Cookware: Reviews

In expert reviews, Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless cookware receives high scores for performance and value, and it's a favorite of owners posting comments on Amazon.com, though none of the professional reviews we read… think that the Cuisinart set is quite as good as the much more expensive All-Clad Stainless. A fully-encapsulated aluminum disk is built into the base of this cookware, which makes this set less expensive than All-Clad, whose aluminum core runs up the sides of the pans as well. Although the Cuisinart's handles are riveted and stay cool like more expensive brands, reviewers say they aren't as sturdy as pricier brands. This cookware is oven-safe to 550 degrees F -- a particularly high temperature rating for budget cookware.

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Most reviewers say that if price weren't a consideration, they'd spring for All-Clad. But in reality, although All-Clad excels in comparison reviews, many owners just aren't sure the high price is justified. All-Clad's… heavy aluminum core is sandwiched between a stainless steel cooking surface and an exterior layer of magnetic stainless steel. This combination ensures uniform heat distribution and retention, meaning food won't scorch and the pan's temperature recovers quickly when ingredients are added. The aluminum core extends up the sides of the pan to the rim, which makes it a good choice for use with gas ranges, where flames can lick the sides of cookware. The cookware has generous cooking areas and stay-cool handles. It's safe to use in an oven up to 500 degrees F, and the All-Clad cookware is dishwasher safe.

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Lots of experts say you shouldn't pay too much for nonstick; that's because the coating will eventually wear off. So unlike stainless steel pots and pans, nonstick isn't considered "lifetime" cookware. Emerilware… Hard-Anodized nonstick (made by All-Clad) is moderately-priced nonstick cookware that rivals more expensive brands in cooking performance. This cookware uses a modified nonstick coating that avoids one of the two controversial chemicals at the heart of the Teflon debate. In tests, Emerilware nonstick gets especially high scores when it comes to even heating and ease of cleaning.

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For consumers wishing to avoid the questionable chemicals found in traditional nonstick coatings like Teflon, EarthPan is PFOA- and PTFE-free nonstick cookware that performs well in professional reviews for cooking… performance and balance. The hard-anodized aluminum cookware has an eco-friendly nonstick coating that originates from sand instead of petrochemicals. Less expensive than many other brands of alternative nonstick cookware, professional reviews say EarthPan cookware has superior handles and is easier to clean. The downside? A significant percentage of owners say the coating starts to wear down within a few months, so the cookware begins to lose its nonstick properties.

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