Monday, September 20, 2010

Cuisine Select Cabral 40 Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set




Product By Gibson Overseas, Inc.(2 customers reviews)
Lowest Price : $89.99
Technical Details
  • 0.4Mm Stainless Steel
  • Non-Stick Interior
  • High Tempered Glass Lids
  • Bakelite Handles And Knobs
Customer Reviews

"did not receive what was advertised (as photographed in ad)" 2010-08-30
By D. Ciotti (Washington DC)
See the photo gallery to see what was really delivered. The items in the ad photo do not resemble the items we received. Unfortunately I sent these directly to my daughter at college so she started using them. When I called to follow up - she told me what she got and sent the photo from the box.
  
"Not as advertised" 2010-02-18
By Gerad Munsch (Natrona Heights, PA)
I recieved my pots and pans yesterday, hoping for the pictured item, instead, this is what was recieved.
[...]
Though I still find it to be a decent, affordable kitchen set, it was not the set pictured. I find the product to be of average quality. The stainless is a little thin, and flimsy. The handles are spot welded, and feel somewhat weak, so as long as these are taken care of, I expect a decent life span out of them. Not bad for [...].

Friday, September 17, 2010

Calphalon Contemporary Stainless 10-Piece Cookware Set



Product By Calphalon(21 customers reviews)
Lowest Price : $270.00
 
Product Description
 
Set includes an 8-inch omelet pan, a 10-inch omelet pan, a 1-1/2-quart saucepan with cover, a 3-1/2-quart saucepan with cover, a 3-quart sauté pan with cover, and an 8-quart stockpot with cover. The sleek curves of the unique design complement your kitchen, as does the brushed stainless exterior. The tri-ply construction with full aluminum core means superb conductivity and even heating. The stay-cool handles remain comfortable for hours on the stovetop, and the tempered-glass covers provide see-through convenience and make for a beautiful presentation. The cookware is dishwasher-safe and cleans up quickly and easily. Lifetime warranty.

Technical Details
  • Includes 8- and 10-inch omelet pans; 1-1/2-quart and 3-1/2-quart saucepans with lids; 3-quart sauté pan with lid; 8-quart stockpot with lid
  • Brushed stainless-steel exteriors and interiors help hide wear
  • Tri-ply construction; aluminum core for superb conductivity and heating
  • Stay-cool handles for comfort through hours of stovetop cooking
  • Oven- and dishwasher-safe; covers oven-safe to 450 F; lifetime warranty
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Customer Reviews 

"As Claphalon advertises" 2010-08-08
By mainegardener
I purchased a 10 pc. Claphalon Contemporary cookware set about 6 months ago. I really have come to like my new cookware. Previously I had used a hand-me-down Revere set, and wanted a heavier-bottomed, purchased-new-by-me set. I did a fair amount of research, and based mostly on Consumer Reports' evaluations I chose Calphalon. I specifically chose the Contemporary line because of the glass see-though lids, the lovely design, and the lower weight of individual pieces compared to other Calphalon product lines. At first I didn't like how large and heavy the pots and pans were compared to my Revereware. I'm used to the extra heft now-- the extra long handles on the Calphalon help with balancing the weight of pot and contents. I also didn't like the fact that the Calphalon handles were so long that I had to completely rearrange my cabinets to provide a place for the new set. To aid in storing, I found online a do-it-yourself rack (made from an inexpensive metal hand towel rack) for the lids that I attached to a cabinet door. This rack is very handy, and allows me to stack the pots to conserve space. Some reviews I've read complain about food sticking to stainless steel. I've not had this problem AT ALL PROVIDED I use the cookware according to manufacturer's directions. That is, heat the cookware first, then add the oil/fat. Only add the food after the oil is hot. Never use high heat except to boil water. (I find I never feel I need high heat with the heat-distributing properties of this cookware.) Slight discoloration on the interior of the pots that I get sometimes after cooking is very quickly polished away with Bar Keeper's Friend. The lovely shape of the Contemporary line adds a serendipidous advantage: the gradual curve of the bottom of the pots (curved like a saute pan) allow me to use a spatula more quickly and efficiently to stir and scrape out food. I really like this feature! Did Calphalon do it on purpose? I like the see-through lids. Eventhough the lids bead up with condensation, which limits how well you can see the food in the pot, I find I can readily monitor reaching the boiling point or the rate of boiling anyway. The set requires sharing a lid between the 8" saute pan and the 2 1/2 qt saucepan. Often I want to use both of these with lids simultaneously. Purchasing another lid would put me back about $40! So I sometimes just use the stockpot lid, which overhangs the edge of the saute pan.
Pro:
See through lids
Beautiful design, aids in food removal
Heavy weight stainless steel distributes heat
Nearly no-stick quality!
Cons:
Heavy with long handles requiring thoughtful storage
Don't stack well
Shared lids
In summary, despite some down points, I would highly recommend Calphalon Contemporary, and purchase it again.
  
"wonderful set of cookware!" 2010-01-19
By Carma (Southwest USA)
I have had this set for over two years and I love it! And I have to say, in response to the other reviews, I don't buy Barkeeper's Friend (or anything similar), but I have no problem cleaning these pans - EVEN FOR EGGS. As long as you preheat correctly there is little sticking or cleanup, and a little soaking takes care of the times when the preheating wasn't done correctly (like, by my husband!). Just remember: "hot pan, cold oil, food won't stick!" These pans heat quickly and wonderfully evenly every time - I never have to turn my burner above medium. Not to mention, they are beautiful and ergonomically easy to handle. I have carpal tunnel syndrome but the construction of the handle and the way it joins to the pan makes it easy to lift and carry. Also, the way the handle joins to the pan (with a Y construction) ensures that it is a very solid join but conducts little heat, so the handle remains cool. Yes, the handle on top of the lid gets hot since it is directly over the heat, but that seems kind of obvious; just use a hot pad to lift the lid. Also, I have had none of the discoloration problems mentioned here; I'm not sure what might cause that, but whatever it is I apparently don't do it. I have also had NO problems with the pans denting and I do sometimes use metal spoons, though I prefer wooden. No, they don't look brand new any more, but really, who cares? They are extremely well-constructed and in two years of hard use (family of six) none of the joins or screws have loosened even a smidge, and no glass lids have broken. Plus, they are by far the most attractive pots and pans I've even seen, with lovely elegant lines. I like having them in my kitchen to look at as well as to use.
  
"Stainless Calphalon" 2009-12-23
By K. Bryson (Palmdale, CA USA)
I am a Calphalon user since 1984. Lately, the older Calphalon model became too heavy for me to use; these stainless ones are lighter and cook like a dream. Little heat required and they clean up like a charm. I LOVE them.
  
"My thoughts on Calphalon Contemporary Stainless" 2009-10-11
By C. Conn (Bellevue, Wa)
I bought the Calphalon Contemporary Stainless cookware 13 pieces set three months ago and wanted to give my thoughts. First of all I am a beginner cook and have only done simple things with the pans. I did my homework; I read various web sites on stainless cookware and how to care for it. I read all of the instructions that came with the pans. I checked out Calphalons web page as well. I have had no issues with sticking, none. First I warm up the pan slowly, and then I put a light layer of heart friendly oil in the pan. Clean up is a breeze, the trick BAR KEEPERS FRIEND. The pans still look as good as new. Use plastic and wood utensils with the pans, no metal. Mine came with a set of utensils, which I use every time. One reviewer damaged the pans by hitting a ladle against the rim, I have been careful not to "BANG" the ladle against the rim. And yes, the lid handles do get hot. Nothing negative to say, buy these. Did I mention BAR KEEPERS FRIEND?

Thursday, September 16, 2010

CIA Masters Collection 7-Ply Copper Clad Stainless Steel 10 Piece Cookware Set





Product By Culinary Institute of America(5 customers reviews)
Lowest Price : $549.95
Product Description
An ideal set of cookware to set up the serious home chef. Set includes the most widely used pieces of cookware for a broad range of cooking needs. This set includes an 8 inch Saute, a 10' Saute, 1 Qt. Saucier with cover ), 3 Qt. Saucier with cover (cover will fit 10 inch Saute) and an 8 Qt. Stock Pot with cover. The 7 ply copper clad material provides an even, consistent environment to ensure excellent results in your kitchen. Designed by the Master Chefs of the esteemed Culinary Institute of America to be the top performing cookware on the market, the Master’s Collection features the perfect amount of copper, surrounded by layers of aluminum and stainless steel. Each layer of metal extends to the top of the pan. This high quality construction makes for an amazingly responsive and conductive piece of kitchen equipment. The detail to design and functionality are exceptional, and will be a welcome addition to your kitchen
Technical Details
  • 7-Ply Copper Core construction extends up full side of the pan for quick and even heat distribution
  • Induction Ready
  • 18/10 stainless steel interior is non-reactive, easy to clean and safe to cook in
  • Riveted ergonomically designed handles are comfortable and add to ease of use
  • Lifetime Warranty
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Customer Reviews
  
"Finally a clad set with sauciers!" 2009-10-13
By J. Rogers (Melbourne, Australia)
This set was exactly what I was looking for - good value, good quality cookware in the shapes I want! This is a review after my first month.
Like everyone else, I compared this set to All-Clad very carefully. What swayed my mind was:
- the use of sauciers instead of saucepans
- similar quality at a better price
- perfect sizes for what I needed (the small covered saucier is so handy)
- stackable!
- great service from CIA, vs incorrect answers from All-clad distributor
Heating is very even. I've used the biggest pans on the smallest, largest & wok gas burners, always getting an even rise of bubbles as I approach boiling point. The clean up is easy, especially with a stainless cleaner which I've only used once. I've never been tempted to grab a wire scrubber yet, though I regularly pan roast and broil in these pans
I would change a few little things, but given the price, I can live with them (and I couldn't find a set with these at any price in clad):
- rolled edges on all pots (currently just on pans)
- the handle design, while comfortable, isn't the most stable on the stove when pans are near empty (more due to my gas stove which have 4 balance points). A little more weight in the body would be great, even though it felt the same as All-clad
- smooth cooking surface inside where handles mount (the rivets are the only part hard to clean)


"CIA Masters Collection 7 ply-The Winner hands down!!!" 2009-07-03
By P.W. (Naples,Florida)
I replaced my over rated all-clad stainless clad,cop-r-chef and ltd with this superior cookware. Forget the review about scratching or discoloring,they all do it. Use some Cameo to clean it. Cia has combined the best assests of them all into one. The handles are so comfortable, great fast even heating,induction ready and handsome styling.They continue to amaze me. I really don't care if it is made in China, price would be very high if made here.The profits go to the CIA cooking school.
  
"Great performance - Great Value" 2009-04-14
By chefgirl (Portland, OR)
Things I love about this cookware: The copper core makes it incredibly responsive. When I am making delicate sauces, or candy I can control the temperature up or down immediately (I do have a gas range, and I imagine it would take a little longer to respond on an electric stove, but so would any cookware). The weight is perfect. These pots are heavy enough to be really effective, without breaking my arm. Additionally the curve of the handle makes moving them on the stove, or carrying to the sink easy. I much preferred these curved handles over other handle choices from other vendors. The cooking surface on the skillets is really generous. Clean easily (I dishwash all the time).Handles resist heat transfer from the stove.There was a really great pamphlet included in the boxed set with tips on using stainless steel cookware that was put together by the chef's at the CIA. I have been cooking on good cookware for years and the tips included were still very helpful to me, especially about not cooking too hot. When you go from cooking on average cookware that doesn't hold heat to excellent cookware like this that does conduct heat so well - it's really easy to get your pan too hot. Lastly - GREAT VALUE! I couldn't be happier with the performance or the price.
  
"Love this cookware!" 2008-10-22
By lola wald
I purchased the Cia master 10 Piece set and love it! I have used All Clad and other very expensive cookware in the past, and I have to say that the Cia collection beats them all by a long shot. I have used the cookware for a couple months now and have had no issues with scratching of the pans, or food sticking to the pans. I have used all sorts of utensils with my other cookware sets in the past and they have all scratched easily...not so with the Cia Masters Collection! It also washes up really great. I have told all of my friends to go out and get this cookware because it is so great. I will continue to purchase products from the CIA Masters Collection line.
  
"CIA Masters Cookware -- just okay" 2008-03-20
By S. Drilling (St. Louis)
We purchased the CIA Masters 10 piece set, plus the 12 inch frypan and a wooden spoon after researching the Viking and All Clad Copper Core sets. We were able to visit stores in our area to handle the Viking and All Clad sets before purchase - we were not able to see the CIA Masters set before purchase. In terms of weight, the CIA Masters set is similar in weight to the All Clad regular stainless set. The handles have two rivets and have the All Clad grove with the Viking curvature. The lids are slightly domed similar to the Viking set. In terms of the copper layer - we compared the CIA set against the All Clad Copper Core. If you look at a piece of All Clad Copper core you will see a copper layer that is about 1/8" thick and very easily identified. If you look at a piece of CIA Master cookware, the copper layer can hardly be seen. Given the price of copper these days, my guess is this amount of copper in the CIA cookware is part of the price difference to the All Clad Copper Core set. (10 piece set of CIA cookware is $499, 10 piece set of All Clad Copper Core $1200.) The set arrived from Metro Kitchen in three days and was beautifully packaged. So - why won't we recommend the set? First -you need to use silicon or wooden utensils with this set. Do not use metal utensils. The stainless steel is very very soft and the pans scratch easily. In fact, the very first time we used the set we made large, easily visible scratches on the outside bottom and inside just from making risotto. (note -- we have other stainless steel cookware where this is not a problem.) Second, the golden rule when using stainless is to use low to medium heat. Higher temperatures cause a reaction with stainless steel which cause a bluish / brownish stain. The first time we used one of the frypans this marking appeared despite the low heat we used. We haven't had any problems with food sticking (that pretty much a function of knowing how to cook in stainless anyway...) - but we can't honestly say the cookware is any better than the Emerilware or Cooks Essentials set we had previously. Frankly we wish we had not paid $500+ for cookware that is "just okay" and that is going to show wear in a very short time. The Viking or All Clad set would have been a better choice.