Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick Omelette Pan Set

Bottom Line

The Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick Omelette Pan Set includes two skillets, measuring 10 inches and 12 inches. Thousands of users give these skillets a thumbs-up for their good nonstick properties, even heating and easy cleanup. However, these pans appear to have some durability problems. Many owners say the nonstick surface wears off within months, and users report problems with warping as well.

Performance

Pans are responsive. The user reviews we consulted say that the Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick Omelette Pans distribute heat well and respond quickly to changes in temperature. As one owner at Cooking.com put it, "The weight is a good compromise between fast temperature adjustment (light is best) and heat retention (heavy is better)." A majority also say the nonstick surface is very good -- at least when the pans are new. However, we did find a significant number of dissenters who say that when cooking with minimal oil, everything sticks.

Ease Of Use

Shape and handles get mixed reviews. One owner at Amazon.com says this pan's shape and sloped sides make it convenient to slide food in and out, especially omelets. However, an owner at Cooking.com warns that because of the sloping sides, you actually get less cooking area than the skillet's measurements would suggest. This user finds that the reduced space can be a problem for some applications, such as searing meats.

The Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick Omelette Pans' long, slender handles also earn both praise and criticism. Owners like the fact that the handles stay cool during cooking, and one owner at Cooking.com says that "the handle, while thin, is comfortable." However, several users say that the length of the handles can be a problem, as they bump into other pots and pans on the cooktop and won't fit easily into the dishwasher. However, the latter problem shouldn't be a concern for those who wash the pans by hand, as the manufacturer recommends. Most users say washing these pans by hand is easy enough.

Appearance

"Look and feel great." We found several comments to this effect, and one owner at Amazon.com elaborates: "They look very nice and more expensive than they are." However, owners are divided about how well these skillets maintain this look. We found several comments from users who say that their pans still "look like new" after a year of use, but we also saw comments about discoloration and damage to the finish.

Durability

How long they will last is up for debate. While some owners complain that Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick Omelette Pans began to lose their coating within a few months, others say they held up well for a few years. The discrepancy doesn't seem to have anything to do with care; users generally followed upkeep guidelines: no dishwasher, no metal utensils and no cooking over high heat. Overall, though, we found more comments saying that these skillets lasted a year or more before wearing out, which is the expected lifetime for a nonstick pan.

Another possible problem is warping. We saw several complaints that the bottoms of the skillets can warp when exposed to heat, so they no longer sit flat on the stovetop (a necessity for those who have smoothtop electric ranges). We also saw a couple of complaints about the handle coming loose. The Calphalon pans are backed by a limited lifetime warranty, but the user is responsible for the costs of shipping defective pans back to the manufacturer.