Calphalon Classic Reviews

One thing that stands out in the Calphalon Classic cookware collection is its practical design. Its aim is to help you to save time and make your cooking process convenient. Hence, measuring marks, pour spouts and straining lids can be found in certain cookware items. This collection is also available in 3 different versions – nonstick, ceramic and stainless steel. The Calphalon Classic reviews below will take a look at all 3 different versions with their unique features.

Calphalon Classic Reviews – Cookware Sets

Calphalon Classic Nonstick Review

The Calphalon Classic Nonstick has several cookware sets available ranging from 8 to 14 pieces. You can also get them individually. The set shown above is the 10-piece set and comprises of the following:

• 8-inch fry pan
• 10-inch fry pan
• 1.5-quart sauce pan and cover
• 2.5-quart sauce pan and cover
• 3-quart sauté pan and cover
• 6-quart stock pot and cover

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This cookware is aimed at people who prefer a nonstick surface but with a build that can withstand the rigors of everyday cooking. Hence, it has a dual-layer nonstick cooking surface which releases food easily and a hard anodized construction which is durable and tough. The handles are cast stainless steel and the lids are tempered glass. The lids have straining holes that will line up with pour spouts that can be found on the sauce pans and pots.

The cookware is oven safe up to 450ºF which enables you to move it from the stovetop to the oven. Nylon or wooden utensils should be used and it is suitable for gas, electric, electric ring, halogen, and glass stovetops. You would have no problem using it to sear, fry, saute and boil but no cooking spray should be used.

Pros And Cons Of The Calphalon Classic Nonstick

The Calphalon Classic Nonstick is one of the cheaper Calphalon collections with a price range that is close to Simply Calphalon. While it is still more expensive than some of the other nonstick cookware such as T Fal Ultimate Hard Anodized, it is an entry-level set for those who are making a switch to a premium brand name. The nonstick interior performs up to expectations for most buyers with easy food release and clean-up after use.

The major complaints are the hot handles and the coating scratches easily. The Calphalon Classic reviews for this model by buyers do consist of bad experiences of the coating peeling and scratching after only a few uses. Although most buyers find their cookware to be of good quality, there are a few notable negative reviews online on the lack of durability of the nonstick coating and the discoloration of the exterior. On top of that, the Calphalon Classic Nonstick should be hand washed which may not appeal to some.

Calphalon Classic Ceramic Nonstick Review

For the Calphalon Classic Ceramic, you can get an 11-piece set like the one below with the following items:

• 8-inch fry pan
• 10-inch fry pan
• 12-inch round griddle
• 1.5-quart sauce pan and cover
• 2.5-quart sauce pan and cover
• 3-quart sauté pan and cover
• 5-quart Dutch oven and cover

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Compared to the 10-piece Nonstick cookware set above, the 11-piece Ceramic set has an additional 12-inch griddle and a Dutch oven instead of a stock pot. The main difference in the 2 models lies in the type of cooking surface. The Calphalon Classic Ceramic Nonstick uses a PFOA and PTFE-free ceramic layer which will appeal to more health-conscious buyers.

The rest of the features are no different from the Nonstick model including the hard anodized construction, measuring marks, pour spouts and straining lids.

Should You Buy The Calphalon Classic Ceramic

The advantage of the Calphalon Classic Ceramic over the Nonstick lies in its PFOA and PTFE-free coating. The latter is PFOA-free but it isn’t PTFE-free. While a PTFE-based formula is safe for cookware, there are plenty of buyers who prefer a greener option without the presence of chemicals. This is the target market of ceramic cookware manufacturers.

However, ceramic cookware is very prone to chipping and scratches. This is also true of the Calphalon Classic Ceramic cookware. Generally, even the best ceramic cookware loses out in terms of durability to strong PTFE-based cookware. So, it is a trade-off between a greener option and durability.

The negative Calphalon Classic reviews for the ceramic model from buyers are mainly about the problem with the coating, as expected. Furthermore, it is pretty expensive compared to other ceramic cookware sets. Even the Cuisinart Green Gourmet which also has a hard anodized construction is cheaper than the Calphalon Classic at the time of writing. It is indeed a risky buy to us given the price and the nature of ceramic cookware in general.

Calphalon Classic Stainless Steel Review

If nonstick is not for you, it is always good to go back to the good old stainless steel cookware. The Calphalon Classic Stainless Steel 10-piece set has the same selling price as the 10-piece Nonstick version at the time of writing with the same items:

• 8-inch fry pan
• 10-inch fry pan
• 1.5-quart sauce pan and cover
• 2.5-quart sauce pan and cover
• 3-quart sauté pan and cover
• 6-quart stock pot and cover

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Instead of having a hard anodized construction and nonstick cooking surface, this model is made of brushed stainless steel with an impact-bonded aluminum base. The aluminum base is great for heat conduction to give even and consistent heating throughout the pan. Apart from the materials, the rest of the design remains the same as the Nonstick model.

Why You Should Buy The Calphalon Classic Stainless Steel

The reasons are obvious. Being stainless steel, the cookware can be used for induction stove tops. So, if you have an induction stove at home, this stainless steel model is your only option where the Calphalon Classic collection is concerned.

On top of that, it is dishwasher safe. The Nonstick and Ceramic models are not. While stainless steel cookware is harder to cook with, you have the convenience of dumping the cookware into the dishwasher. Neither do you need to be extra gentle with it since there is no nonstick coating to maintain.

Overall, the Calphalon Classic reviews online for the Stainless Steel model from buyers are largely positive. As long as you know how to cook with stainless steel, you will find this cookware to be more than adequate for home use. It heats evenly and the thick base doesn’t warp under high heat. It costs less than half the price of a similar All Clad Tri-Ply cookware set which makes it affordable for many more people. Of course, it is not as thick and heavy as an All Clad but it is more than good enough for everyday cooking and durable for long-term use.

Calphalon Classic vs Contemporary

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The Calphalon Classic and Contemporary have different price ranges. The latter is more expensive and presumably better quality. For the nonstick cookware, the Contemporary has a triple layer coating which means it should be more abrasion resistant compared to the Classic which only has a dual-layer nonstick coating. Furthermore, the Calphalon Contemporary is marketed as dishwasher safe while the Classic is not.

As for the Calphalon Classic vs Contemporary Stainless Steel, the latter is crafted from 2 layers of stainless steel with a full aluminum core compared to the former which has an impact-bonded aluminum base only.

The details also differ with a different design for the handles and lids. The Contemporary does not have straining lids and pour spouts but it has a tempered glass lid with a wider stainless steel rim compared to the Classic.

From the Calphalon Classic reviews above, we know that it is a more affordable buy due to its entry-level price range for the Calphalon brand. Hence, if you are on a small budget, the Calphalon Classic vs Contemporary debate should be easy to solve. But if you have the money to spare, the Calphalon Contemporary is closer as a substitute to All Clad if that is your ultimate goal.