Top positive review
4.0 out of 5 starsA beautiful set, but still a lot to consider before purchasing
Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2019
This is a beautiful set: Pretty to look at, they clean up well, are nicely balanced, have a good feel to the handles, and I really like the flat lids. The weight is just right--not too hefty, but definitely not flimsy, nor are they light-weight. The shape and the slightly brushed finish give this set a rich and classic look.
I have an induction cook top, and these work very well on it. The cook top I chose is very susceptible to scratching and the pot recognition 'whatever' under the surface requires a very flat surface. I've not had any issues with the bottoms of these pans. I highly recommend these for induction cooking. (The metal bottoms of my Analon non-stick pans scratch the ceramic glass of my cook top to the point where I've stopped using them and have switched to Staub.)
I must say that, while these conduct heat very quickly and thoroughly, my Viking Contemporary stainless steel pots and pans, (which look a LOT like this set), do an even better job conducting heat and holding it. So, you might want to check out that line and compare prices. (Although, pans that hold heat extremely well might not be a good choice if you have heat sources that you cannot tune to go way, way low....)
Regarding the handles: My hands are not a man's hands, but they are not petite either, and I have long fingers. These handles are comfortable, but a little short for my palm. And that's not helped by the way these handles taper at the ends. They are cool to the touch.
That being said, I'd like to comment on the pieces in this 11-piece set. What I have to say might help you make your choice in sets, because the combinations Calphalon has put together for us sure do make decision-making difficult!
--I like that this set contains a 10" and 12" skillet, BOTH WITH LIDS. You do not need a 6" or 8" stainless steel fry pans. In those smaller sizes you need the best non-stick that you can afford. 6" and 8" are used mostly for eggs, and for that, non-stick is the way to go.
--I find the 3 quart saute pan to be too much like the 10"fry pan. The saute pan has straight sides, the fry pan has sloped sides. The sides of the saute pan are slightly higher, but not much. I don't really see the need for this size saute pan when you have a fry pan with a lid. There is a 5 quart saute pan in one of the sets, and that is a pan that would be way more useful to me.
--There are two exact same size lids in this set. What a waste in my opinion! The 10" fry pan and the 3 quart saute pan use the same size lid. Why not just one lid to switch between the two pans?
--I do like the 2.5 quart sauce pan, although taller sides, rather than wider bottom, would be more useful to me. But the extra half quart--in both the one quart and the two quart sauce pans is a definite plus.
Happy hunting for your new cookware! Don't get frustrated. Definitely spend a good amount of time in thoughtful consideration.
