My mom got this as a wedding present in the early 1940's.She was never a good cook, so I have been using it since the '60's.I stole some of her pieces when I married, but returned them when I found them for sale again.I purchased my first piece, a chicken frier, for about $25.00 in 1970, which was a huge price back then, and couldn't wait to get my hands on more.I bought a starter set of 8 pieces a few years later when I finally saw it again, and it forms the basis of my extensive cookware collection.I have been called the "Greatest cooker on earth" by many men, and I attribute some of the praise to this cookware.
This is heavy cast aluminum, with the same heat dispersal properties of cast iron, except that it can be washed and scrubbed.I polish mine from time to time, and it still looks new! It can be placed in the dishwasher, unlike cast iron.The cooking qualities are exceptional.Heat is disbursed over the entire bottom and sides of the pans, allowing a lower heat setting, and giving a more consistent heat to all the food within.There are no hot spots, which scorch the food and cause uneven browning or burning.The lids are heavy enough to seal the steam in the pots, which forms a mini-pressure cooker, cutting down on the cooking time a bit.They will not warp if overheated, which is important if you use electric heat.I mean, who hasn't lost track of time and let a pot burn now and then?It happens in a busy kitchen.But this isn't a catastrophe as it would be with cheaper cookware.I have added a few smaller pots as my family size has been reduced, but I cannnot conceive why anyone would want some of this designer/celebrity cookware with the raised rings that could never be scrubbed clean in a thousand hours!Just be sure you season the cookware in a slow oven first. (Wipe with cooking oil inside, including the lids, and bake all of it in a 225 degree oven for about 8 hours.)Reseason as necessary.Buy as much of it as you can afford, and add to it as the time and money allow.I use the heavy cast aluminum teflon skillets, and have gone through dozens of sets of those!YOu can't beat the Magnalite for delicate sauces, rice, and stews, or anything fried!
Product DescriptionMagnalite Classic 8-Piece Cookware Set. Includes 1-Each-1-Quart Covered Saucepan, 1-Each-2-Quart Covered Saucepan, 1-Each-5-Quart Covered Dutch Oven With Rack, 1-Each-10-Inch Open Skillet.Magnalite cookware feature vessels and lids constructed from hand-poured cast aluminum.The vessels feature a thick base that won't warp.Heavy domed lids lock-in moisture, transfer heat from the vessel side wall, and help facilitate convection style heating.Features phenolic handles and lids which are oven safe to 350 degrees.Line has earned a loyal user base who appreciates its uniquely even heating.
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Magnalite Classic 8-Piece Aluminum Cookware Set
Have had magnalite for about 20 years.I also own all types of All Clad stainless.For some reason, when it comes to cooking big pots of stews, chicken and dumplings, and chili, I always get out the 14 quart magnalite.I hope they have not changed the quality as the over review states. The roaster is also fantastic.I could never fry eggs or chicken in the fry pans however, they seem to want to stick.I always had very good luck with receipes that have a good amount of liquid called for and will always use them for fudge because the bottom is heavy, and roasters because the roast comes out super.I have to have my magnalite lined up by my all clad!!!!
