Circulon Pots/Pans Feedback Wanted

[CHRIST1NE]

As a kick-off to my new found cooking hobby, my mother wants to buy me a set of Circulon pots & pans. I'd probably be foolish to turn down a free set of pans, but I want to make sure that they are really good. She keeps saying that I'll have them the rest of my life. Do any of you have them and what do you think. Their web site says not to use cooking spray - how am I going to cook without cooking spray ???

Christine

[This message has been edited by CHRIST1NE (edited 07-23-2000).]

[nanadee]

Circulon makes excellent pots & pans. I don't have a complete set, but the ones I do have are my cooking favorites. I think a full set would make a wonderful gift...and remember "mother knows best"

[shoyski]

I have a set of Calphalon pans and am not supposed to use cooking spray. If I'm supposed to use the spray, I put a teaspoon of oil in the pan and wipe it around with a paper towel, soaking up the excess.

[karen w]

I have a complete set of circulon pots and pans. Although I do like them very much, if I had to choose again I'm not sure they would be my first choice. Because of the ridges in them, they are sometimes difficult to clean. Also anything you cook in them e.g. a breaded chicken in the skillet will have the ridged pattern to it. Yes, it won't taste different, but this may be an asthetic thing for some people. Finally, in a few of the pots/pans that I have used more heavily there appears to be some wear in the gulleys of the ridges(?or it could be areas just not cleaned as well due to the ridges). So even though I do like them, they do have some pros as well as cons.

[melisa]

I prefer the Calphalon professional, nonstick, the ones with the metal lids. They will last forever, and NOTHING sticks! After returning many duplicate wedding presents, my husband and I decided to put the "credit" to this investment. I say investiment as you can expect to pay about 500.00 for this series, OUCH!

My sister has the Circulon and they have not held up great. Her set has been in use for about 8 years.

Melissa

[Pat58]

Christine,

I have a Circulon set and in all honesty, I rue the day I spent money on it. I followed all the use and care directions but they are blackened, food sticks to them like crazy, they're heavy and just all around were a bad investment. When I hauled them back to the store where I bought them and demanded the "15 year guaranty," I was told I had to mail them on my own money to Circulon, where they would "refurbish" them. Thanks alot. They cost a ton of money and in my opinion are not worth it. Get a good set of stainless steel and some T-Fal saute pans which I raved about in another post.

[lorilei]

What about All-Clad?

I'm in love with the look and heft of them, but don't know anyone who owns them...

[CHRIST1NE]

Thanks for the feedback... my mom has a set and swears by them... but has only had them year. I think I'll shop around for some of the brands you all mentioned and see if I can sway her to another set. Thanks again.

Christine

PS This new found "hobby" is also going to cost my poor husband a fortune...I'm looking into remodeling out kitchen now...I just don't have enough room to spread my wings http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[julia]

After posting, I decided this was not the right place to post my message. Sorry

[This message has been edited by julia (edited 07-27-2000).]

[lindrusso]

Originally posted by lorilei:
What about All-Clad?

I'm in love with the look and heft of them, but don't know anyone who owns them...

I have exactly 2 All-Clad pans (my mom is slowly helping me collect a set by giving me one piece per birthday/Christmas) and I love them. I think they are pretty similar to the Calpahlon. So far I have only the non-stick , but I plan to get a few - what the heck do you call them - non non-stick??? I made an omelette in one of the non-stick pans and it just slid right out - just like a commercial or something!

[JennyLiz]

Ditto Karen W & Pat 58- My parents gave me their old Circulon when they invested in Calphalon. The ridges are a pain to clean and it's not worth the money.

I've been slowly collecting Calphalon professional and even though it is heavy, it's great. Now that I've heard the reviews, I want to try a piece or two of All-Clad! Happy Shopping!

[Beth]

I bought Cuisinart when Calphalon (and most higher end cookware) was new to the masses. I have really enjoyed them, but they have changed over the years and are not as widely available. The saleslady was really pushing Calphalon, but I have never regretted my choice. I don't know any unhappy owners of Calphalon either, and if I were buying now, I'd definitely be looking at them as a serious option.

One suggestion: like the knives discussed on another thread, try to get your hands on some of the pans. Lift them and see how well you can handle them, then imagine them full of something hot. Some pans are too heavy for some people, or the handles may not feel right.

[This message has been edited by Beth (edited 07-28-2000).]