Most used Calphalon in my collection
Written: Jan 04 '03 (Updated Sep 19 '03)
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Pros: Very versatile and durable saute pan!
Cons: Storage is tricky due to size
The Bottom Line: My favorite pan of my favorite cookware. Many uses, great durability and conductivity!
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| randfan's Full Review: Calphalon Saute Pans, Commercial Hard Anodized, D5... |
First, I should say, for those who don't yet know, that I am a Calphalon junkie and have been for about 13 years. It is virtually all I ever cook with (except in the microwave) and I've learned to love it.
Having said that, this Saute Pan is my favorite in my cache of Calphalon. It's a nice weight and is durable. The anodized aluminum constructions ensures even heat distribution and no hot spots while cooking. You can slow cook at low temperatures in this pan, or cook more quickly at higher temps and with equally satisfying results.
The lid, which is large, fits nice and snug, so poaching and steaming are easy to do. It can also be left slightly askew on the pan allowing some steam to escape for those times you'd like that result.
I use this pan for a variety of uses and I love it equally for all of them. I poach fish, braise pork chops, cook chicken breasts, make stews, and have even done smaller-sized roasts on top of the stove in it. This pan is perfect for making reduction sauces and gravies to accompany a meat that you have cooked in it.
One of my favorite dishes to make is ratatouille. I saute onions and garlic in olive oil at a fairly high heat, then add the remaining vegetables and tomatoes and spices, while lowering the heat and letting it simmer covered for 2-3 hours. This pan is so versatile that it saute's at higher temps and also creates delicious slow-cooked dishes.
Cleaning Calphalon, as I've recommended on other pieces, is not as bad as it sounds. Using Comet cleanser and a Scotch Brite pad, I clean mine up in a jif. If there are stubborn cooked-on food particles, I just soak the pan in sudsy water overnight, and the food falls off in the morning.
As with other Calphalon, the handles do get very hot while cooking, so you need to protect your hands with a hot pad or the Calphalon pot holder while using them. The lids get very hot too, as they conduct heat as well as the pan, so take care when removing the lids.
Two small drawbacks to this pan are it's size when it comes to storage. It's large size and the matching lid, combined with the handle on the pan make this pan quite sizable. I have learned to love hanging them above the cooktop. (However, I have not learned to love dusting them while they are up there!)
The second small drawback is that this Calphalon piece, like the other uncoated pieces, should not have food stored in them that has an acidic base, especially tomato sauces. These foods can damage the cooking surface. I just make it a rule not to store food in my Calphalon ever, and invest in a nice set of Tupperware.
In short, Calphalon is my favorite cookware, and this saute pan is my favorite, most-used piece. I highly recommend it.
********** 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$): part of set
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Epinions.com ID:
randfan
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Location: The Beautiful MidWest
Reviews written: 143
Trusted by: 79 members
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Business calls and will be in and out for a while!
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