Customer Reviews

Simply Calphalon SA8785HP Nonstick 5-Quart Chili Pot

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I think Calphalon has missed a bet in attaching the label "chili" to this versatile pot, because it suggests that its best use is limited to making chili. But mine is well-loved and used almost daily for cooking virtually everything -- chili, yes, but also soup, sauteed fresh veggies, simmer-all-day pasta sauce, pot roast, ETC. I also use it when I need a high-sided skillet. The heating is very even, making it a lovely choice for carmelizing onions and other vegetables, as well as meat. I love this pot so much that I have given a number of them as gifts.

Calphalon calls another pan, sort of a flat-bottomed wok, its "everyday pan." I have that one, too, but it has drifted to the bottom of the stack because I DON'T use it everyday. They should have applied that label to this pot instead instead of the "chili" label.

After years of everyday use, I wore out my Calphalon 8785 pot - despite my best efforts, the interior became scratched, and the exterior lost its anodized look. I'll keep it for backup, but it is officially retired.

I prefer the steel lid of the old pot because the handle is part of the lid; the new pot affixes the handle to the glass lid with big rivets. Structurally sound, no doubt, but a weak spot.

I don't see any real benefit to a glass lid; I don't watch the food cook, and if I do, I'm busy stirring a roux or sautéing, so the lid is off. Not a selling point for me.

Functionally, the pots are similar. The non-stick surface releases foods, but I cannot use metal utensils to stir or scrape. I use olive wood utensils out of habit, but the other members of my family are not always so conscientious.

The price is right, and this is a fine product. I have no idea why it is labeled "chili pot" - it is too small for chili made in my kitchen.

I look forward to another decade of daily use with my new Calphalon pan.

We've owned this pot for a little over a year now. The non-stick coating works VERY well, making cleanup a cinch! Also, it's the perfect size for cooking dinner for our family of four.

The one problem we've had with it is the durability of the non-stick coating. We first noticed some of the coating flaking off a few months back. Since then, the flaking has accelerated to the point that we're not using the pot anymore. We have always used wooden or plastic spoons with it, so we don't believe it is a result of neglectful use.

We have a stock pot that is a decent size, but it is narrow and tall so I wanted one that would be easier for me to work with. This pot does the trick! I love it! It cleans easily and allows me to make the amount that I want/need for our family. I recommend it highly.

This particular pan lives up to Calphalon's reputation for quality cookware. It's easy to clean and heats evenly. Love it!

Pot was exactly what we needed - good deal if you catch it at a good price on sale. Heavy duty - I like the coating as it's not heavy and won't "scratch off" into the food. Has held up well after several months of use and cleaning. Black color has faded some over time, but pot still in great condition.

My wife cooks everything at 4,000 degrees, so we needed something that could hold up to her cooking. We tried to buy similar to the space shuttle but this is the second best. I'm sure she can eventually destroy this, but she will have to work at it. Good product and we received it fast and as promised. We have used it for 3 weeks now and it has still held it's shape. Very unusual and we are very pleased.

I wanted a pot that was light weight, had a good non-stick interior and was the size of my old pot. This is exactly what I was looking for. I am very pleased with it. I use this pot the most out of all my pots and pans because it's the right size for most of the quick meals I cook for my family.

I've had a Stainless set of rather inexpensive Farberware for the last 15 years. But I've been buying decent quality pieces here and there to upgrade my collection. I bought this pot because I make a lot of chili style dishes. I am cooking for one. The 5 quart pot is just right for making chili (or stew). It makes enough for 3 or 4 meals depending on how much additional food I want to make with my meal. The pot is short and wide with lots of surface area making it ideal for sauteing up onions and peppers. It's non-stick, so use a single tablespoon of oil. The pot is nice and and thick and holds heat. The non-stick coating is very durable. I don't often use the cover, but it is heavy-duty glass which I find I like. I can't believe people actually spend more than $100 on a single cooking pot for home use. But this pot is reasonably priced for the quality you receive. If you are cooking for more than one person, the 7 quart version may be more to your liking.

My wife loves this pot so much that this is the second one we are buying. The first one last about 5 years before the non-stick surface started peeling, from wear and tear.