Cookware Reviews

This is one of Le Creuset's more affordable cooking pots, and it makes for a great introduction to an amazing product line. The pot responds excellently to a low or middle flame. Cranking up a high flame under it lessens its trademark conductivity, and will lead to unsuccessful attempts at more complicated soups. The best part about this pot is that it can be used for Indian and Thai curries that call for long simmering periods. Scorch oils, onions, spices etc. in a Calphalon or All Clad frying pan on high heat. Then transfer the ingredients to the Le Creuset pot, add the remaining ingredients such as meats, coconut milk, cream, or vegetables and you will preserve delicate, sometimes tempermental flavors that need to be simmered in a precisely controlled environment which the Le Creuset soup pot wonderfully provides. Cream, butter, and milk in soups and curries will also be less prone to separating(breaking) with this fantastic soup pot.Give it a try!

Like all le Creuset pots, this soup pot has awesome heat retention and a heavy lid, making it excellent for cooking rice, slow-braising meats, or gently simmering heavy sauces. Like the other le Creuset wok-shaped pots (the 4.5 qt soup and the 7.5 qt boullibase), this pot is excellent for carmelizing onions and peppers at the beginning of a recipe, reduces liquids quickly, and for thin soups is almost self-stirring.

The first drawback to this pot is its small size. The useful volume is about the same as that half-gallon container in your fridge. (OK to make lunch for two or rice for five, but way too small for a casserole). The second drawback is its enamel coating. I usually rave about the le Creuset enamel, because it soaks clean without scrubbing, and because - unlike stainless - it's totally non-reactive. But with a pot this size and shape it would be nice to be able to wisk a sauce with a wire wisk, without worrying about scratching, or to use the pot for deep-frying, without worrying about destroying the enamel.

I still use (and adore) the pot, but if you're only buying one le Creuset to test out the line, buy the 4.5 quart soup pot, not this smaller version. And if you're looking for a truly all-purpose small soup pot, consider the Kitchenaid 2.5 quart saucier instead.

This is a great pot, and I love the flavor that one gets from mixing the ingredients and spices in a low- to medium-heat cooking session. And this really retains the heat for a while, so it seems that the flavors just get better and better (as is the case with most broths).

It's also a lovely size for a soup pot for a couple or a small family; you don't feel wasteful heating a big stockpot.

Le Creuset is [spendy], but the prices are very good at Amazon and the durability of the enamel-coated cast iron is amazing.

I needn't have worried about where to store it. It gets so much use it is rarely put away. A most versatile piece of equipment. Even heat, easy cleanup, perfect size for so many different tasks, as other reviewers agree. (More than you'd imagine until you actually start using it.) A pleasure to use every time, and a great value at the sale price. Beautiful to look at, it also makes a great gift.

I'm tired of those non-stick pans that eventually lose their coating and thought that I'll try stainless steel pan for almost everything but frying an egg. Boy did I pick the right pan to start with! This pan, besides being beautifully made, is the perfect size for almost everything I cook. It's very heavy, but the helper handle helps. It conducts heat very well, so I no longer use the high setting on my gas stove or the food would burn. Despite being made in China, the quality is excellent. I'm sure it will last decades. My only complaint is that sometimes I wish the stainless steel cover is made of glass so I can see through. But, I'll still give it 5 stars because I'm very very happy with the design and quality.

Awesome to cook in and clean up is a breeze. Remember to follow the instructions to keep the heat on Medium and close the lid. I have even cooked rice in this and it has come out great!! Highly recommend this pan.

I had searched and researched for months debating between All Clad and Kitchen Aid. When I saw the price I couldn't refuse the amazon Kitchen Aid. I love it, it looks good and is a treat to cook with. The handles are comfortable, stay cool and the cookware is not too heavy. I think this is a nice basic set to start with that is not too expensive and will last a life time. Depending on what types of dishes you like to cook mixing up the cookware is also a good idea, a few non-stick pieces, braisers and dutch or french ovens and casseroles may also be a nice addition. Kitchen Aid has limited pieces but what they do not have All Clad does and it too will last forever. Happy cooking!

You can take the cooking quality for granted. They heat fast and evenly. We purchased these over a year ago at this discounted price after we got a new stove. We needed the new flat bottom cookware to go with the ceramic stovetop. They are still beautiful. The inside bottom of the pans will turn slightly multicolored if your teenager cooks on high. I always put a little non-stick spray around the rivets just in case some food got that high - I really don't want to spend my time cleaning them. We do not put ours in the dishwasher because the gleam and we want to keep them that way as much as possible. They are somewhat heavy due to the 5 ply but not too heavy as my wife enjoys them. You'll feel like you have quality in your hands every time you cook with them.

GREAT COOKWARE - nobody who's used it would argue, and I also have some All-Clad pieces - the Kitchenaid actually cooks more evenly! Reviewers have commented about care: my set is over a year old, and still looks great. Why? a) NEVER use steel wool - if it's burned on, soak it. b) I DO dishwash them (they come out fine). c) to remove discolorations (I do this after dishwashing) get a can of Cameo Aluminum and Stainless Steel Cleaner (in the same section as Bon Ami) - sprinkle some directly onto the pan, and wipe it around with a damp sponge. d) NEVER scrub (even with a sponge or plastic scraper) in a back-and-forth manner - go in circles. These pans have a slightly matt finish in the inside to help hide scratches, but it's a swirled finish, not side-to-side (those back-and-forth scratches never come out) To get extra pieces Amazon.comdoesn't carry, check out potsandpans.com. Amazon.com's prices are the best but they only stock about 20% of what Meyer (Kitchenaid's manufacturer) makes for this line!

After waiting a month to get the thing because it was back-ordered, I FINALLY got to try out my skillet. I love this thing! Most of my cookware is garden-variety non-stick and hardly suited to things like searing steaks or fajita meat.

You can run this pan as hot as you dare without hurting it - works great for steaks, and makes an awesome cheese steak. The pre-seasoned coating works as advertised, and the cast iron gives good heat transfer and VERY even heat across the entire pan. I think I'm going to be using this skillet A LOT.

A handy suggestion regarding cleaning that I stumbled across on another website... be SURE to use a hot pad while doing this! Immediately after cooking, fill the pan with HOT water (not cold; you could crack it!), put it on high heat, and bring the water to a rolling boil... this will lift debris off the pan bottom. Dump the water and immediately wipe dry with a paper towel, set on the (turned-off) burner briefly to dry completely, and wipe the cooking surfaces with oil.

Another note - want those steaks well-done but juicy? Buy the Lodge Logic 5-qt Dutch oven; the lid fits this skillet! Sear both sides of the steak on medium-high (about 3 min each), then flip, reduce the heat to medium, cover, and cook as desired, flipping the steak once along the way (about 5 minutes per side for a small, well-done filet mignon). Your cooking times may vary, but the combo of cast-iron skillet for searing and lid to keep things moist while cooking works exquisitely. Brown, not black, outside... and tender inside.

To season a cast iron skillet or any other cast iron utensil: 1. Wash and dry. 2. Heat pan until very hot and add a teaspoon of cooking oil. 3. Remove pan from heat and sprinkle a generous amount of table or kosher salt and spread around utensil. 4. Wipe out with paper towels. This is the correct method for seasoning and cleaning a cast iron utensil.

I grew up using cast iron and as an adult in my own home did not have any cast iron pieces. Once I saw the pre-seasoned items here I decided to try them. I have been very pleased with this skillet, especially with the two handles. Cast iron is heavy and it's great having that other little handle to grab. Cooks like a dream and is easy to clean. Soak with some hot water (remember no soap!) and give it a light coating of oil once dry.

Until I used this product, I too, wouldn't have believed that one could become passionate about a cooking utensil. But All-Clad has outdone themselves with their LTD nonstick line. I've been wanting an upscale grill pan for a while, but was reluctant to spend a small fortune. This product would be well worth it at twice the price. Heat distribution is outstanding; meat, poultry and vegetables have beautiful grill marks and NOTHING STICKS! Even burnt on cheese from chicken cordon blue wipes out with a paper towel. Needless to say, cleanup is a snap. I've put my outdoor BBQ on hiatus~ this gives terrific results without the uneven blasts of heat, the bugs and the wilted appearance of the hostess (ME!) after standing over a hot grill in 96 degree heat while everyone else in staying cool, sipping on pina coladas. It's a MUST HAVE.

I am not a big fan of the All Clad LTD line but I do love this pan. I much prefer the All Clad polished stainless steel line (I have almost every piece and love it). This grill is a perfect size for grilling for 1-4 people. I debated on the grande size, I decided that since I don't grill everyday it didn't make sense to spend the extra money and deal with storing the larger size. Also, I selected the round style over the square, my stove burners are round so I figured that the round style made more sense for me.

I often marinade chicken tenders in Emeril Lagasse's marinade (he has several different marinades that you can find in your local supermarket) a day in advance and heat up this pan and toss on the chicken. I usually make a veggie or two and some rice, it is a very quick and easy dinner and is also very healthy! You can also use this pan for everything from burgers to a tuna steak.

This pan is not dishwasher safe due to the nonstick surface, but don't worry it is a breeze to clean. I have the George Foreman grill that has been sitting in the cabinet collecting dust since I bought this pan. I don't like the George Foreman grill because you can't really wash the grill surface very well. The grill surface should be removable so you can really clean it. This pan is very, very well made and is backed by a lifetime warranty. Sometimes this pan is sold as a special..., if you see it grab it. It is a steal at that price. Once you try All Clad you will be hooked too! Highly recommended! A+!

I could not believe that I found this pan at this price. I was further astounded when I received it and started cooking on it. It is absolutely fabulous. NY Strip streak comes out truly delicious when you simply sprinkle some salt and cracked pepper on it and then throw it on the grill pan. Also works great for bacon. Also works great for burgers. Also works great for...anything you could think of. For cleaning, I recommend immediately filling it with water after taking the food out, enough to cover all the bottom, and then let it sit til after dinner and you start doing the dishes. If you do this, then I recommend an OXO brush (ASIN B0000CFQOB) with nylon bristles. Gently brush between the grooves to loosen the remaining material and then use a sponge. I recommend the nylon brush because it is hard to get a sponge to get every bit of remaining material along the grooves. But overall this is incredibly easy to clean and even easier to cook on. I still cannot believe I paid only fifty for this item.

I have wanted to upgrade my pans for some time, so several months ago I started looking at Anodized Aluminum cookware.

I wanted glass covers, stay cool handles, durability and rigidity/flatness. The last feature is critically important on my electric stove's glass surface. Pans that are warped wobble and food moves around in them making them annoying to use.

This set has every feature I was looking for.

I bought my first set from Amazon, and they are still rock solid. I use them constantly. An egg in the fry pan falls in the pan and stays, it doesn't take a hiatus to the low point of the pan.

The surfaces are durable. I follow directions pretty much, but have used metal utensils on occasion and found them unscathed.

My only complaint is this small 9 piece set gives you a 1 quart pan and a 3 quart pan. 1 quart is very small and doesn't get used much, so that puts too much demand on the 3 quart. Fortunately, I was able to pick up another set piecemeal, and now, with two 3 quart pans and a couple of extra covers, I am very happy.

I have purchased some Calphalon, and I have no qualms with the products. I just don't see any quality difference for the money. For nonstick, I think Anolon is better. If you want some pans that are not non-stick, you can augment this set with Calphalon separates (like I prefer the Calphalon broiling pan with rack so I can use metal utensils making gravy).

I guess what I am saying overall is this set is, if not better, as good as, Calphalon. And it is way cheaper, so there is just no comparison.

This was my first purchase of a "professional" quality cookware set. My other pans were the Teflon specials and Revere Ware bought from discount stores. Man, what a difference! These pans are simply awesome. I bought the big 12-inch sauté pan and then I bought a complete set. The heat distribution is amazing and I absolutely love the glass lids.

Drawback: The side and lid handles get fairly hot when in use (not enough to burn you, but you can't hold on to them more than a few seconds). I wished they did not use metal handles on the lid, but something that would not transfer the heat as easily as metal.

This is a minor annoyance in an otherwise great product. Hey, grab a handle once or twice and you'll learn real fast. A great addition to any kitchen and highly endorsed!

I am a person who loves to cook although I wouldn't call myself a "gourmet". I waited a long time before getting new cookware, but these were worth the wait.

Anaolon Professionals are very resonably priced and are a delight to work with. They are easy to use, easy to clean and handsome enough to display. Food cooks very evenly and quickly, it is actually hard to burn anything, and the no-stick surface is very durable. They clean easily with soap and water and require no special care. I could not be more pleased with my purchase.

I just got this pot. If I only had two words to describe this pot they would be, large and conductive. This pot is great and brings a 3.5 gallons of chili to a boil in no time, even on my feable burners. Faster than my old two gallon pot. I couldn't bring myself to give it the full five stars however. I can't help but to question the way the handles are attached to the pot. Instead of being bolted on or made as part of the same peice as the pot as is common with most designs. These handles are saudered on, and it doesn't look like they are saudered on well. They are definetly a point of weekness. Although they seam sturdy now, I dredge to think that one day I'll spill some 2-4 gallons of chili all over my kitchen. But you aren't going to find anything better at this price. Besides even if the handles come off I'll keep using the pot. The rest of the pot looks to be constructed with top notch crasftsmanship.

Okay, I'll admit that I'm a bit biased towards Farberware in the first place, but with this pot they've done just about everything right. The aluminum slug sealed into the base makes for very even heating, which is important since it's wider than most burners. And it holds up to high heat well - I've been browning meat and making roux in mine for a few years now. The lid is snug enough without being a pain and the loop handles are nice - the smaller Classic series stock pots have the molded plastic ones instead. The only thing I'd change in the design of the pot is to use a brushed finish - I tend to prefer that over chrome because any chrome pot that I use very often ends up with a patina of scratches anyway, and I prefer that they all run in the same direction. But who's complaining? This pot performs where it counts - it heats quickly and evenly and has taken quite a beating over the years without so much as a ding.

I am not usually a fan of Farberware. But this Classic 16-Quart Stainless-Steel Stockpot is wonderful. I just LOVE it. I would recommend this product if you are in need of a stock pot.

The finish on this pot is excellent. With its no stick finish you can cook pasta, vegetables or anything without sticking. I have always used stainless steel and this is far better even for cleanup. You do not need abrasives to clean. Just dish detergent. The 6 quart size is just perfect for my family of five. You won't be disappointed.

I also only expected the pot and lid, which were an exceptional value.Was trying to find a pasta insert. I love all
my circulon and this one is no exception. I have replaced all
of my cookware over the past couple months with circulon so I
cannot comment on it's durability but have used several pcs.
several times and am very pleased with the results and clean-up
is a breeze. Both price and product are unbeatable!

This type of pot is really a must for those who enjoy making pasta frequently (Atkin's people...that was your cue to stop reading). The design is better than most other Pasta Sets I have seen. The problem is usually with the size of the collander insert in relation to the pot. Sometimes the collander doesn't go deep enough to allow room for enough water/pasta. No such issue here. Everything fits nicely in place and there is the typical Circulon quality.

One point to consider is that this model pot is thinner than some of the newer Circulon products. Though, I've found this to be a good thing. The nicest thing about this pot is how light it is. I have other Circulon styles that are more sturdy, but they really do get heavy - especially when filled with water. I really think Circulon got it right with this particular
version.

We needed a new set of cookware and had considered another brand but it was hard to pass up the low price of the Maitre Chef, about half of similar products. My wife likes the glass tops and stick-free surface and they clean up easily. We have had an unexpected problem with the 1 qt. pan in that it became slightly out of round so the top no longer fits. It has been used on the surface burners but on one occasion placed in a warm (200F) oven to keep the contents warm while cooking something else. The directions say that it is warranted up to 350F but it has never been placed in an oven that hot. We are disappointed and would like to find the manufacturers e-mail or telephone for a replacement.

Answer: You can't!

I needed to get some new cookware when a handle from one of my West Bend factory outlet pots finally broke off. I was at first tempted to buy a set from one of the major name brands (Circulon) when I stumbled upon this. I figured why not give them a try, and for the price, what is the worst that can happen, you use them for several years and then throw them away.

Well, when I received the set, in it's plain brown package, I was very pleasantly surprised at what I found inside. They look VERY much like the name brands you pay much more for, they are made in China, just like most of the major brands are, and I suspect they are simply the Chinese manufacturer's OEM of a major brand. Stamp a different name on the bottom and charge less for the same thing. The quality seems to very good, weight & thickness of the aluminum, good finish with the anodization & non-stick surface, and nice polished cast handles.

When in use the non-stick surface performs as well as any I have used, good even heating, and the handles stay cool to the touch.

Overall a very good deal for someone looking for an inexpensive, yet good value/quality set.

I plan to purchase a set of this cookware in the future based on the great reviews.

Regarding the reviewers whose cookware sustained heat damage here is the Master Cookware/Maitre Chef contact information:

Master Cookware
2045 South Arlington Heights #115
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Phone: 847-439-4360
Fax: 847-439-4530

Hope this helps the other Maitre Chef reviewers whose cookware has been heat damaged to obtain replacement parts!

Thank you, Amazon!

Regards.

Jim