Anolon Advanced Bronze Collection 11-piece Set

Bottom line

The Anolon Advanced Bronze Collection 11-piece Set is everything a nonstick cookware set should be. The nonstick surface is excellent, and it holds up much better than most brands. It's easy to clean (though not dishwasher-safe) and it cooks very evenly. Owners love its looks as well. Its only downside is its relatively high price tag, but if you're willing to pay for the best, this set is it.

Performance

Both professionals and users praise the Anolon cookware's nonstick finish. Testers at the Good Housekeeping Research Institute say it "offers unbeatable performance," easily releasing foods cooked without oil. It also earns high marks for its even heat distribution and steady simmering. Users at sites including Macys.com and Amazon.com enthusiastically support these claims. Typical comments include "This is the most nonstick set I've ever used" and "These pans define non-stick." Owners say they have successfully cooked scrambled eggs and pancakes without oil, and they come out beautifully. One feature users like is that, despite its nonstick coating, these pans still allow for searing if they are heated first and then oiled. One thing this cookware can't do is cook on an induction cooktop, since it isn't magnetic.

Ease of use

Reviewers find this cookware easy to use and clean. Good Housekeeping editors like the stainless-steel handles encased in silicone rubber, which stay cool to the touch and are easy to grip. (The handles on the glass lids have the same feature.) They also say the pans, though not dishwasher-safe, are very easy to clean by hand. The only part that's tricky, they note, is the rivets that hold the handles on, where food can accumulate. Owner reviews echo all these comments; one Macys.com reviewer says the pots "clean up beautifully even after messy recipes." Most owners are happy with the selection of pots and pans included in this set. However, a few say they needed buy additional pieces, such as a larger frying pan, to complete their cookware collection.

Appearance

It's got style. Owners say their favorite feature is the bronze finish, which is described in various reviews as "unique," "gorgeous" and "much more fun than the usual black or aluminum." They also like the "tulip" shape of the pots, which one owner describes as "sleek and good looking."

Durability

Durability sets the Anolon cookware apart. The pots are hefty and solidly constructed, but what's really special about them is the durability of their nonstick surface. In more than 70 user reviews, we found only one comment about the surface scratching or peeling. Some owners say they have had this cookware set for a year or two, and it still looks like new -- a real rarity with nonstick cookware. Anolon apparently has confidence in the durability of this cookware set, backing it with a lifetime warranty. (However, it cautions that "scratches, stains, discoloration or damage caused by the use of cooking sprays or overheating are not covered.")