of cookware. Right up there with All-Clad. It cooks wonderfully even and the price is great. I use it stove top and in the oven and it goes right to the table. If I could only have one piece of cookware, this would be it!

I just finished washing this pan, which I choose to use at an increasing rate. It washes up with ease, who needs non stick? Looks beautiful, more importantly, I love cooking in it. Perfect size! The only problem is, I won't let the men in the household use it, hmmm.

I bought this pan because I needed a larger skillet-type pan- I only had a shallow 10 inch nonstick pan before. This pan is fairly heavy with a glass top and metal handles. It's also about 2.5 inches deep, deeper than my other pans. The first time I used it I made a stir fry with chicken, vegetables and egg--I follwed the manufacturers instructions which suggest allowing cold foods to warm up a few minutes--close to room temperature before cooking to avoid sticking---it worked! Nothing stuck to the pan, and it was easy to clean. I will continue buying these pans.