All Clad Vs Calphalon Cookware

Generally, the more expensive an item is, the better is the quality. So, when you have cookware that sells for much higher than its competitors, you would think it should cook better and last longer. But does it? In this All Clad vs Calphalon cookware review, we will try to note the similarities and differences to conclude whether the more expensive All Clad is worth the higher cost over the more affordable Calphalon.

All Clad Vs Calphalon Stainless Steel Cookware

All Clad Stainless Steel Tri-Ply  Vs Calphalon Contemporary Stainless Steel

==> Check Price For Calphalon Contemporary

We have chosen the All Clad Stainless Steel Tri-Ply because it is one of the most popular cookware sets for the brand and it is also induction capable. The Calphalon Contemporary is also induction ready and this makes the comparison more meaningful. It is also more expensive than the Calphalon Tri-Ply which helps to make the price differential as small as possible between the 2 brands.

The main difference for All Clad vs Calphalon here in terms of features is the lids. Some people prefer stainless steel lids because they can withstand a higher temperature when you put it in the oven. Others like glass lids because it is easier to check on the food.

Apart from the lids, the other notable difference would be the manufacturing location just like the All Clad vs Cuisinart comparison. All Clad is well known as an American made cookware and for that, you will have to pay a premium.

All Clad Stainless Steel Tri-Ply Cookware Review

Before we decide whether to buy All Clad or Calphalon, let’s take a look at the review of the All Clad Tri-Ply. We have done the review of the Calphalon Contemporary here.

The All Clad Tri-Ply is available as open stock or 5, 10 or 14-piece cookware sets. For the 10-piece set, this is what you will get:

• 8-inch fry pan
• 10-inch fry pan
• 2-quart saucepan with lid
• 3-quart sauce pan with lid
• 3-quart sauté pan with lid
• 8-quart stockpot with lid

==> Check Price For All Clad Tri-Ply

Obviously, this All Clad cookware set has a 3-ply bonded construction with alternating layers of stainless steel and aluminum that join all the way to the top of the pieces. This ensures the distribution of heat is more even with minimal hot spots. The interior is highly polished stainless steel with a starburst finish. This finish is designed to resist stickiness for easier clean-up. The stainless steel interior also won’t react with food for healthier cooking.

On the outside is a mirror polished finish for a shiny look. Stainless steel handles are contoured and secured with stainless steel rivets. The lids are also made of stainless steel with a flat design. The pots and pans are oven and broiler safe up to 600°F without the lids and can be put into the dishwasher.

Pros And Cons Of The All Clad Tri-Ply Cookware

The good points are:

• Quality cookware – The difference is obvious between this All Clad cookware and cheaper imitations. The pieces look beautiful and the feel is solid with an assurance of durability.
• Even heat distribution – If you have problems with portions of food getting burnt on your cheap stainless steel cookware, the All Clad Tri-Ply could turn you into a better cook. This is because the heat distribution is more even and hot spots are thus minimized, if not, eliminated. This then prevents some parts of the food from getting burnt while other parts turn out undercooked.
• America-made – The choice of manufacturing location is important for some buyers. This gives greater peace of mind as to its safety and quality.
• Durable – Stainless steel cookware is definitely more durable than nonstick pieces like ceramic cookware. But apart from just the material, the thickness also matters because if the pans are too thin, they could get dented and warped easily. The All Clad Tri-Ply are not known to have these type of problems overall.

The cons are:

• Expensive – All Clad cookware do not come cheap. Its 10-piece Tri-Ply set is even more expensive than the 13-piece Calphalon Contemporary set. It is indeed a big investment to own All Clad pots and pans.
• Uncomfortable handles – Some users find the Tri-Ply handles to be too thin for a comfortable hold.
• Discoloration – While the All Clad Stainless Steel Tri-Ply cookware is dishwasher safe, some buyers find their pieces getting discolored after putting them in the dishwasher.
• Not nonstick – The Tri-Ply cookware is advertised as having a starburst finish that is stick resistant. But this doesn’t mean that the cookware is nonstick. If you are not familiar with the ins and outs of cooking with stainless steel, clean-up can be a pain as food, especially eggs, will stick to the pan.

All Clad Or Calphalon?

Just like with the Cuisinart Multiclad Pro, the All Clad Stainless Steel Tri-Ply is a little bit thicker and heavier than the Calphalon Contemporary. If the aluminum core is thicker, then the heat conduction should also be better. This means the heat should be more evenly spread out and consistent throughout the pan. So, if you fry meat in the pan, the difference in darkness between the portions in the centre directly below the heat source and the portions at the side of the pan should be minimal.

The All Clad Tri-Ply may have better heat distribution but the question remains whether the difference in performance is that great to justify the much higher price. When you can get two Calphalon fry pans for less than the price of one All Clad pan, it should really take a much improved performance to justify paying more than double the price.

So, if we have to choose between All Clad vs Calphalon cookware, we will go with the latter because we always believe in value for money buy. The performance of the Calphalon Contemporary cookware is not bad at all and the quality is also not far off from the All Clad Tri-Ply. Of course, if you have the money and you want the best, then All Clad would be the better brand. But the Calphalon Contemporary is really more than enough for everyday home use.

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