Customer Reviews

Calphalon Tri-Ply Stainless 3-Quart Sauté Pan with Glass Lid

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

 

 

Unfortunately, this pan is no longer sold as an open stock item, and can only be found in sets, such as the 8- and 13- piece sets. Fortunately, I was able to buy it from a Marketplace seller for a very agreeable amount of $50. However, I do see that Amazon is selling it for $150, which is vastly inflated, but takes into account the fact that it can't be obtained without buying the 13 piece, $399 set.

This pan is just the right size for sauteeing, stir frying, you name it. It's not huge like it's big brother, the 5 qt. saute pan, but is suited to most normal cooking. The walls are deep enough to contain many dishes, which is nice. It's a bit heavy to hold one-handed (better for those fore-arm muscles!), and I appreciate the addition of a small handle on the other side.

Of most importance is its lid, for some reason, which Calphalon does not sell separately. It can fit snugly over this pan, the wok, the 10" omelette pan, AND the 8 qt. stockpot. Hey, it even fits some of my old pots as well. Thus, increasing the worth of this item.

Really, a terrific addition to any kitchen.

A note about cleaning- after extended use, there will be tarnishing and brown blemishes (at least on my gas range). To get rid of these, do NOT use Bon Ami because it's too gentle and doesn't get rid of stains. Best way to go is Barkeeper's Friend, about $2.50 at your local supermarket, or Cameo Stainless Steel Cleaner. However, Cameo is more abrasive than Barkeeper's Friend, and WILL reduce the mirror polish of these pans. Barkeeper's is the way to go- remember to ALWAYS rub in a circular manner- back and forth will scratch the surfaces.

I was lucky enough to buy this saute pan for $14 at Dillards in 2004. Hard to believe, I know. I have enjoyed this pan so much, and its glass lid hasn't been a problem for me. Sure, the All-Clad is great, but when you can get this one for much less and still get great performance, then why not do it?

I haven't had trouble with discoloration, but that may be because I am cursed with an electric stove. Cleaning around the rivets isn't a problem because I just grab the vegetable brush and use it. Works like a charm. Otherwise I use a Dobie and Seventh Generation Dish Liquid.

This pan allows for the most amazing fond development and will go from stovetop to oven without a problem. It is an amazing piece of cookware, and anyone who has a problem cleaning it or cooking with it is usually an inexperienced cook.

Just picked up this pan open-stock at Ross for $34 (5th Jan 2012). Cooked up a Thai Chicken Red Curry in it on the stovetop. Have to agree that the handle is somewhat skinny when trying to lift a full pan (don't try it unless you want the whole meal on the floor) but then again it does have the extra helper handle to make it a little easier to move about. Love that the lid can go in the oven.

I bought this item to replace my trusty old Revereware skillet whose handle had finally fallen off after 30 years. When the Calphalon arrived, I was amazed by how much it weighted. Well, OK, it has 3 layers of metal, maybe I should have expected some heft, and I think I could have lived with that if not for the handle. The handle is short, thin, off-center, and hard to grip, making for an altogether awkward experience handling the pan. It was surely designed by an artist rather than an engineer. Being off center puts an awkward torque on the pan, making it hard to control. The short handle means you can't use your forearm as additional leverage against the great weight of the pan. And the narrowness means that the handle is just plain hard to hold for someone with normal adult sized hands. My arthritic mother couldn't even get a good enough grip on the handle to pick up the pan at all, and I ended up with a mild sprain in my wrist. In short, the thing was back in its box on the way out the door within an hour of being unpacked, because I would rather use my 30 year old Revereware with no handle than this behemoth with such a glaring design flaw. Too bad.