Superb within design limitations
Written: Dec 09 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Clever design, super non stick coating, heat, serve store & good looking
Cons: NO HIGH HEAT so not all purpose
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| jljohnston's Full Review: T-Fal Ingenio Cookware Sets |
I've waited a while to write this review, because some of the epinions on T-Fal Ingenio were so negative that I thought I should take a wait and see approach. I'm glad to submit another positive review of this rather unusually designed cookware system.
After years of using heavy stainless steel cookware, the desirability of non-stick was apparent and I figured that after 45 years of development, the originator, T-Fal (or Tefal) would "have it down." When I saw the features of this particular line, it was enough to make me order it-- and it was only available on line from the company. Cheap, too at around $100 for an eight piece set, so no big risk.
The special features are:
1.) T-Fal's Amaral non-stick coating with a lifetime guarantee
2.) Removable handles that permit stacking in a small space, using the cookware to bake in, serve at table and store with included plastic covers.
3.) Vented or straining covers that will hook on the side of the pan for stirring while on range top.
Impressions: The cookware is a good weight aluminum with some sort of diffusion disc on the bottom with the exterior in a "metalflake" enamel (mine is called "Midnight" which is black with copper flecks). The handles have a locking mechanism which is quite strong and sturdily designed; takes a strong index finger to release. The plastic storage lids are very heavy and durable. The cooking lids are stamped steel with an anti stick coating and an offset handle which will attach to the side of the pan or allow you to drain the pan with the lid in place and not burn your hand. The lids fit different sizes of pans (and I've used them with my stainless set as strainers for pasta, too). T-Fal included some huge plastic utensils of good quality to make sure you wouldn't use anything that would scratch the non-stick surface.
In Use: READ THE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY AND FOLLOW THEM! To get the correct results from T-Fal products, there are some procedures and limitations that you should adhere to or else you'll not be happy. First, the pans must be seasoned before use or the coating doesn't function properly; this must be repeated occasionally as well. Second, if you put them in a dishwasher it will damage the exterior finish. And third and probably most important, you MUST NEVER USE T-FAL OVER HIGH HEAT or above medium preferably. I spent some time on the phone with T-Fal representatives who explained this in no uncertain terms and even sent me an extra and more extensive set of care and use instructions that apply to all T-Fal Amaral products.
The latter means that you shouldn't boil pasta or anything else that you want to use high heat with or the non-stick surface can degrade and the aluminum pans deform. This is not all purpose cookware! But when used as it's designed to be used, it performs very, very well. The non stick coating is the best I've used; the pebbly texture had me worried, but even cheese sauces allowed to dry in the pan WIPE out. There's no reason to put this in the dishwasher because it is so easy to clean! The aluminum construction distributes heat quickly and well. I like the vented covers; when used over the correct heat, nothing spatters and it is the right amount of steam escape.
The snap on handles are sturdy, though they make little chips at the edge of the pan I don't think it will become a problem. The pans really are attractive enough to serve out of, which I didn't believe. Used properly, I think Ingenio will last a long time. It will also be a pleasant experience.
Just don't go into this purchase thinking that this set will answer all of your cookware needs; there are limitations to what it can be expected to do and perform over time.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
jljohnston
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Member: Jason Johnston
Location: Modesto, CA, US
Reviews written: 68
Trusted by: 6 members
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