Calphalon Classic Nonstick - A Cookware Dream All Kitchens Should Be Made Of?

Why Calphalon Classic Nonstick? We asked ourselves the same (not surprisingly). After 42 hours of testing theis cookware, we finally came to a conclusion.

Calphalon Classic Nonstick A Cookware

Bid farewell to cheap cookware with this very reasonable AND efficient range from Calphalon. It will surely take your cooking dreams up a level while reducing your disasters down a few notches.

It’s a versatile range with plenty of products for all of your kitchen needs. But is it worth your money? That’s what we aim to find out for you.

Keep on reading to discover if Calphalon Classic Nonstick is a cookware range you’d like to add to your kitchen. Starting with, what Calphalon Classic is all about. 

Let's take a closer look at the Calphalon Classic, shall we?


What Is Calphalon Classic Nonstick?

Calphalon Classic Nonstick is part of a Calphalon’s classic cookware range. There are two main options within the range; nonstick and ceramic.

The main features of the Classic Range include:

  • 2 Layers of PFOA Free Nonstick - The nonstick coating ensures effortless food release and less scrubbing for you, and two layers give you double the performance.
  • Medium-Gauge Hard Anodized Aluminum Construction - Hard anodized cookware is sturdy, durable, and resistant to chipping, corrosion, or peeling. This means for you that they should be durable enough to give you many years of use without being ‘a delicate flower.’

    Medium gauge aluminum is also very durable, but you can purchase heavy gauge cookware, which is even stronger.

    The surface of hard-anodized aluminum is so tough it also prevents any leaching of metals or any chemical reactions which can occur from acidic foods.
  • Stay-Cool Stainless Steel Handles - The handles on the pans are all stay cool stainless steel, which is easy to wash, and there’s no need for a potholder.
  • Oven Safe - Put these pans in the oven without a problem. They are safe up to 450°F.

But what about their nonstick surface? What makes it so special? We took a closer look.


Does Calphalon Use Special Technology For Their Nonstick Coating?

The truth is, we don’t know. It was almost impossible to figure out what technology Calphalon use for their Nonstick. Since they don’t claim to use Teflon, we can assume that they have their own in-house nonstick ‘formula.’

We do know that Calphalon’s Nonstick coating is PFOA free (which is a good thing!). That’s a given since PFOA no longer features in any cookware - since 2008. And we also know thanks to Calphalon customer service that their nonstick coating includes PTFE.

PTFE is a common ingredient in many nonstick formulations and is generally safe. But if you are concerned about having zero possibility of contamination from your cookware, you should consider stainless steel cookware.


What Is The Difference Between Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick And Classic Nonstick?

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Wondering what the difference is between Classic Nonstick and Calphalon Contemporary Non-stick is? So were we. Here’s everything you’ll need to know.

Non-stick Coating

Types of Coatings For Cookware

Classic nonstick has a double layer of the nonstick coating, while the Calphalon contemporary nonstick has three layers, which extends the life of the nonstick.

Construction

Both ranges are constructed out of hard-anodized stainless steel; however, the Classic nonstick cookware features medium-gauge stainless steel, and the Contemporary stainless steel is built with heavy-gauge stainless steel.

Finish

The finish is also the same for both the Classic and Contemporary ranges, which may be the cause of some of the confusion. They can look and seem to be very similar.

Oven Safe

You can place both cookware ranges in the oven up to 450°F.

Price

A Calphalon Classic cookware set - 10 piece costs around $199, whereas a Calphalon Contemporary 11 piece cookware set costs around $340.

Summary

If you are heavy-handed in the kitchen and you put your pans through their paces, then perhaps the Calphalon Contemporary range is suitable for you.

Otherwise, you’ll probably overpay for the heavy-gauge unnecessarily and the extra layer of nonstick and would likely find that the Calphalon Classic 10 piece cookware set and all other products from the classic range will suit your needs perfectly. 

How Does Calphalon Classic Nonstick Compare To Calphalon Classic Ceramic

Calphalon 11 Piece Classic Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set, Grey/White

Calphalon Classic Ceramic

Within the Calphalon Classic range, there are a couple of options: the Classic Nonstick and the Classic Ceramic.

It’s easy to compare these two options from the Calphalon Classic range because there’s only one difference between the two, and that’s the nonstick coating. 

The Nonstick Coating from the Classic Nonstick range is a double coating of Calphalon’s usual nonstick formula, and the coating on the Calphalon Classic Ceramic is an Eco-Friendly Ceramic Nonstick. So if you’re into the environment, then this option should help you to make your decision.

To help you further, here are some of our favorite products from this range.

Discover The Best Products Within The Calphalon Classic Nonstick Range

There was one stand out product for us from this range, which is featured below; it’s a Calphalon Classic 10 piece set and then some matching frypans to complete the collection.

Calphalon 10-Piece Pots and Pans Set, Nonstick Kitchen Cookware with No-Boil Over Inserts and Stay-Cool Stainless Steel Handles, Black

This Calphalon Classic 10 Piece has a couple of handy features that all cookware should have (in our opinion). No boil over inserts, pour spouts, measuring markers. Is it possible that with these features, you could have a mess-free kitchen? Quite possibly, yes!

Such simple ideas these features are, but they're something that makes the cooking process so much smoother. The measuring markers are perfect for when you need a certain amount of liquid to boil in, or for making soups and stocks.

And the no-boil over inserts prevent your stovetop from getting messed up, especially when you're boiling pasta, rice, or potatoes. Which means you can concentrate on other tasks while your pasta looks after itself. You can even stir and season while using the no-boil over insert because Calphalon has added a stirring hole within the design.

How The No-Boil Over Insert Works

Using your 'no boil over inserts' is simple take a look at the steps below:

  • Step 1: Bring your saucepan of water to the boil.
  • Step 2: Add the food you're boiling.
  • Step 3: Gently place the insert inside the pot.
  • Step 4: Make sure the rim of the insert touches the edge of the saucepan all over.
No-Boil Over Insert

Et voila! Now your boiling water will stay where it belongs forevermore.

If you need to stir your food, there's a handy hole in the middle to allow you to do so without burning your fingers.

The only thing you need to remember is not to use the 'no-boil-over-insert' as a strainer. It's the manufacturer's instructions. We're not sure why but we can assume that the weight of the water and food may damage the shape of this wonder and render it useless.

Back to the Calphalon 10 piece.hard-anodized aluminum nonstick cookware set ...

What's included in the box?

You'll find the following in this handsome Calphalon 10 piece set:

Calphalon 10-Piece Pots and Pans Set, Nonstick Kitchen Cookware with No-Boil Over Inserts and Stay-Cool Stainless Steel Handles, Black
  • 8" Frypan
  • 10" Frypan
  • 2.5 qt. Saucepan, with lid and no-boil-over-insert
  • 3 qt. Sauté pan with lid
  • 6 qt. Stockpot with lid and no-boil-over-insert

This 10 piece set comes with everything you need to get your kitchen off to great beginnings if you are just starting and will make a perfect addition to your existing kitchenware.

If for some reason you don't need a complete cookware set, you might enjoy this frying pan set instead:

Calphalon Nonstick Frying Pan Set with Stay-Cool Handles, 8- and 10-Inch, Grey

The design of these frying pans features a sloping edge that makes flipping your food so much easier. They have the same features as the rest of the Classic Nonstick range but to remind you, of some of those features:

They're oven safe (up to 450°), which is very handy, have two coatings of easy-release nonstick, and they have a lifetime warranty.

Plus the hard-anodized aluminum offers even heating which makes a huge difference 

The set contains

  • 1 x 8" Fry Pan
  • 1 x 10" Fry Pan

If you're still not sure, perhaps the customer reviews may help you make a decision...

Calphalon Classic Reviews: What Do The Customers Say?

Calphalon Classic reviews make it very clear that this range is another excellent range from Calphalon.

Most of the customers are delighted with their products. We found many customers who purchased this range 30 years ago, still using it and now buying it for their family members who are starting up home. This type of Calphalon Classic review is a testament to the quality and longevity of this range. Other feedback claims that the pans and lids were ‘great’ and that ‘food seems to taste better!’

As we often find, some customers had issues with the pans. Most significantly marks on the outside or on the bottom of the pan. There can be many reasons for this, such as dishwashing, using high heat, and scrubbing too harshly.

Pros and Cons Of Calphalon Classic Nonstick Cookware

Pros

  • Double coating of nonstick.
  • Nonstick is PFOA free
  • Hard-anodized aluminum
  • Stay-cool handles
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Hand wash only*
  • Use nylon coated or wooden utensils

* This range is hand wash only. However, we are aware that even if a good cookware set is considered dishwasher safe, you will compromise the longevity and looks of the pan should you use the dishwasher regularly.

We recommend getting into a habit of washing your `pots with warm soapy water as much as you possibly can anyway.

The next section in this article will show you how you should take care of your Calphalon Classic pans, which will ensure their longevity and will help you stay within the terms of the warranty. 

How To Care Use and Care For Your Calphalon Classic Cookware

If you’re going to invest in your cookware chances are, you want them to last. So to help you make your cookware last - here is a detailed guide on how to take the right care of your cookware.

Hopefully, in 30 years, you, too, will be leaving a review to say that you are still using your Calphalon cookware.

Here’s the guide:

Before First Use

It may seem like common sense to many people to wash your pans in warm soapy water and thoroughly dry them before you use them for the first time. But if you were not aware, you should do this to avoid consuming manufacturing gasses, dusts, and toxins.

Stove Top Use

You’ll find that the Calphalon Classic range is safe for gas, electric, ceramic, halogen, and electric coil hobs.

Not suitable for broiler use.

How To Use Your Pans

Before every use, heat the pan without oil first, but don’t use high heat, stick to a medium one. Add your oil and allow it to heat up and coat the pan.

Take your food out of the fridge five or ten minutes before cooking to allow it to come up to room temperature. Cold food enhances the risks of sticking. 

Circulon Premier Professional Cookware

How To Determine If Your Oil or Butter is Hot Enough

Test to see if your pan is hot enough by adding a dab of butter to the bottom of the pan - if it bubbles quickly and doesn’t burn - it’s the right heat.

Other Oil Tips

  • Follow your recipe’s when adding oil. However, if there is no specification on how much oil to use, just use a small amount.
  • Always remember to give the oil a few minutes to heat up before adding your food.
  • Avoid aerosol cooking sprays. They dissolve at lower temperatures and leave a surface-damaging residue.
  • If you want to minimize the amount of oil you use, try using an oil mister or dab the oil into the pan’s surface using a paper towel.

Tips On Heat Use

  • High heat is only really necessary for boiling liquids.
  • Don’t be tempted to rush the preheating process using high heat.
  • If you’re sauteing, frying, searing or stir-frying use medium-high heat.
  • Medium heat is better for pancakes, omelets, or reducing liquids.
  • Low heat is perfect for simmering, warming, re-heating, and preparing delicate sauces.

Additional Cooking Tips

Calphalon Nonstick Using Tips

The handles on the Calphalon Classic range are ‘stay cool,’ and many Calphalon Classic reviews claim that they hold up to this promise. However, Calphalon makes the following statement:

“Always use caution when cooking on the stovetop or when using cookware in the oven.

Short handles, high cooking temperatures, and long cooking times can cause handles to get hot on the stovetop or when used in the oven.”

Based on that statement, we recommend you protect your hands with a potholder until you are confident that the pan handles will be safe enough for you to touch. 

Plastic Utensils Please

As with all pans, nonstick or otherwise; plastic, nylon, wooden or coated utensils are safer for use in cookware than metal.

Metal scratches and damages the surfaces - especially nonstick surfaces.

Next, you’ll need to know how to care for your pans!

How To Clean And Care For You Calphalon Classic Non-Stick

Here are the rules for cleaning and caring for your pans that will keep them working for you for many years to come and will keep your warranty valid. Not that you’ll need it though!

Cleaning

  • These pans are not dishwasher safe. Even if they were, it’s usually better not to put them in the dishwasher if you want to preserve the look and longevity of the pan. But with these, don’t put them in the dishwasher - if you do, you’ll run into problems that the warranty can’t get you out of.
  • Avoid warping your pans by allowing them to cool fully before washing. Make it a golden rule NEVER to place your hot pan in cold water — it will destroy the pan.
  • Clean the pan, inside and out with dishwashing detergent, and a soft sponge or bristle brush. Never use abrasive detergents or scourers.
  • Bar Keepers friend is a friend indeed. But only to the exterior of the pan - it will make your pans look like new. But don’t use it on the inside. It’s probably not healthy to do so, and it will damage the non-stick surface.

How To Store Your Calphalon Pans

It will serve you well if you turn your attention to how you store your pans. Ideally, they should be hanging or stored in a single layer. But of course, we know that’s not possible for every kitchen.

You will void the warranty if you rest one pan inside the other, even with the lids in between because it will damage the pans.

However, you can purchase pan savers, which are padded squares, which will protect the pan while they next amongst each other. 

Calphalon Classic Nonstick A Cookware Storage

Of course, you should do this at your own risk knowing that it still could potentially damage the pans. 

Now you know everything you need to know, which one will you choose? Maybe our conclusion may help you decide...

Conclusion

Calphalon Classic Nonstick is a very well designed range suitable for home cooks who enjoy the convenience of cooking with nonstick but don’t mind handwashing their pans. Trust us; it’s easy when you get into the habit of tending to your pans.

The range is well thought out and moderately priced for the quality compared to other brands.

We like the fact that Calphalon offers the choice between Classic Nonstick and Ceramic Nonstick, which caters to all types of nonstick lovers - including the health and environmentally conscious.

We’ve featured just a couple of the products included in this range, to discover more check out the Calphalon Store on Amazon.

About the author 

Jesse Spitzer

Jesse is a father of two and an aspiring chef. He has worked in the kitchen for over 7 years. He loves cooking and is passionate about finding ways to cook easier and more efficient. When he's not in the kitchen, Jesse can be found on on the golf course, reading a productivity book or sipping a glass of nice pinot.

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