I have finally learned my lesson after purchasing this set: please note that even though these state that they are dishwasher safe, they really aren't. This is because of the Tri-poly layering, so there is a very thin layer of aluminum that is exposed along the rims. Especially on any pan that has a rolled edge. Any exposed aluminum that is put in the dishwasher will corrode due to the harsh detergents used in dishwashers.
It doesn't matter what type you use (we've tried them all, including a homemade one), the ingredients in the detergents that are necessary to get your dishes clean are also too harsh for aluminum. This is why those pans get a gray or white powdery residue on them when they are run through the dishwasher. We have completely eliminated all aluminum from our kitchen and use only stainless steel because of health concerns, and it just makes life a lot easier.
While I understand the importance of hand washing certain things - like wooden items (utensils, cutting boards) and knives (to retain their sharp edge), I am a busy person, so now and then, if there is room, I like to put a pot or pan in the dishwasher if there is room. So when a product states that it is dishwasher safe, I would like to think they are TRULY dishwasher safe. Which to me means there is NO aluminum exposed whatsoever, because I know it will corrode in the dishwasher. Which means they are left with a worn down edge, making the stainless steel layers sharp to the touch.
I know this because when we were first married, we purchased a very expensive Belgique set. We had no clue about metals and detergents or anything like that, so put them through the dishwasher all the time. Over time, the exposed aluminum wore down and the exposed edges (on the bottoms of their products) were sharp...and ugly. Last year I decided it was time to get something else so purchased a Cuisinart stainless steel set that also stated they were dishwasher safe. It was quickly apparent that they really weren't, as they also had an exposed aluminum edge (on the top of their products) that wore down and the stainless layers also became sharp.
Being very frustrated about this, I decided to do some serious research on stainless steel pots and pans - reading hundreds of reviews and articles and washing dozens of videos to learn everything I could. I finally settled on this very expensive set, which I just purchased over "greed weekend" (aka Black Friday) because they were on sale. It was a BIG investment for something as simple as stainless steel pots and pans, but the description clearly states that they are DISHWASHER SAFE, as well as their website and other sources. When they arrived, I was immediately struck at how nice these pots and pans are. So professional looking and the nicest we've ever owned, even after having the expensive Belgique and Cuisinart sets. There's just something about these that look and feel more expensive. On close inspection, we couldn't see any exposed aluminum. It all looked like they had closed the tri-poly layers with stainless steel, so everything was contained, and we were so happy to FINALLY have something that was actually 100% dishwasher safe. No more corrosion or sharp edges! Or so we thought.
We have used a few of the pots/pans in the past few days and last night I had an open spot in the dishwasher so I went ahead and put one in, assured that all would be well. Fast forward to this morning when I went to unload the dishwasher and imagine my horror when I pulled out the pot and noticed the tale-tell signs of dusty white around the top edge of the pot - apparently the aluminum IS exposed, just like with the other brands, and just ONE cycle through the dishwasher made it lose it's shine and when I rub my fingernail over the edge, I can feel (and see) the layers of stainless steel and aluminum now, because that one cycle in the dishwasher has worn it down just enough that it is now visible.
So I have learned a very important lesson here - there is NO SUCH THING as 100% dishwasher safe when it comes to anything made of tri-poly layers. There must be no way for them to completely enclose the aluminum so there will always be a small strip exposed. Or maybe it needs that exposure to expand and contract with the heat, since aluminum and steel conduct heat differently.
I wanted to write this review so that if you are considering making this investment, I DO highly recommend these: they are not only beautiful, but they perform fantastically. The sizes are absolutely perfect for our needs (and actually fit our burners perfectly too, which is something we've never experienced either). But, I STRONGLY advise that you NEVER EVER EVER put these in the dishwasher. Like ever. Never ever ever. If I could go back and not put that 1 pot in the dishwasher last night, I would. I don't mind hand washing, but if something is advertised as dishwasher safe, then it really should be. So just be aware that it's not entirely true.
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