Review of Calphalon Tri-Ply Copper 12-Inch Everyday Pan with Stainless Lid

This is my first official review of anything, ever, I believe.

First off:I needed to start a "grown-up" collection of cookware.My collection had consisted entirely of the visions cookware my mother gave me when I moved out on my own over ten years ago and the sad pieces I inherited when I purchased my late grandfather's home from his estate (mostly revereware). I had never purchased anything for myself and discovered I did enjoy cooking (and pretty well if I might humbly add) when I moved out.So for over ten years I have been cooking on very lousy cookware.

I managed to get some great pieces at yard sales - mainly Le Creuset.

I decided to ask for some good pieces for Christmas last year and did some research on ratings to determine the brand I would try.

Two of Calphalon's lines made the top two spots in consumer reports two years ago, so I took a look at them and loved the look of this line.Plus, I had heard for years that copper was the way to go.

I received three pieces that Christmas and this was one of them.

They hung in my kitchen (after my husband made a special rack for them) for at least 3 months before I got the nerve up to try them out.I thought "I can't wait to try them" when I received them, but once they were hung up I thought "They are too pretty to use and scratch up".

I got over that eventually and now find myself constantly reaching for this pan in particular.I use it almost everyday.

The size is wonderful.Large.I used a much smaller saute pan almost daily and can't believe the difference.

PROS/GENERAL COMMENTS:

Let it heat up before adding meats and they will release better.

It heats evenly - even on an uneven cook surface that tilts to one side.

It browns beautifully.

I've never burned anything on it.

These pieces have a nice weight to them for cooking but are easy to handle (although I did read another tri-ply copper piece review by a woman with arthritis who had trouble with the weight and handle length.)

I like that it can go into the oven so you can brown something nicely then finish it off in the oven as some recipes call for.And you can heat it to 450 degrees.

I like the brushed finish as opposed to the mirror finish some other brands use.I think it looks more elegant.

It would probably make a half decent wok or stir fry pan in a pinch.It has some depth to it compared to skillets.

You are not supposed to use non-stick sprays on this line, and I haven't.Just use a bit of olive oil, it's good for you.

It cleans up easily - though the outside does spot up and tarnish quickly.I also soak my in the sink when I'm too lazy to clean up that night - and you aren't supposed to do that with these pans. The tarnish comes off very quickly (if you care) with salt and white vinegar or Never Dull.I just polished mine for the first time today.

CONS:The color they tarnish to is an odd yellowy color. Not like better French cookware. You think the pot actually is permanantly discolored, but it's not.

I don't think the actual copper content is very high, but they do the job promised.

The handles attached to this pan do get hot.The lid does not.

It does get scratched, but I don't care about that.

CONCLUSION:

I like this line.It cooks nicely and cleans up well.I am now in the process of ordering a ton of Calphalon items from Amazon that are priced so low I couldn't resist.Mainly the Commercial Anodized line. I will review those when I get the chance to use them a bit.

If you like to cook and don't have the proper tools, do yourself a favor and get some good pans and knives.I used Ginsu steak knives as cooking tools for almost ten years, and "oh the humanity".I almost gave up ever making salads entirely because I dreaded chopping/sawing things.

Product Description
Calphalon Tri-Ply Copper unites centuries-old culinary tradition with distinctive style. Featuring graceful curves and a stunning combination of expertly finished, tri-bonded metals, this recent collection is as beautifulas it is hardworking. Here, the Everyday Pan is an all-purpose pan, versatile enough for searing, browning or sauteing vegetables and meats. A brushed copper exterior and aluminum inner core combine for superiorconductivity (the best that there is) and precise cooking control for spectacular results. Because of the high conductivity, you'll use lower heat settings, saving energy. Fine-satin, brushed stainless steel interior won'treact to foods and won't tarnish or change colors even when cooking acidic foods like tomato sauce. Other features include flared rims for easy pouring, well-riveted, curved handles that stay cool to the touch duringstovetop use and secure lids that trap steam, heat and flavors. Oven- and broiler-safe. Handwashing is recommended followed by thorough drying to avoid any spots.

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