Cheap Swiss Diamond Cast-Aluminum Nonstick

Swiss Diamond Cast-Aluminum Nonstick 3.2-Quart Saucepan with Lid

---

Best Item From Swiss Diamond

WARNING: this product is not "virtually indestructible" or "metal utencil safe"
I recently bought a Swiss Diamond Saute Pan on the basis of a limited lifetime warranty and this claim in the product description:

"Swiss Diamond cookware features a revolutionary new non-stick incorporating diamond crystals ... to form a virtually indestructible non-stick cooking surface that will not crack, blister or peel. So durable its metal utensil safe."

After my experience using this pan I take issue with the terms "virtually indestructible" and "metal utensil safe" and feel that I have been deceived.

I've followed Swiss Diamond use and care instructions *to the letter* but not long after I started using the pan the surface became pockmarked. I would submit that the product is certainly neither "virtually indestructible" nor "metal utensil safe."

Interestingly their lifetime warranty does not cover "scratch marks," which is puzzling because they've just claimed it's "virtually indestructible" and "metal utensil safe." How is a...

Tired of scraping gravy and spaghetti sauce off the bottom of your pot? Forget the elbow grease and hours of soaking in the sink. A Swiss Diamond sauce pan cleans up quickly and easily. Its thick, heavy bottom prevents burning, while cast aluminum walls distribute heat to warm contents evenly with less stirring. This 3.2 quart model includes lid. The included tempered glass lid allows you to monitor food without lifting the cover, maintaining flavor and keeping food from drying out. The rotating lid knob opens or closes a steam vent to release or contain moisture as needed. Used by discerning home chefs around the world, Swiss Diamond’s PFOA-free cookware features unsurpassed nonstick performance for healthy cooking and easy clean-up. The...

• Cast-aluminum 3.2 quart saucepan with diamond-crystal nonstick surface
• Stay-cool ergonomic side handle provides a safe, comfortable grip
• See-through tempered glass lid with knob that doubles as a steam vent
• Dishwasher-safe; oven-safe up to 500 degrees F; metal-utensil safe
• Measures 16-6/7 by 8 by 7 inches; limited lifetime warranty

The gem of non-stick
I am a serious cook, and I have tried just about every non-stick cookware available, and been disappointed--it either didn't work, or it didn't last.

The Swiss Diamond cookware is miraculous. It is so non-stick that you can almost get it dry with a shake or two-the water doesn't stay on it! I have probably used the pots and pans in my collection over 500 times, and nothing has taken more than a few swishes with a brush and a finish swipe with a plastic scrubber if I had cooked something on. And the non-stick covers the entire pan inside and out, except for the bottom that contacts the heat source.

One warning, which is made in the instructions: you must be careful to clean the pan thoroughly before using it again. Food left on the pan can cook into a permanent stain. This is true of every non-stick surface I have every used. My pans look like new after most of a year, and it hasn't taken more than a little extra care.

Unless you need to use very high...
Very Very Good - - for a while
I really liked this pot when new. The distribution of heat is excellent, the nonstick coating was great, and it even had the neat feature that butter spreads out (usually on nonstick pots the butter sort of beads up. In this one it makes a lovely smooth coating you can fry on).
I still like the vented glass lid, which I have kept although I threw the pot in the trash.
After six months it was noticeably less "nonstick" - - needed a little extra work to get it clean.
After a year it was not "nonstick" at all.
After 15 months, it has nasty brown bits of unknown material that are very hard to clean off it. I don't know if it's burned food or some part of the pot itself that is peeling off - - yuck.

Sorry - - too expensive for a pot that only lasts a year. I'm back to my 20-year-old Revereware (but, alas, I see in the reviews that the Revereware brand is now cheesy Asian import junk instead of real quality American product. Sorry, I don't know what to...




More information on Swiss Diamond Cast-Aluminum Nonstick 3.2-Quart Saucepan with Lid from Swiss Diamond

Deals for Scanpan CTX 12-3/4-Inch Fry

Scanpan CTX 12-3/4-Inch Fry Pan

---

Best Item From Scanpan

Nothing better than Scanpan!
This is our Third Scanpan, and we love them. Quite simply the best non-stick cookware we have found.

Let me give a quick background - After we collected All-Clad for several years, it was evident that the non-stick All-Clad was not up to the task. It began to get old and clean-up became tiresome and difficult as the All-Clad non-stick coating wore down and honestly stopped working. We also own some of the All-Clad stainless that is "supposed" to be non-stick based on heating it first, but I find that to be untrue. For pots and other cookware we still like it.

Scanpan has become our favorite cookware over the last 3 years, and the first one purchased is as clean and effective as this brand-new one. No visible wear or tear at all, and a breeze to clean up. We started with the small 8 inch, then the 10 inch, and now the 12 inch to round out our collection and replace our last All-Clad non-stick. It is all very durable and fast to heat up, giving perfect even...

The most versatile of all cookware, Scanpan CTX Fry Pans come in several sizes making it easy to cook the perfect scrambled eggs for one or chicken piccata for the entire family. Multi-layer fused construction results in rapid and even heat distribution throughout the body of the cookware. Recycled aluminum core with Ceramic Titanium PFOA-Free Non-stick interior surface and 18/10 Stainless Steel exterior. Pan is oven and broiler safe so going from the stove top to the oven has never been easier. Pans are easy to care for, require 5-second cleaning by hand or just throw them in the dishwasher - these pans will last a lifetime.

• 5-Layer clad recycled aluminum-stainless steel construction
• Patented ceramic titanium surface with PFOA-Free GreenTek non-stick allows the use of any utensil, including metal utensils
• Allows you to achieve gourmet cooking results by being able to brown, sear and deglaze all different types of food -things you can't do with traditional nonstick pans
• Quick even heat distribution and superb heat retention
• Suitable for all stove tops including induction

Now it sticks.
I combined raw onions and a sweet Italian sausage in this skillet on low heat. After the onions were cooked I removed them and turned up the heat to medium high to brown the sausage. When that was done I tried to clean it. The onion remnants refused to be cleaned off. Something about them had bonded tightly to the surface. I contacted Scanpan and they advised adding a teaspoon of baking soda to two cups of water, bring to boil, let stand for 30 mins and then scrub. I had to repeat this EIGHT times before the surface was clean. Now the surface is nothing like as slippery as it was originally, and even fish sticks to it. It remains easy to clean, but it's still a disappointment.
Good for about a year of daily use
UPDATE 3/13: Yeah, these are bad. I babied my second Scanpan and it still failed in less than a year. If you're only cooking once a week this will last 5 years. But if you cook daily, it'll be useless within a year.

FWIW I was cooking breakfast w/ various kinds of sausages every morning and had identical problems that other users mention (stickiness / bonding).

In regards to the warranty, there's a dozen use cases that negate it and most of them resemble the wear I experienced. To me, it's not worth a debate over whether the warranty is valid or not. I need a new pan and I now know for sure a replacement won't last for me.

PREVIOUS 10/12:

I'm on my second Scanpan CTX and it's following a well trod pattern.

The non-stick is great for ~4 months of once a day use and then it slowly start sticking. After about a year you can see the coating fading and flaking in well-used areas.

For my second pan I followed all of the...




More information on Scanpan CTX 12-3/4-Inch Fry Pan from Scanpan

Cheap Farberware Classic Stainless Steel

Farberware Classic Stainless Steel 15-Piece Cookware Set

---

Best Product From Farberware

Beware unintentionally misleading reviews. Quality is just ok.
I am reviewing this cookware set having owned & used it for ~6 months. At first glance, this set seems to be very well reviewed; however if you read the reviews closely, it will become apparent that many of them are for older versions of Farberware sets (e.g. "I've owned mine for 27 years...", etc. (!)) Such reviews are very helpful in giving us a concept of the quality of Farberware from 1980, but they are unfortunately irrelevant to the quality of this set. I bought this set aware of said discrepancy, but was hoping that quality had been maintained, a good manufacturer in the past probably being a good one now, etc. etc. This was an error. As it has been noted, the pans' bases are not stainless steel, but rather aluminum that is quite far from stainless. The nonstick coating on said pans is beginning to separate from the pan in several small but spreading points (as I only use plastic spatulas/spoons/etc. to cook with, this is not an issue of user error). I have no complaint with...

Farberware Classic Stainless Steel 15-Piece Cookware SetWith this wonderful Farberware Classic Stainless Steel 15-Piece Set, you can do it all, from soup to nuts. Perfect for large family meals like spaghetti with meatballs, a big pot of chicken noodle soup, or Beef Stroganoff, these pots and pans also come in handy for making solo meals. Whether you're making eggs and bacon for breakfast or a grilled cheese sandwich for lunch, you�۪ll always have the right pans nearby. This set includes essential pieces needed for both everyday meals and holiday feasts. Farberware Classic cookware combines today�۪s technology with the iconic style and quality that Farberware has delivered for 100 years. Heavy-gauge stainless steel is polishe...

• Set includes 1-, 1-1/2- and 2-quart saucepans (each with lids); 4-quart covered saucepot; 8-quart covered stockpot
• Also includes 8- and 10-inch nonstick skillets; three kitchen tools (spoon, slotted spoon, slotted turner)
• Aluminum core in base for quick, even heating; base capped by stainless steel. Made of heavy 18/10 stainless steel polished to mirror finish
• Close fitting stainless steel lids; classically styled phenolic handles
• Oven safe to 350 degrees F; dishwasher safe, though handwashing recommended; limited lifetime warranty

Great stainless steel, but skillets are 100% aluminum.
We're happy with our 20-year-old Farberware stainless steel cookware, pre-dating the stainless steel capped base. The interiors are still like new. The lids are shiny and dent-free. The handles are faded, but remain tight with an occasional turn of a screw. We use it everyday.

We are equally pleased with the newer "Classic" pieces, especially with the added weight and improved appearance of the capped bases. We bought the 15-piece set, giving us some redundant pieces but at a better price than buying fewer pieces individually.

We like stainless steel for several reasons: It cooks well. We can use metal utensils. It lasts for decades. It's dishwasher safe without consequence. It looks good. It's heavy enough. It cleans up easily. (For occasional stuck on food, we simply blot out what's loose, add water, and bring to a boil. After a few seconds, the stuck on food wipes off easily.)

There's pricier cookware available, some with aluminum cores...
Not quite as good as the old stuff
Farberware classic is great -- an inexpensive yet equally functional alternative to the very expensive pots & pans. Note: recently Farberware reduced its quality, in that older Farberware pots & pans had their thick aluminum base completely encased within a stainless steel shell. The newer pots & pans have the aluminum base attached to the bottom, but not encased within a stainless steel bottom. So, their quality is less than it was; most people who "grew up with Farberware" may not realize this. Farberware used to hold the patent on the technique of having the aluminum base CURVE up the side of the pan -- they no longer do this, and are the same as many other manufacturers.




More information on Farberware Classic Stainless Steel 15-Piece Cookware Set from Farberware

Buy Cuisinart CI670-30CR Chef's Classic

Cuisinart CI670-30CR Chef's Classic Enameled Cast Iron 7-Quart Round Covered Casserole, Cardinal Red

---

Best Product From Cuisinart

Heavy and cooks well
The enameled cast iron casserole, or dutch oven, is a great addition to any chef's kitchen. It generally becomes a family heirloom, because the pot will outlast the chef.

The most well known brand is Le Creuset, but those are also the most expensive. I've found this Cuisinart to be very capable and it's about half the price. Its taken some punishment from me over the past few weeks and performed admirably.

I have a Le Creuset enameled aluminum stock pot. I can't see a noticeable difference in the quality of their enameling. This bad boy is serious cookware for serious cooking.

Cast iron gets a new look! The Cuisinart Chef's Classic Enameled Cast Iron cookware lines offers a variety of sizes and styles so you can cook any way you like. On the stove in the oven or under the broiler, this durable and attractive cookware evenly retains and distributed heat for results every time. It's easy to sear steaks in the grill pan, braise or simmer family-sized entrees in the casseroles, or bake a breakfast frittata in the fry pan. An with the appealing colors and elegant enameled finish, you won't have to think twice about bringing them right to the table to serve! Any way you cook, equipping your kitchen with Cuisinart cast iron cookware allows for endless menu options. This Cuisinart cookware is timeless.

• Cast iron contraction retains heat well. Interior does not alter flavors or absorb odors.
• Wide cast iron handles provide comfortable and secure grip. Stovetop, oven and broiler safe. Induction stovetop compatible.
• Cast Iron construction provides superior heat retention and even heat distribution.
• Strong, durable finish in rich colors complements any kitchen décor. Perfect for cooking, serving and entertaining.
• Convenient maintenance and easy cleanup and dishwasher safe

Cuisinart Enameled Cast Iron - WHAT A FIND!!!
If you are looking for affordable enameled cast iron this is it. I've used Le Creuset many times and it is great cookware...but this is just as good for much less money. I bought this piece - the 7qt oval Dutch Oven in Cherry Red for $89.90 on Amamzon..(the corresponding Le Creuset piece goes for $275.00) and is is beautifully made...not like some of the cheaper knock-offs. Its VERY heavy and the enamel is applied perfectly. Will buy additional pieces (5qt Dutch Oven, grill pan etc.) now that I know Cuisinart makes their Enameled Cast Iron so well.
Cracked and Disappointed
I bought this enameled cast iron pan in hopes that it would be high enough quality to last. Unfortunately, I found cracks in the enamel after only two uses of very light wear. My stovetop use did not exceed the medium setting and my oven use didn't exceed 300 degrees. I would consider that very gentle handling! I will be returning this and buying a le creuset in hopes of a better result.




More information on Cuisinart CI670-30CR Chef's Classic Enameled Cast Iron 7-Quart Round Covered Casserole, Cardinal Red from Cuisinart

Cheap Winware 6 Quart Stainless

Winware 6 Quart Stainless Steel Round Roll Top Chafer

---

Best Product From Winware

This is such a beautiful chafing dish
THis is better than I thought it was going to be. Absolutely lovely. It very, very easy to use. Did I say it is absolutely lovely?

6 Quart Stainless Steel Round Roll Top Chafer - Heavy Commercial Gauge

• Includes one round food pan, water pan, dome cover and fuel holder
• Stainless steel mirror finished cover
• Cover can roll over to 90o and 180o

Amazing value for an Impressive statement piece
After months of researching chafers, a roll top was a priority. No messy lids on the buffet, or guests juggling a plate, serving spoon, and lid...all with just 2 hands.
A roll top REALLY makes a difference, well worth the extra cost, you'll never regret it.
Next is to decide which roll top.
I went through every restaurant supply house, every hotel supplier. Holy smoke, the prices for something nice was off-the-chart crazy!
This looked like a knock off of one of those modern elegant chafers in the $400+ range. I ordered and held my breath, not knowing if it would be a dazzler or a dud.

It is beyond beautiful. It is literally out of this world...I find myself mimicking the theme from Space Oddesy 2001 every time I open it.
If space is at a premium, a rectangle might be an option, but NOTHING will look as chic and breathtaking as a this big polished orb.
Good quality
Good heavy quality. The stand is a little bit bigger (round) than what I was expecting, but still looks. The advertised picture shows air vent holes on top of the dome, which after setting up, it does not. Will cause more condensation to build under the dome. When opening, the dome comes to a cushioned stop at 90 degrees. To open all the way, you push (with a little tension) to the 180 degree. The food and water/steaming dish are a brushed (stainless?) steel - not shiny like the rest of the unit. Thanks to the other reviewers for posting pictures. Helped me in my decision to purchase. All around, I give it a two thumbs up.




More information on Winware 6 Quart Stainless Steel Round Roll Top Chafer from Winware

Cheap All-Clad 6112 SS Copper

All-Clad 6112 SS Copper Core 5-Ply Bonded Dishwasher Safe 12-Inch Fry Pan Cookware, Silver

---

Best Item From All-Clad

Amazing cookware, Never Knew It Could Be This GOOD!
Over the years I have used a variety of cookware--aluminum bottomed stainless Revere Ware, Magnalite Professional, Calphalon, Calphalon Professional NonStick. When I finally had to throw out the last of my tattered collection, I started to look for some stainless cookware that would stand the test of time and offer performance to boot. I decided to splurge on this All-Clad Copper Core.

One of the pieces I recieved was this 10" Fry Pan...

Delighted to report that I am THRILLED with this expensive splurge! All-Clad is NOT about expensive hype and status, those these pans are beautifully made, instead they do everything cookware should, and have literally changed the way I cook. Having attended CIA and worked as a professional chef for a few years, I know the golden rule for food not sticking: preheat pan, add oil, let oil heat for 5-10 seconds, then add food. Using these guidelines with the Copper Core, nothing sticks! And I mean for some things, like omelets or...

All-Clad Copper Core 12" Fry PanAchieve optimum heating and cooking temperature using All-Clad's Copper Core fry pan. The patented Copper Core technology uses a five-ply construction to ensure the ideal amount of heat conductivity and diffusion. The center copper layer is bonded on both sides by aluminum to enhance heat distribution, while reducing weight. Finally, the interior and exterior are bonded with 18/10 stainless steel to provide the ideal cooking surface with ease of cleaning. These three materials combine together to create a beautiful and functional piece, allowing for maximum durability and ease of use. The piece also features a long, stay-cool handle that is riveted to the side for added durability and strength, and a stylish ...

• Beautiful, classic slope-sided, 12-inch frying pan
• Stainless-steel interior and exterior with elegant copper stripe
• Pure copper core for quick, even heating
• Lifetime warranty against defects

One of My Kitchen Favorites
Next to my All-Clad Copper Core Dutch Oven, this is my favorite cooking utensil. I also have the 12 inch fry pan I use when company comes over. After using this pan a few times I threw out all my nonstick cookware. Now I use nothing but All-Clad Copper Core. Every morning I scramble eggs in this pan. I put a pat of butter in the bottom, turn the heat to medium (never high or you'll scorch any pan), let the butter start to turn brown and throw in my eggs. They don't stick; it's amazing. The few times I do have some stickies, I just soak in water for 10 minutes before washing and they easily come clean. About once a month I might soak the pan with a 1/2 inch of vinegar for an hour or overnight. It turns the bottom shiny and new looking. This pan is also great for bacon, saueting pork chops and chicken--just about anything. And, I never have to worry about toxins migrating from nonstick cookware into my food.
Simply the Best
You cannot beat All-Clad in the quality department. After using this pan for a week my family even noticed how my cooking was tastier. This pan does a fantastic job caramelizing meat and veggies. It heats very quickly and evenly. But it also cools very rapidly because the copper is a fantastic conductor of heat and cold. I like the copper core better because of the ease of maintenance. Just a little Barkeeper's Friend and it shines like new. The handle stays cool enough in most applications for me to use it bare handed. The sides are sloped just right to impress your friends with a little food flipping action. I've used it on both electric and gas stoves and was happy with the even heating of both. If you can swing the price you won't regret it.




More information on All-Clad 6112 SS Copper Core 5-Ply Bonded Dishwasher Safe 12-Inch Fry Pan Cookware, Silver from All-Clad

Large discount on Mauviel M'cook 5217.15 15.7

Mauviel M'cook 5217.15 15.7 by 11.8-Inch Rectangular Roasting Pan and Rack with Cast Stainless Steel Handles

---

Best Item From Mauviel

Item is 1.5mm thickness not usual 2.6mm thickness
Update:
The item description has been corrected and my rating has been upgraded.

Buyers BEWARE!

There are 2 Mauviel M'cook 15.7 x 11.8-inch roasting pans. This one, item number 5217.15 has a thickness of only 1.5mm thickness. The description is claiming this pan is 2.6mm, IT"S NOT. If you actually want the pan with 2.6mm thickness you need to look for item number 5217.40GWP.Mauviel 1830 M'cook - 15.7" x 11.8" Cast Stainless Steel Roasting Pan

From the Sur La Table question and answers about this roaster. "this roaster is a special value made for the holidays.... this pan has a 1.5 mm thickness, while the original Mauviel M'Cook roasting pan has a 2.6mm thickness." [...]

It's too bad sellers don't give correct descriptions of products. This is probably a really nice pan but I'd be pretty mad if I had bought this product thinking it was 2.6mm thick and later found out it is 1.5mm thick.

In 1830 in a Normandy village called Villedieu-les-Poles, Mr. Ernest Mauviel established the Mauviel manufacturing company. Villedieu-les-Poles, long known as The City of Copper, has an 800-year heritage of copper manufacturing. Mauviel's manufacturing expertise is based on this rich tradition of copper manufacturing that has been handed down from generation to generation. Since the very early-years, Mauviel has been a fixture in the professional and commercial markets. Today, Mauviel continues to offer the professional chef products that are unsurpassed in quality and design. Throughout the world, Mauviel is the cookware acclaimed chefs depend on: their restaurant and reputation relies on the best. Mauviel offers several collections of sup...

• M'Cook 15.7 x 11.8 inch roasting pan
• 5 ply construction; 1-1/2mm thickness on all shapes; pouring rims on every shape
• High performance cookware has fast, controlled even heat distribution; works on all cooking surfaces: gas, electric, halogen and is perfect for induction
• Oversized cast stainless steel handles stay cool and are ergonomically designed for ease of use
• Oven safe to 680-degree F, dishwasher safe, lifetime warranty, made in France

Not 2.6mm! This is the 1.5mm model
UPDATE: I just noticed that the description is now correctly stating the 1.5mm thickness, so I thought it appropriate to update - adjusted my rating to 3 stars (given the price).

I will start by saying that the 1.5mm pan is still nicely made and a totally usable item. Except they charge you for the 2.6mm model (5217.40) but they give you the 1.5mm model (5217.15) - now THAT'S unfair. I reported this, but have yet to see the description change.

I actually saw the same travesty at Sur La Table. They have the 2.6mm model on the bottom shelf, where all the Mauviel stuff is. It costs $199.99. And by the entrance, on a special display they have the 1.5mm model (which looks identical unless you know to compare the thickness and model numbers) and it too costs $199.99. This is misleading and deceitful. And yes, you CAN see the difference when they're side by side, although it's not as drastic as you'd want.

And yes, no rack in the box, which honestly is a...
Beautiful pan and well packaged by Amazon
10/9/13 Update - FYI, I have a habit of keeping the packaging of things that i buy for quite some time after opening, "just in case." I happened to be clearing things out and was ready to toss the packaging when I noticed that the Mauviel sticker that I stuck to the box notes that the pan I received IS 2.6mm. How odd! I highly suggest those complaining about the "thinness" of the pan examine the packaging - you may have actually received a 2.6mm pan without realizing it - no wonder my pan was so heavy. I'm even more pleased to have discovered that I received a 2.6mm pan since I got the pan for a steal on amazon - the 2.6mm was going for $250 last year on several other websites.
----------
It's a shame that this gorgeous pan has such horrible reviews because the description of the product was inaccurate. It may only be 1.5mm thick (compared to the more expensive 2.6mm pan), but it's quite heavy and looks very sturdy. I agree with the other reviewer who mentioned that the...




More information on Mauviel M'cook 5217.15 15.7 by 11.8-Inch Rectangular Roasting Pan and Rack with Cast Stainless Steel Handles from Mauviel