Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel Cookware: Shock and Awe!
Written: Nov 15 '05 (Updated Feb 03 '09)
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Pros: Excellent construction, finish and performance at a very affordable price.
Cons: None really. Perhaps more pieces or slightly larger sizes?
The Bottom Line: If you're serious about quality cooking and want stainless there's nothing to think about unless you need the AC imprint on your cookware.
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| rudixeno's Full Review: Tramontina Tramontina 7-piece Tri-ply Stainless Co... |
When I opened the Tramontina box and arranged the pieces on my countertop my immediate reaction was speechlessness. The set is absolutely beautiful. But we all know that looks can be deceiving. Examining each piece I was stunned by the quality of the construction, the feel and the attention paid to the finish of this cookware. I had been told by friends that Tramontina was producing some incredible TriPlyClad cookware and it was available on Overstock.com. The price for this 8 (not 7) piece set was about a third of what I could find a comparable All-Clad Classic Stainless set for so I figured, Why not? I could always return it. Trust me, that's not likely! So what do you get for $136.00?
- 8" saute pan
- 10" saute pan
- 1 Qt sauce pan and cover
- 2 Qt sauce pan and cover
- 5 Qt. Dutch Oven/Stockpot and cover
The exteriors are a flawless mirror finish while the insides are a pleasing satin brushed finish.
Construction:
Being TriPly you get a core of aluminum clad inside and out with 18/10 stainless steel. The walls of the pots and pans are 2.6mm. Long comfortable cast Stainless steel handles are riveted with stainless rivets to each pot or pan. The feeling in your hand is very secure and comfortable. Each piece including covers is substantial without being unwieldy. The covers fit tight and secure. What surprised me was that the covers seemed more substantial than those supplied with the comparable All-Clad pieces.
Finish:
The finish is nothing short of perfection. I love the way they finished the edges of the saute pans; gradually tapered instead of blunt cut to minimize grease build up on the rim. The handles are mirror finished stainless without the slightest flaw.
Cooking Performance:
Excellent heat distribution across the pan no matter what the size of the burner. They brown the food exceptionally well and deglaze similarly. For those unfamiliar with TriPly you will find that you use lower heat settings because of the superb heat conductivity. This may take a little getting used to for some. Medium heat is usually the norm with occasional use of medium high. Excellent and very even simmering at very low heat. If you can remember this you'll be rewarded at clean up time. The handles of the pots and pans remained cool and comfortable. But remember to use a pot holder or an oven mitt when touching the lid covers after a prolonged cook. Like all stainless lid covers, they can get hot.
Clean up:
Just let them cool down a little on the stovetop and then fill with warm soapy water for a few minutes. Even sticky rice came clean in moments. I was really impressed with how easily they hand washed. Not into handwashing? Not to worry they did just fine in the dishwasher as well. If you notice any spots or stains left after the dishwasher a little Barkeepers Friend will take care of them. The same if you've cooked on a little too high a heat setting and have rainbowed the pot.
Warranty:
Lifetime for any piece found defective during normal use. (Just what is normal use anyway?)
The Bottom Line:
This set has just impressed me beyond all expectation. I take cooking seriously. A hobby that has become a passion (to my wife and daughter's glee). This is cookware that will floor you at a price that will thrill you.
Update 12/13/05: So a month has gone by and these pots and pans have seen use each and every day. And, whether I'm preparing my porkchops in rosemary vinegar sauce, hearty cioppino, shrimp scampi or just making two eggs up (they don't stick!) these pots and pans just never disappoint. My wife and daughter kid that I'm having a love affair with them! They do however approve of the results. In fact, my wife (for whom a pot is a pot) seems to like when I leave a couple of pieces out on the cooktop. Kind of dresses up the black ceramic cooktop and granite counters.
In my original review my only Con was "more pieces or slightly larger sizes". A search of the web turned up kitchenfantasy.com as a site where I could find open stock of Tramontina TriPly Clad at about 50% off. Not bad! But then I stopped into the local Home Goods store. Lo and behold, there were pieces of Tramontina TriPly Clad open stock for 75% off! I added a 3 qt. sauce pan, 12" open saute/fry pan and a 5 qt. covered deep saute pan (love this pan) for an amazing total of just $84.97! Now, to put that into perspective, All-Clad sells it's 12" open saute/fry pan for $125. Their 6qt covered deep saute pan (they don't have a 5 qt) is a whopping $242! Am I a happy camper? You bet! Once I add an 8 qt stock pot for $39.99 at Home Goods, I'll be done. I will also have exhausted my storage space. Total cost for these 15 pieces will have come to $261. Incredible!
Other Useful Links:
Bar Keeper's Friend
Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad 5Qt. Jumbo Cooker
Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad 12 inch Saute Pan
Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad 8 Qt Stock Pot
Now go cook something good tonight!
Regards,
Rudi
©Rudi Xeno 2005
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 136.00
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rudixeno
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Member: Rudi Xeno
Location: Boca Raton, FL
Reviews written: 195
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"Nothing is to be more highly prized than the value of each day"
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