Adding to My Kitchen Perfection with T-Fal
Written: Mar 07 '05 (Updated Jul 15 '07)
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Pros: nonstick interior, hard enamel exterior, cooks evenly, no warping, cool handles, easy to clean
Cons: not every pan comes with a lid
The Bottom Line: I enjoy using T-Fal cookware. The pans are lightweight with a durable finish.
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| dlstewart's Full Review: T-Fal Perfection Nonstick 9 Piece Cookware Set |
I own several pieces of the T-Fal Perfection line and like the way they cook. Looking at my old pots and pans, I decided to go for it and ordered the T-Fal Perfection 9-piece Cookware Set from Betty Crocker’s online store.
What Comes in the Set
* 1 Quart Covered Sauce Pan – counts as 2 pieces
(5 1/2" diameter, 2 3/4" deep with 6 1/4" long handle)
* 2.1 Quart Covered Sauce Pan – counts as 2 pieces
(7" diameter, 3 3/4" deep with 7 1/4" long handle)
* 5.3 Quart Covered Dutch Oven – counts as 2 pieces
(9 1/4" diameter, 4 3/4" deep with a 2 1/2" long x 3 1/4" wide handle on each side
* 8" Saute Pan
(2" deep with 6" long handle)
* 10" Saute Pan
(9 1/4" diameter with 7" long handle)
* 10" Chef’s Pan
(2 3/4" deep with 7" long handle)
T-Fal Perfection Cookware Features
I had three color choices: black, white or blue. I chose the black.
These pans have a hard porcelain enamel exterior over heavy aluminum, and a nonstick interior. T-Fal says that metal utensils can be used in these pans.
Each pan also features a Thermo-Spot. These pans actually let you know when they are preheated. There is a red circle in the center top of each pan. This red spot has a circular maze-like design in it with a few T-shaped areas. As the pan preheats, the design changes, turning into a solid red dot when the pan is perfectly preheated and ready for cooking.
The bottom of the pans have an Amaral base with a copper anti-distortion disc that evenly distributes heat throughout the pans. This disc also has the added benefit of making the base "20 times more resistant to warping".
The lids are constructed of tempered glass and are rimmed with stainless steel. A knob that is 1 1/4" tall and 2 1/4" wide is centered on each lid. A single screw secures the knob to the glass. The Dutch Oven lid is designed to also fit the 10" Saute Pan and the 10" Chef’s Pan.
Ergonomic handles are important, and these don’t disappoint. Each handle is oven safe up to 350-degrees F. The handles are also “stay cool” so that they do not conduct heat. One screw secures the handle to the pan. Each handle has a 1/2" hole at the end for hanging if desired.
My Experiences
I love these pans. They are lightweight. When I first started shopping for new cookware, I decided to explore the vast variety available. So many of the pans were heavy ... some so heavy that I would need a weight lifting class in order to beef up enough to use them.
These pans are easy to use and always cook well. T-Fal says that no cooking oil is needed on their nonstick surface. I don’t cook without some sort of oil, butter or cooking spray. It adds that bit of extra flavor to the food. Besides, I was raised that way ... and it’s so hard to break that type of conditioning! T-Fal also says that metal utensils can be used in these pans. I rarely use metal utensils in the pan, but when I have, the pan has not suffered for it. I’ve been using this cookware for three months now, and the nonstick surface is just like new ... and so is the outside enamel. The pans have not warped, either.
The clear glass lids make it easy to view the pan’s contents. The lids are not vented, but I have no problem with this. If there is a lot of liquid in the pan, the lids will gather liquid along the surface; however, I can still see the interior of the pan. I was worried that the lids might chafe against the nonstick interior, but that has not happened.
T-Fal’s “stay-cool” handles are wonderful. I have never had a problem with the handles heating. I don’t even need to use a potholder to grab the handles. The handle width is comfortable. Even small hands won’t have trouble grasping these long handles. I thought the Dutch Oven handles were a funky design when I first saw them and wasn’t sure how well I would like them ... but they are fine, and the two Dutch Oven handles are broad enough so that it is simple to carry the pot with comfort. Even though T-Fal says the handles are oven-safe up to 350-degrees F., I have not used these pans in the oven.
If I had to choose a favorite, it would be Chef’s Pan. It is excellent for stir frying since it has the added depth to the sides that I don’t have with a normal frying pan. The liquid also stays in the pan longer than a conventional frying pan so that it doesn’t cook out of the pan as fast. I find this pan comes in handy for many things. Everything from browning meat to cooking Rice-A-Roni as well as cooking one-pan meals such as a stir fry.
Would I Change Anything?
Not every pan comes with its own lid, which sometimes makes cooking a challenge. The 8" Saute Pan does not come with a lid. Three of the other pans share one lid between them. If I am using two or even three of those pans, only one pan can use the lid. Thankfully, this situation doesn’t often arise.
Cleaning and Care
These pans are simple to clean. I have never had anything stick to the surface. I hand wash them using Dawn dishwashing liquid. Grease and food debris slide right off of the non-stick surface with the swipe of a soapy sponge.
I don’t stack these pans inside one another. Call me cautious, but I want to preserve the nonstick finish as best I can. I store these pans flat on a long shelf near my kitchen cabinets. For the pans that come with lids, I keep the lids on the pan.
Packaging
This cookware set comes in a sturdy cardboard carton. The pans are well cushioned with insulating “bumpers” of foam, and the individual pieces of cookware are wrapped in clear plastic.
Purchasing
I bought this T-Fal cookware set from Betty Crocker online store. I save Betty Crocker points from various Betty Crocker products that I purchase. Saving these points allows me to buy from the Betty Crocker catalog at reduced prices.
The T-Fal Perfection 9-piece Cookware Set usually sells for $129.99. Using my Betty Crocker points, I purchased the set for $97.49. Amazon.com offers this set for $99.99 and says the list price is $139.99.
Update July 15, 2007
I thought you would like to know that the plastic center in the knob on the lid for the 2.1 quart saucepan broke. This lid has never been placed in the dishwasher or abused in any way. It is always carefully hand washed and dried. The pegs that hold the plastic disk in place have broken (sheared off) so that the plastic disk no longer is part of the lid. What is left is a hole in the center of the knob. The lid is still functional, but obviously doesn't look great. It could also be considered a safety hazard.
I contacted T-Fal using their online form to report the problem. I had asked for a lid replacement since this set is under warranty and not that old. I offered to send them a photograph of everything (lid, the broken knob, the saucepan) as well as provide proof of ownership. Their response was that I should send them the lid at my cost and they would "evaluate" it. They did not state they would replace it. I'm very unhappy at this lack of customer support.
Summary
With the exception of the broken knob on one lid, I am delighted with this T-Fal Perfection 9-piece Cookware Set. It was a great purchase, and I’m looking forward to years of service from these pans. I’m not the best cook. T-Fal, however, brings me one step closer to a dream of cooking perfection.
I hope you have found this review useful.
Enjoy your day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com
Additional Information
T-Fal Consumer Service
2121 Eden Road
Millville, NJ 08332
Toll-free Phone: 800-395-8325
Monday - Thursday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm EST
Friday, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm EST
Please read my other reviews.
Oxo Professional Good Grips Knife Set
T-Fal Perfection Square Griddle
T-Fal Perfection 4.4 Quart Saute Pan
Calphalon Professional Non-stick Sauce Pan
Granite Ware 19-inch Oval Roaster
Granite Ware Large Rectangle Roaster -- holds a 22-pound turkey!
Le Creuset Bean Pot
West Bend Automatic Egg Cooker
Braun Coffee Grinder (and flax seed)
KitchenAid 5-Speed Hand Mixer
Broan Allure III Range Hood
Maytag Gemini Double Oven Range
Copyright 2005 Dawn L. Stewart
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 97.49
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