Roomy Roaster Works Well!
Written: Jan 04 '03 (Updated Sep 19 '03)
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Pros: Wonderfully large roaster!
Cons: The side handles can be tricky to use.
The Bottom Line: This is a sturdy and roomy roaster that should meet all your roasting needs. I recommend using it with the roasting rack for best results.
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| randfan's Full Review: Calphalon Commercial Roaster Professional Hard-Ano... |
I'm a Calphalon devotee, so when I added the anodized roaster pan to my cookware collection, I expected to like it. I didn't expect to like it as much as I did, and as a result, I roast more things now.
The pan is roomy! It is 18" long by 12" wide. Despite its size, it is not a heavy or cumbersome piece. The sides are thinner than you might expect, but since they are anodized aluminum they are still strong.
The two handles of the pan, which do move to be flush with the pan or open to grab, are riveted on the sides with four rivets each. You know when you grab onto this pan, no matter how large the load, those handles are secure.
My pan, purchased from Chef's Catalog at a great price on sale, included the roaster rack which is also anodized aluminum and substantial without being too heavy. This is, in my opinion, a must for roasting meats. I have roasted 30 pound turkeys in this pan with wonderful results using the roasting rack. I recently cooked a prime rib roast using just a touch of meat rub on the outside and nothing else. I cooked it on 325 degrees until the internal temperature was 130 degrees and it was perfection. The roasting pan and rack helped insure even cooking and the high sides of the rack (nearly 4 inches) protect the meat.
After roasting the meat, making gravies and sauces are a cinch in this pan because the roasting pan can be placed directly on the stove. Since the meat drippings are right there, add your liquids and simmer until thickened! It's easy, and the Calphalon roaster is as effective as other Calphalon at easy distribution of heat without hot spots, so your gravies and sauces are delicious without burning or scorching.
One word of advice: when taking the roaster out of the oven, make sure the handles are out and you can grab them easily. The lay pretty close to the pan when they are in the "down" position and can be difficult to grab, and you don't want to be in the middle of taking out a heavy roast and discovering you can't grab the handles.
Cleanup is just like other Calphalon pieces. Don't put it in the dishwasher, or you'll ruin it over time. I use Comet cleanser and a Scotch Brite pad to scrub my pans,and it cleans up as well as any roaster. I have found that using non-stick sprays (such as Pam) very sparingly can make cleanup a little easier.
Overall, this is a wonderful roaster, cooks evenly, transfers to the stove with ease, and has all the features of Calphalon. If you like Calphalon cookware, you'll like this roaster.
********** UPDATE **********
I wanted to add to my review the great experience I had with Calphalon on their warranty service. My 5 1/2 quart saute pan had begun to deanodized (turn silver) on the inside bottom of the pan. I contacted Calphalon via email, and described the problem and how I had cared for the pan. They instructed me to send it back to them and they would replace it. It took about 10 days round trip, but I just received my new pan, delivered by FedEx on a Saturday, today. It is slightly restyled, as my old pan was 13 years of age, and Calphalon included a new lid with my replacement so that the pan and lid would match.
I was very impressed with Calphalon's response and follow up and the entire process of their warranty claims. I think this is an excellent example of a company that stands behind their product, and gives me even more conviction in my recommending them so highly.
***Please check out my other Calphalon Reviews***
http://www.epinions.com/content_109995134596
http://www.epinions.com/content_107550183044
http://www.epinions.com/content_103483739780
http://www.epinions.com/content_97479134852
http://www.epinions.com/content_94064840324
http://www.epinions.com/content_85737508484
http://www.epinions.com/content_85602700932
http://www.epinions.com/content_85713260164
http://www.epinions.com/content_88926359172
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 60.00
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Epinions.com ID:
randfan
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Location: The Beautiful MidWest
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