Calphalon Cookware is a PFOA-free alternative to traditional Teflon pans. The Signature collection contains stainless steel and nonstick pots and pans with durable aluminum cores. Both sets have oven-safe handles and tempered glass lids that can withstand up to 500°F. In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the two Signature Collections.
The Calphalon Signature Collections
Calphalon has two Signature Cookware Collections. You can purchase the kitchenware as a set or individual pieces.
Calphalon Signature Stainless Steel Cookware
- Triple-layer aluminum core distributes heat evenly, for exceptional browning, searing, and sauteing
- Fully clad, 5-layer metal construction delivers performance and durability for years to come
- Oven-safe up to 500 degrees F, so you can easily go from the stovetop to the oven Tempered glass lids
- 8-Inch Omelette Pan
- 10-Inch Omelette Pan
- 2-Quart Sauce Pan with Lid
- 3-Quart Sauce Pan with Lid
- 3-Quart Sauté Pan with Lid
- 8-Quart Stock Pot with Lid
Calphalon Signature Nonstick Cookware
- Built to last, with a 1.5x more durable nonstick interior (vs Calphalon Classic)
- Heavy-gauge, hard-anodized aluminum construction heats evenly for precision cooking and performance
- Oven-safe up to 500 degrees F, so you can easily go from stovetop to the oven
A 10-piece set includes:
- 10-Inch Omelette Pan
- 12-Inch Omelette Pan
- 2-Quart Sauce Pan with Lid
- 3-Quart Sauce Pan with Lid
- 3-Quart Sauté Pan with Lid
- 8-Quart Stock Pot with Lid
The Review
We’re reviewing the Calphalon Signature Cookware for durability, even heating, ease of use, versatility, cleanup, and value.
Durability
This cookware is significantly more durable than your standard nonstick pots and pans. The base is constructed of three layers of heavy-gauge hard-anodized aluminum, with two layers of stainless steel fusing them.
Both the interior and exterior are infused with advanced release polymer. This material creates a microscopic layer of high-performance fibers that bind metal. The result is a superior nonstick surface that won’t fade away.
You can use metal utensils with this kitchenware, and it’s even dishwasher-safe. The Sear Nonstick coating is hard and doesn’t chip, bend, or warp as quickly as other pans. The Stainless Steel Cookware is safe to use on gas, electric, electric ring, halogen, glass-top, and induction stoves. The Nonstick Cookware is suitable for gas, electric, electric ring, halogen, and glass-top ranges.
Calphalon Cookware has a full lifetime guarantee. You’ll receive a replacement for any damage caused by material and labor defects. However, you have to adhere to the care and handling instructions. Avoid abrasive cleaners, harsh sponges, and heating an empty pan. We recommend nylon and wooden utensils to preserve the nonstick surface.
Even Heating
The Sear Nonstick surface distributes heat evenly for excellent cooking results. You get precise temperature control, which is a significant advantage when preparing specific dishes. Thanks to the glass lids, you can also easily monitor the progress of your meals.
This cookware is oven-safe up to 500°F, but we recommend sticking to 450°F and limiting the use of lids in the oven. Avoid heating an empty pan, especially for a prolonged time. The coating contains PTFE that can release toxins at extreme temperatures.
Preheating takes two minutes, so that you can cook on low and medium settings. For the best results, we recommend removing food from the fridge 10-15 minutes before you plan to cook. You can test when the pan is preheated by adding a spoon full of butter or oil. When the butter starts to bubble, it’s ready, but if it turns brown, your pan is too hot.
Ease of Use
The stainless steel handles are identical on both Signature sets and provide a comfortable grip. You can also hang both collections for safe storage. The brushed handles stay cool while cooking on the stove, and the side handles make it easy to maneuver the pans.
Food glides effortlessly out of the Nonstick Cookware, but the Stainless Steel Cookware tends to stick, especially if your ingredients are cold. By using butter or oil and cooking at low to medium temperatures, food releases much better. Only use high heat settings when you’re boiling down a liquid. The Calphalon Nonstick Cookware is a better option if you want to reduce the amount of oil and fat in your meals.
Versatility
Both the Stainless Steel and Nonstick Cookware contain two frying pans, two saucepans, a sauté pan, and a stockpot. However, the Nonstick frying pans are somewhat larger. Both sets are highly versatile and can handle a variety of different cooking tasks. The Stainless Steel Collection is safe to use on any stovetop, but the Nonstick Collection cannot be used on induction ranges.
In addition to the items in the sets, you can buy other pots and pans separately. Skillet, round griddle, flat-bottom wok, round grill, sauteuse, and Dutch oven pans are all available in the Signature collection. The pot edges are curved, but not spouted, so you’ll need to use a ladle for serving.
The saucepans and frying pans are stackable, which helps save space under the counter. We also love that both sets include four lids, which helps keep food warm when preparing for a large meal. Another bonus is that the covers of the 3-Quart sauté pans also fit the 10-inch frying pans.
The saucepans and stockpot are deeper and narrower than most others. It’s easy to spill in the beginning, before you get used to the different dimensions. We also wish there was a pour and strain feature on the lids.
Cleanup
Nonstick pans are quick to clean by hand with soapy water and a nonabrasive sponge. Both collections are dishwasher safe, but hand washing is ideal for nonstick pans. You shouldn’t need to put the nonstick pans through the dishwasher since they wipe clean almost effortlessly.
You can maximize the longevity of your Calphalon Nonstick Cookware by using a small amount of oil every time you preheat the pan. To avoid damage to your Nonstick Cookware and keep your warranty valid, follow these tips:
- Limit the pan’s exposure to extremely high temperatures.
- Never heat a dry pan.
- Avoid metal utensils.
- Don’t use aerosol sprays or oils.
- Use soft sponges and avoid SOS pads, green Scotch Brite scrubbers, and abrasive solutions like Ajax, Comet, or oven cleaner.
If you notice that your food starts to stick in your Nonstick Cookware, you may have natural oil residues in the bottom of your pan. Try soaking your kitchenware in hot water and dish soap. Then, use a soft-bristled brush to clean the surface.
You can use more abrasive detergents and heavy-duty scrubbers on the Stainless Steel Cookware as needed.
Value
Odds are, you won’t be disappointed with these high-quality cooking sets. The cookware comes with a hefty price tag, but you get durability, versatility, and even heating that far surpasses the standards of regular nonstick pans.
Cheap cookware sets often have harmful PFOA and coatings that begin to wear off almost immediately. Calphalon Signature Nonstick Cookware is made without PFOA, has a sturdy, anodized construction, and long-lasting, high-performance Sear Nonstick coating.
The Stainless Steel Cookware is entirely free of toxins and can last for decades if you care for it properly. If you’re looking for kitchenware that can withstand heavy daily use, the Calphalon Signature Collections are a great value.
Is Calphalon Signature Cookware Right for Me?
Are you looking for high-quality stainless steel pans that are durable, versatile, and deliver excellent cooking results? We recommend the Calphalon Signature Stainless Steel Cookware.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-clean alternative, the Calphalon Signature Nonstick Cookware cleans up as fast as it heats up.
The sets include a variety of practical pot and pan sizes that are perfect for everyday cooking. Both collections cost about the same price, so don’t expect to pay more, one way or the other. We recommend the stainless steel pans since they generally last longer than their nonstick counterparts.
Last update on 2021-05-29 / This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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