Review of Calphalon Tri-Ply Collector's Edition 12-Inch Everyday Pan with Lid

I wanted a stainless steel pan to replace the various brands of coated non-stick skillets I own that seem to scratch and lose their non-stick properties over time despite meticulous care.The Calphalon 12-inch everday pan meets that need and more.

Admittedly, before purchase I was skeptical about the non-stick claims made about this pan.If one follows the manufacturer recommendations to preheat the pan before adding food to it, I find that most foods do not stick.Some foods (mainly meats) stick a little, but they clean off readily with soapy water and a soft-scrub sponge.A new-like shine can be maintained with Barkeeper's Friend.

If you simply want a skillet, there are many other pans that would work quite well, but what sets this pan apart from those skillets is the high-dome glass lid and short side handles that make it a great brazier.You can prepare tender, thick pork chops that will cut with a fork by putting them in this pan with about 1/2" of water in the bottom, covering with the lid, and baking them in the oven at 325 degrees for a couple of hours. And the pan will come clean easily.The glass domed lid retains moisture in the pan very well, which keeps foods moist and tender during the cooking process.

For those who like to fry foods, this pan is a great choice.Unlike coated non-stick pans and skillets, you can cook with as much heat as you want without worrying about damaging the pan.The pan and lid are rated to handle up to 450 degrees.

The size of this pan can be a plus or a minus depending upon the amount of food you want to cook.The 10-inch version of this pan, which sells for about $20 less, would probably be sufficient for one or two people cooking small meals.Even though there are only two in our household I find myself using this 12-inch pan, however, instead of a 10-inch skillet because I can cook without worrying about food spilling over and/or make enough for leftovers.It is also a handy size for cooking small roasts with the lid on or off.

The pan has nicely tapered edges that make for dripless pouring of liquids from the pan.I use oven mitts to hold the glass lid slightly ajar against the pan to strain liquids.The weight of the lid makes this a little awkward, but it is made easier with the two side handles.A lightweight aluminum splatter cover might work better for this, but I tend to minimize the number of items that I care to wash after cooking by using the lid instead.

One handy feature of this pan which is also a negative is the short side handles.They are wonderful for baking things in the oven, and a pan this size would be heavy and awkward to lift with a single long handle (I own a 12-inch non-stick skillet with a handle, and it is very heavy and takes great strength to hold a lid against it to drain off liquids).The downside, though, is the short handles get quite hot with cooking heat above a simmer making usage of potholders or oven mitts a necessity for safe handling.If Calphalon would create handles that could remain cool during cooking, this pan would be perfect.

If you enjoy cooking, want a versatile pan that can be used equally well on the range or in the oven, want relatively non-stick cooking without the hassles of coated non-stick cookware, and want it to last forever, you will be very happy with the Calphalon 12-inch everday pan.I know I am.

Product Description
If you are drawn to the beauty of stainless steel, yet are reluctant to sacrifice the cooking efficiency of aluminum, you can now have the very best of both worlds. Triply gives you a mirror polish stainless steel exterior, a heavy gauge conductive aluminum filling, and a stainless steel interior which won't react with foods. The disk is then formed into a pan shape, with walls and bottom of equal thickness, which allows heat to be conducted evenly. Stay cool handles feature an ergonomic design and secure attachment. The versatile size and shape of this pan means you'll use it, well, just about every day.

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