Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)With a lot of fanfare, Calphalon brought out this new line. I tried it, and like it. At the introductory price offered, you may benefit from evaluating the line by buying AND USING one piece before committing to more. (Amazon currently offers several at phenomenal discounts.) If you already have some good cookware, look through what you have and decide (based on what you lack) which piece to try. FYI, the DVD included with each of the introductory offers is minimally informative in terms of cooking technique. Much of it is informative hype about the Calphalon One line, along with some interesting info on their cooking center in Toronto. (Calphalon does offer for sale a line of DVDs; they look interesting--but they aren't part of this package.)
ON THE PLUS SIDE: With good weight and excellent balance, this chef's skillet is a fine piece of cookware that works well on gas, electric and ceramic cooktops. Its sturdy polished stainless steel lid fits nicely, and the high arc of the lid's handle allows the lid to be slipped over the handle of the chef's pan and hung (using just one hook) from a pot rack; the lid is always handy. The chef's pan's rolled edge minimizes dripping. The non-stick works reasonably well--but not well enough to rate five stars, in my experience. FYI, this chef's pan is sold by Williams-Sonoma as a "grains pan"--and in this role, it excels! If you frequently cook whole grain cereals, brown or wild rice, etc. you will especially appreciate the extremely reliable performance of this pan. In my opinion, it's worth buying on that basis alone. If you're looking to do stir-fry for one person, or perhaps for two light eaters, this chef's pan will work in that capacity, too. But if you expect to do stir-fry for more people, consider the Asian techniques set or the wok in this (or another)line. Finally, the chef's pan works well as a modified Windsor pan; the diameter of the top is wider than the surface exposed to the heat source, making it easier to reduce the volume of sauces.
ON THE MINUS SIDE: The non-stick used with Calphalon One isn't fully nonstick, even when you follow the directions scrupulously--bringing meat to near-room temperature--and it stains faintly. (These can easily be removed, however; this is discussed later.) More importantly, maintaining the finish requires special care. The directions specify that commonly used cleaners such as baking soda should NOT be used with this line of cookware, nor should this ever be put into the dishwasher. If you or anyone in your household might do so, you may want to consider another line. Those ghost-like "stains" that often remain after normal soaking and washing in hot water are easily removed with Barkeeper's Friend, a relatively inexpensive powdered cleaner ($3. or so) with a mild oxalic acid base. Try a hardware store if you can't find it elsewhere.
COMMON SENSE: Any type of utensil can be used with Calphalon One, from wood to metal. However, it makes no sense to abuse it by using a knife to cut meat in this pan. Wisely, the DVD states that such abuse is not covered by the guarantee.
SUMMARY: Worth every one of the four stars awarded. This is a versatile pan that works hard and well. If it's the right size for you, you'll probably use it often.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Calphalon One Infused Anodized 9-Inch Chef's Skillet with Lid
This exciting hybrid combines qualities of both traditional metal and non-stick cooking surfaces. Now not only can you brown, sear, and reduce sauces as the recipe intended, but you can also breathe a sigh of relief as you won't have a battle removing food and stains from the pan following use. How did this happen you ask? CALPHALON ONE INFUSED ANODIZED is manufactured with a revolutionary anodization process. Both interior and exterior surfaces are infused with an advanced release polymer which actually penetrates below the surface of the metal, into its very pores, offering superb durability and versatility. The intrinsic properties of aluminum ensure fast and even heating, as you've come to expect from Calphalon. Brown and saute with the lid off, or simmer with it on. This very useful piece might be used for cooking meats, seafood, or vegetables. The curved sides facilitate stirring and tossing.
Click here for more information about Calphalon One Infused Anodized 9-Inch Chef's Skillet with Lid
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