Calphalon Commercial 9-Piece Hard-Anodized Cookware Set

I read all of the reviews on this set prior to buying, and I must say that even despite a great, low price on this, I almost canceled my order. I am SO GLAD that I did not! It is true what people say in these reviews, know what you are getting and how to use it/care for it. The size of these pans are wonderful. I have used every single one of these because the sizes are very practical for everyday cooking. There are times where things will stick to the pan (as expected) when they are browning but a simple deglaze of the pan and you have wonderful food and gravy. I find most things are not a problem and all are correctable with little issue.I initially used a metal spatula since the care instructions say that this is allowed (and one of the great freedoms in my mind of not having nonstick surfaces) as long as the metal is not pointed. The very first time I used the metal spatula, it resulted in little knicks in the bottom of my pan, and I was shocked. I didn't spear the pan or wasn't rough...my spatula was rounded. Overall I would advise NOT to use metal utensils with these pans. It's just simple that when metal gets hot, it weakens.My other issue with the care of these pans (cleanup is very easy by the way) is that Calphalon recommends that for "like new" cleanup of pans to use Comet or Ajax however later on they say not to use any products for cleanup that contain bleach. This is a contradiction since both Comet and Ajax contain bleach, so I think I will need to contact Calphalon for clarification. I didn't see this until after I did my first wash but did not notice any harm.Overall I would definitely recommend this set to anyone but just be aware that you have to treat it differently than nonstick surfaces. The food I cook in these pans turns out so much better, and I'm not worried about coating flaking off in my food or getting the pan too hot (although I cook with these on a lower temp because I do not find the need to turn it up higher). Do not be frightened like I almost was about buying these pans. They are wonderful!

I was gifted a set of Circulon and was disappointed in its performance from Day 1 but I cooked with them anyway. On a whim, I purchased the Calphalon Commercial Hard-Anodized Everyday Pan (available here on Friday Sales) and fell in love with it. Then I picked up a saucepan, also love, love, love. After 2 years of use, both pieces looked close to new. When the teflon coating on one of the Circulon pans started peeling, I knew it was time for them to go ... I ordered these and trashed the Circulon. So glad that I did.A real plus is that the pans in this line are oven-safe, which means savings in the way of purchasing casseroles and roasters. The only cookware I like better than this for cooking/cleaning/versatility is Mario Batali Italian Essentials Pots, which are fantastic but oh, so much more expensive.My only complaint/disappointment with this line is that I frequently "cook" bagged meals from frozen (you know, heat up oil and dump in a frozen pasta mix, and voila!). Frozen foods like that stick to these pans. I don't have the same problem with a Wok by a different maker. Otherwise, foods clean off easily and the pans keep looking/cooking good. It also does a fantastic job caramelizing onions ... yum!BTW, I throw them into the dishwasher -- life is too short to hand-wash pans! No problems, and I could care less that it voids the warranty.On pricing ... I ordered this set when the price fell insanely low ... and then had to wait about 1 month for it to get back in-stock & shipped. Be patient -- you can save more than 1/3 over the regular price offered here (which is about 1/2 of list).

I have other pieces from this line and was thrilled to receive this set as a gift. All I wanted was an All Clad 12" omelet pan but my husband knew I liked Calphalon and thought this was a better choice. So do I! I have always cooked omelets in my nonstick pans and was pleased when I cooked one in the 8" pan and it didn't stick! The only drawback of course is you have to use oil to keep it from sticking so I will probably continue to make omelets in my nonstick pan. However, you can get a really nice sear on a steak and sauté chicken breasts using a minimal amount of oil.The 12" pan is a dream come true. I fried a batch of coconut shrimp without crowding the pan and they all cooked evenly and quickly. This skillet will come in handy if you have a large family. I only cook for two so it more than meets my needs but it is my favorite pan, and I use it more than the 10" pan. The 2 1/2 quart sauce pan is heavy, and I have used it extensively for making sauces, cooking rice, and deep frying small batches of French fries and zucchini fries. The 7 quart chef's casserole seems to be a little thin around the top compared to the rest of the set but it cooks nicely. I used the 3 quart chef's casserole a couple of times to make small batches of soup.The omelet pans do not have lids and the stockpot lid does not fit any of them. I think the lid that comes with the saucepan may fit the 8" pan. If you have the 5 quart saute pan or the 8 quart sautier, those lids will fit the 12" skillet. The lid from the 12 quart stockpot will fit the 10" skillet.This makes a great starter set but if you are not familiar with Calphalon cookware, make sure you read and follow the directions in the use and care guide that comes with the set. It will make all the difference between loving this set and hating it.