Calphalon Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware has three anodized layers for optimal heat transfer and durability. The aluminum core extends around all the sides of the pans, enabling exceptional heat distribution. An exterior magnetic stainless steel layer makes the cookware safe to use on glass, induction, and gas ranges. Meanwhile, the interior satin finish stainless steel layer provides resistance against stains and sticking.
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The Calphalon Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Collection
The Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware from Calphalon has a classic design and heavy-gauge aluminum core with two stainless steel layers. You can purchase the pots and pans individually or as sets. We’re reviewing the 10-piece collection, which includes five pans in a range of versatile sizes and lids to match each piece.
The 10-piece Calphalon Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set includes:
- 10-Inch Omelet Pan with Lid
- 5-Quart Sauce Pan with Lid
- 5-Quart Sauce Pan with Lid
- 3-Quart Sauté Pan with Lid
- 5-Quart Dutch Oven with Lid
You can also find an 8-piece set that includes an 8-inch omelet pan and 6-quart stockpot. However, the omelet pans don’t come with lids, and the 3-quart sauté pan along with the 5-quart Dutch Oven aren’t included.
A 13-piece set includes a larger 12-inch omelet pan, the same sized saucepans, two 3-quart pans, and the 6-quart stockpot. All the pots in this set have lids, except for the omelet pans.
The Review
We’re reviewing the durability, even heating, ease of use, versatility, cleanup, and value of Calphalon Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware.
Durability
The Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware has three durable, high-quality layers. An aluminum core allows for exceptional even heating. The exterior is coated in magnetic stainless steel, and the inside has a non-porous satin finish. This construction makes the surface highly resistant to wear and tear. You can use any utensils on these pans, and they’ll still maintain their luster.
The tempered glass lids are sturdy and resistant to breaking when accidentally dropped. Tripple-riveted handles provide a firm and stable grip. The riveted handles are securely fixed to the pan, so there’s no chance of them coming loose or falling off.
This cookware is dishwasher-safe, but handwashing with steel wool is the best way to keep them shiny. The dishwasher can leave a residue behind that also tends to make food stick. Stacking these pots and pans can scratch the outside, so it’s not recommended.
This Calphalon set has a full lifetime warranty. You’ll receive a replacement or refund if the material or craftsmanship is defective. However, you have to follow the care instructions and register your product on the Calphalon website. The warranty becomes void due to damage caused by misuse.
Even Heating
The aluminum core is optimal for achieving even heating results. Both the base and sides of the pans distribute heat evenly for perfect searing results. The handles stay cool to the touch thanks to a v-shaped structure that allows heat to escape from the handle during cooking.
Before use, you need to preheat the pans. Then, you can add your butter or oil. If your butter starts to bubble, the pot is ready to use. However, if the butter begins to turn brown, your pan is too hot. When this happens, remove then pan from the flame and wipe the burned butter out with a paper towel. Adjust the stovetop to a lower heat setting and test your butter again after a few minutes.
These pans conduct heat so well that you can cook with half the heat. However, you’ll need to use more oil in these stainless steel pans to avoid sticking. Cold foods tend to cling the most, so it’s best to let your ingredients warm up to room temperature before you start cooking. It takes patience and time to get used to cooking with a lower heat setting. You’ll have to do some experimenting through trial and error in the beginning.
Ease of Use
Despite staying cool, the handles are thin, making the pans challenging to balance when they’re full. The sauté pan has a second side handle that provides additional stability. The omelet pan, on the other hand, only has one handle, which makes it difficult to lift the pan without it tipping to one side or the other.
The glass lids fit the pans tightly, which helps seal in moisture, flavor, and heat. Unlike the long handles, the tops tend to get hot and require a potholder. You can easily observe the progress of your meal through the clear covers. Upon lifting the lid, you’ll be delighted by the aroma of the concentrated cooking juices. This cookware does a fantastic job of sealing in flavors that enhance the taste of your sauces, soups, and other meals.
Although the lids are excellent at sealing in moisture, the lack of air holes can be problematic when cooking rice or pasta. As a result, food can boil over when pressure builds. This cookware is also more substantial than most sets, weighing just over 26 pounds. The weight, combined with the long thin handle makes these pans challenging to maneuver, which increases the chance of spills.
Versatility
You can use this cookware on electric, gas, ceramic, halogen, or induction stovetops. Calphalon redesigned the Tri-Ply cookware in 2010 to make it induction-safe. The pans are also oven and broiler-safe up to 500°F, and the tempered glass lids can withstand temperatures up to 450°F.
Each item in the 10-piece set comes with a lid, but unfortunately, the covers aren’t interchangeable. As a result, you have to use a separate top for every pot. The pans are also not suitable for stacking since the lids don’t fit very well over the rims when turned upside down.
The range of pot sizes in this cookware collection is particularly versatile. Regardless of the recipe, you’ll find a pan in the 10-piece set that’s suitable for nearly every cooking scenario. The 13-piece set comes with a handy 12-inch omelet pan.
You won’t find any fry pans in the Tri-Ply collection. Instead, there are a selection of omelet pans. The main difference between the two types of pans is that omelet pans have sloped edges that curve outward. This feature helps food slide out more comfortably when you’re ready to serve it.
Cleanup
You can clean these pans by hand or in the dishwasher. However, we recommend hand-cleaning to preserve their shiny surfaces. After cooking, allow the pans to cool down. Then, soak your cookware in hot soapy water and scrub gently with a non-abrasive sponge to remove stuck-on food. Keep your kitchenware looking like new by using Bar Keeper’s Friend.
Food can stick to stainless steel very quickly, so you have to follow different handling instructions than you would with nonstick pans. Because of its excellent heat distribution properties, you’ll need to preheat this cookware at a lower temperature than you would with most other standard cookware.
After the pan is hot, add sufficient oil to prevent sticking. Ensuring that your ingredients aren’t too cold before cooking them can help reduce stickiness. Remember not to flip your food by force. When cooking meat, it will stick until it’s ready to release.
If you follow the guidelines above, the Tri-Ply cookware is easy to clean. After soaking, little effort is required to scrub the pots, but cleaning around the rivets can require some elbow grease. The lids also have a small space between the tempered glass and stainless steel where water can get trapped.
Value
The Calphalon Tri-Ply Stainless Steel sets contain high-quality cookware in a versatile range of sizes. However, these collections aren’t superior enough to account for the hefty price tag. What makes this cookware more expensive is the heavy-duty, durable construction that’s resistant to bending, warping, and scratching.
The 10-piece set includes everything the home chef needs to prepare almost any meal. We also find it convenient that each pan comes with a lid. If lids aren’t a top priority for you, the 13-piece set is a better value. This collection costs less than $100 more and comes with three additional pots and pans.
If you compare the prices, the 8-piece set doesn’t offer the best value compared to the other two. This smaller set is the same price as the 10-piece set, the omelet pan is 2-inches smaller, and there are fewer lids. If you’re looking for one particular cookware item, you can always purchase it separately in addition to the set.
Other Calphalon Tri-Ply Cookware Sets
We chose the Calphalon 10-piece Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set for its value and versatility, but you can also find an 8-piece and 13-piece set.
8-Piece Calphalon Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set
- 8- And 10-Inch Omelette Pan, 1-1/2- And 2-1/2-Quart Covered Sauce Pan, And 6-Quart Covered Stock Pot
- 2 Layers Of Stainless Steel Encapsulate Heavy-Gauge, Aluminum Core For Fast, Even Heating
- Triple-Riveted Handles For Secure Handling; Long Cool-V Handles Stay Cool To The Touch On The Stovetop
The 8-piece set includes:
- 8-Inch Omelet Pan
- 10-Inch Omelet Pan
- 5-Quart Sauce Pan with Lid
- 5-Quart Sauce Pan with Lid
- 6-Quart Stockpot with Lid
13-Piece Calphalon Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set
- Aluminum core between 2 stainless steel layers provides even heating for excellent browning and control of the cooking process. Non porous...
- Elegant brushed stainless steel exterior on pots and pans can go from the oven or stove directly to the table. Reflective cook surface makes...
- Clear tempered glass lids let you see food while it's cooking and are oven safe, so you can finish covered dishes in the oven or keep them...
The 13-piece set includes:
- 8-Inch Omelet Pan
- 10-Inch Omelet Pan
- 12-Inch Omelet Pan
- 5-Quart Sauce Pan with Lid
- 5-Quart Sauce Pan with Lid
- 3-Quart Chef’s Pan with Lid
- 3-Quart Sauté Pan with Lid
- 6-Quart Stockpot with Lid
Is Calphalon Tri-Ply Cookware Right for Me?
If you’re looking for robust, stainless steel cookware that will last for years to come, we recommend Calphalon’s Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware sets. Many buyers compare the quality to standard All-Clad cookware, which costs considerably more.
Calphalon Tri-Ply Cookware may not be right for you if you find heavy pans challenging to maneuver. The thin handles don’t provide the best grip, and a chef with limited physical strength could easily lose control of the pan.
These pans perform exceptionally well in the kitchen, heating food evenly and consistently throughout. Most home cooks will experience a learning curve at first. However, once you get used to cooking with stainless steel, you’ll find these pans a breeze to cook with and simple to clean.
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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