Stunning Circulon Infinite Hard Anodized 10-Piece Cookware Set Review!

Looking to buy an affordable, durable cookware set that is ready for an induction stovetop and need to do some comparison shopping from the comfort of your own living room?

You’ve come to right place!

In this article we’re going to look at some features and benefits of the Circulon Infinite 10-piece (induction compatible, hard anodized nonstick) cookware set to see how it measures up against some tough competition in the marketplace.

Circulon-Infinite-10-Piece-CookwareSet - Copy
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All about Circulon

Circulon is renowned for having taken a typical flat, boring, ordinary-looking cooking surface and turning it into a series of raised concentric circles. The circles are for more than just aesthetic purposes; they actually assist in decreasing surface abrasion which creates a cookware set that could readily stand the test of time!

Circulon Infinite Hard Anodized Frypan

Circulon then triple-coated the interior of their unique pans with a premium-quality nonstick (aptly named the TOTAL® nonstick system). By adding their nonstick technology to the resilience of hard-anodized construction they created one of the most efficient and long-lasting nonstick cooking surfaces in the world.

The TOTAL® nonstick system, which has been rated as the longest wearing by independent lab tests, features an all-over nonstick coating and a Hi-Low ring design that heats food over the entire cooking surface, but reduces abrasion by allowing only a portion of food and utensils to touch.

In 2000, Circulon was the first to add color exteriors to hard-anodized cookware, further expanding their repertoire of original cooking solutions making cookware both beautiful and functional.

Circulon claims to have created the first dishwasher-safe, all-range capable, induction ready, hard-anodized cookware and bakeware (the bakeware, incidentally, also features the unique raised nonstick circles and its benefits).

The interesting history behind Circulon

We all love a good backstory, so we wanted to know how Circulon came about creating the unique cookware system.

Seems that the founder of Circulon, Stanley K. Cheng, was already an experienced cookware manufacturer, marketer and distributor when two big problems captured his imagination.

First, how could he make hard-anodized aluminum cookware easy to clean?

And second of all, how could he boost the durability of nonstick cookware coatings?

Circulon Infinite Hard Anodized Pan

His hard work and consideration paid off and eventually, Chang was able to combine top-rated nonstick with hard-anodized cookware. He was also able to figure out how to increase the performance and ruggedness of the nonstick by placing it on an innovative cooking surface of raised circles.

And Circulon was born.

Circulon Infinite Hard Anodized Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set – What exactly is it?

The Circulon Infinite line features a stainless steel base, which fully encapsulates a thick aluminum core that conducts heat efficiently and evenly throughout each piece of this cookware set.

Circulon Infinite Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set

With this professional-quality cookware you will be able to make just about any meal because of the superior nonstick surface; plus the superior nonstick coating means that you can cook with less oil for a healthier version of your favorite recipes.

If you’re looking for a set that allows you to begin your cooking on the stove top before transferring and finishing off in the oven (such as braising a brisket or pork tenderloin) the Circulon Infinite series should definitely make your shortlist; these pans are oven safe (though it must be noted, that the Circulon Infinite cookware set is only able to withstand oven temperatures up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit).

How does it work?

Circulon Infinite’s stainless steel base fully encapsulates a thick aluminum core that conducts heat efficiently and evenly (patent is pending).

Constructed of heavy gauge, hard-anodized aluminum, Circulon Infinite is compatible with all stovetops, including glass and induction, and is easy to clean inside and out.

The set is absolutely dishwasher-safe using non-alkaline dish soap (though we know many users who prefer to wash by hand just as a personal preference).

Circulon Infinite Hard Anodized Nonstick Pan

What are the benefits of the Circulon Infinite?

One of the greatest draws to the Circulon Infinite cookware sets is the all-round heating. The stainless steel base promotes even heating for exceptional performance.

An additional feature is the stainless steel handles which are sturdy and provide a confident grasp.

Benefits Of The Circulon Infinite Cookware

One aspects to note in any cookware set that you hope to use for a long time is whether or not it is suitable for use on all stovetops (especially since, let’s be honest, a good cookware set could, conceivably, outlast your stove). A great benefit is that the Circulon Infinite is, literally, created for all stovetops; including induction, ceramic or glass cooktops. As we mentioned earlier, you can even pop this set in the oven (up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit).

This cookware is dishwasher safe, making for easy cleanup (because seriously, who likes cleaning up anyway?).

If you are looking for a durable set in a moderate price range, this is one of the most durable cookware sets we’ve seen. The hard-anodized construction makes these pots and pans some of the strongest cookware pieces available in this price range.

Also, unlike most nonstick pans, the Circulon range can be used with metal utensils because the hard-anodized aluminum also doesn’t chip, stain, or scratch!

Where is it made?

The Circulon Infinite Hard Anodized Nonstick cookware set is manufactured in China; creating a sturdy, durable set that is also within range of even the more modest budgets (you’ll see how this comes in handy as we go through some comparisons with other cookware sets, below).

The cast stainless-steel handles stay comfortably cool on the stovetop and are riveted for extra strength, and the snug-fitting stainless-steel lids are low-profile and substantial.

The set’s deep charcoal grey and bright mirror-polish combination looks professional yet stylish enough to bring to the table for serving (which, incidentally saves you washing extra dishes, another plus).

Circulon Infinite Cookware Production

The set is backed with a limited lifetime warranty. The Circulon Infinite 10-piece set consists of

  • 1-1/2- and 2-quart covered saucepans
  • 8-quart covered stockpot
  • 3-quart covered sauté pan
  • 8- and 10-inch open skillets

Comparing the Circulon Infinite set

Anyone looking to stock their kitchen with a new set of pots and pans has likely been inundated by all the choices! A good cookware set is an investment, so conducting good research on a variety of sets in the marketplace will help you to make the right decision and purchase.

So how does the Circulon Infinite Hard Anodized Nonstick 10-piece cookware set stack up against the competition? Let’s take a look.

How does the Circulon Infinite fare against Calphalon Unison?

Calphalon Unison is also constructed from heavy-gauge hard-anodized aluminum and manufactured with stainless steel handles. The nonstick is PFOA-free and oven safe to 500 degrees Fahrenheit (yes, hotter than the Circulon Infinite series which may be a deciding factor for some cooks) and includes a full lifetime warranty.

Circulon Infinite Cookware Versus Calphalon Unison
Circulon Infinite Cookware Versus Calphalon Unison

Circulon Infinite      VERSUS      Calphalon Unison

Calphalon Unison is recommended for gas, electric, electric rings, halogen, and glass stove tops but only recommended to be used with nylon, coated or wood utensils (no metal).

Two surfaces make all the difference on the Calphalon Unison cookware set; the ultra-smooth Slide Nonstick surface releases foods effortlessly, and a specially textured Sear Nonstick surface seals in flavor. Each surface is designed to enhance the specific cooking purpose of the pan.

Both brands are oven safe, however as mentioned above, Circulon is only safe to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and Calphalon is oven safe to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Circulon Infinite vs Le Creuset

Le Creuset is best known for their original colorful, joyful enameled cast iron cookware (the company introduced a flame-colored enameled cast iron cocotte in 1925) and stoneware but they have grown to include a range of stainless steel cookware as well.

Le Creuset stainless steel range is designed for a wide range of recipes and ingredients, Le Creuset Toughened Nonstick pans deliver unsurpassed nonstick performance with a proprietary, PFOA-free, triple-layered reinforced coating that promises not to peel or flake during use. The hot-forging process also prevents warping and facilitates consistent heat distribution, making the range ideal for cooking a wide variety of meals.

Le Creuset nonstick coating is patented and promises to release food easily for quick clean-up. The range is also dishwasher and oven safe (up to 500°F). The magnetic stainless base makes it ideal for all stovetops.

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Circulon Infinite Cookware Vs Le Creuset

Circulon Infinite      VERSUS      Le Creuset

Both Le Creuset and the Circulon Infinite sets are able to be used with metal utensils and are constructed with ergonomic stay-cool handles.

Le Creuset offers a lifetime warranty while Circulon Infinite provides for a limited lifetime warranty.

The biggest, and perhaps only, drawback with the French Le Creuset set is that it comes with a premium price tag; a one-piece stainless steel saucepan will literally set you back more than the entire 10 pieces of the Circulon Infinite set!

The Circulon Infinite Hard Anodized Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set definitely walks away from this comparative shopping as the easy one on the budgets.

We’d also like to mention Bialetti cookware which is the complete (opposite of Slip Stone cookware). It’s an alternative to Le Creuset and Circulon which offer comparable cookware at affordable prices.

Circulon Infinite vs Scanpan

Scanpan is a high quality nonstick cookware made in Denmark. Its patented nonstick coating promises to deliver a cooking surface that is ten times harder than stainless steel, and easy to clean.

Like Le Creuset, and as expected with high quality European manufactured cookware, the individual pieces come with a high price point and as such, are probably priced beyond that of most budgets.

Circulon Infinite Cookware Vs Scanpan
Circulon Infinite Cookware Vs Scanpan

Circulon Infinite      VERSUS      Scanpan

For this reason, the Scanpan is not for everybody and the Circulon Infinite is a good, less expensive, but still durable cookware set.

Circulon Infinite vs Anolon Advanced

Anolon Advanced also offers a cookware set that out prices (the Anolon Advanced 11-piece comes in at almost $300 on their website) the Circulon Infinite set.

Like the Circulon Infinite set, the Anolon Advanced pots and pans are made of heavy gauge hard anodized aluminum, ensuring efficient, even heat distribution and can be used with metal utensils.

The Anolon Advanced set can withstand slightly hotter oven temperatures, up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The durable nonstick surface interior and exterior is ideal for both healthy cooking (less oil needed) and easy cleanup. The break-resistant, domed-shaped tempered glass lids allow you to monitor food while it cooks, without losing moisture or nutrients.

Circulon Infinite Cookware Vs Anolon Advanced
Circulon Infinite Cookware Vs Anolon Advanced

Circulon Infinite      VERSUS      Anolon Advanced

Although the two cookware sets are similar, the price points differ by more than $100 (the Circulon Infinite is more affordable although the Anolonline offers an additional piece in their cookware set).

As a consumer, the biggest question to ask while comparing these two sets is affordability as well as whether the additional piece offered by Anolon is needed in your kitchen.

The Bottom Line

As most consumer shopping does, this is likely a conversation that will circle back around to pricing, what your budget can withstand, and what pieces are must-have items for your kitchen.

When it comes to an affordable kitchen set that meets all your cooking needs, the Circulon Infinite cookware set beats out Calphalon Unison, Le Creuset, Scanpan, and Anolon Advanced for an affordable, warranty guaranteed, induction stove ready cookware set that is also an excellent value for money.

Three decades later, Circulon’s commitment to innovative, solution-driven kitchenware has stayed true to its mission; to make your time in the kitchen easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable.

And might we add, affordable as well.

About the author 

Nate Lau

Nate is an aspiring chef, and father of two. He is always on the lookout to try new healthy recipes and kitchen gadgets. He has a passion for cooking delicious miso black cod and enjoys a nice sip of pinot on occasion.

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