Sunday, November 30, 2008

Calphalon Contemporay Stainless Steel Nonstick 5 Quart Saute Pan

Calphalon CS Nonstick cookware marries the beauty of stainless steel cookware with the convenience of nonstick, Clean lines, curvy silhouettes and beautifully sculpted handles create a distinctly modern design, and the nonstick coating leaves no end to convenience. Neither eggs, fish or even cheesy sauces will stick to its durable interior, guaranteed for a lifetime. And being dishwasher-safe, clean up is a breeze!
Customer Review: Calphalon Contemporay pans
We bought the set, the wok and this saute pan. All their pans cook exceptionally wee. we love them. and the best part is that they are dish washing machine friendly


I like to cook. Because I do I like to buy professional kitchen cookware sets. My very favorite set is my LeCreuset. It's enameled cast iron. It's very heavy cookware, and certainly not everyone would want to cook with it, but then I don't like lightweight aluminum pots and pans. I prefer my LeCreuset because I think that the outside enamel remains good looking, whereas some aluminum and stainless pots and pans have finishes that are easily scratched. Luckily if you're in the market for professional cookware you have a lot to choose from.

Most cookware manufacturers such as All Clad, Cuisinart, Viking, Calphalon, Kuhn Rikon, Chantal and Mauviel all make a variety of cookware of differing quality. Mauviel is known for their copper cookware. They also have a line of 7-ply cookware. This cookware has an aluminum core for excellent heat conductivity. It has a durable brushed stainless steel surface on the inside and a highly polished stainless steel surface on the outside. Viking professional cookware has a multi-ply construction. It's a combination of aluminum alloys and stainless steel which Viking says will give "lifetime performance, durability, easy cleanup and quick even heating". What sets these pots apart are their ergonomic stainless steel handles and extra large lids.

Another popular cookware manufacturer is Demeyere. Demeyere has a line of induction cookware, something new to a lot of cooks and very expensive. These induction pots and pans have 7-ply construction and use materials that limit heat to 250 degrees celsius. This can actually prevent many foods from burning.

A much more easily affordable quality cookware set is All Clad. They offer several different types of cookware, the All Clad Copper Core and the All Clad Master-Chef 2. The Culinary Institute of America also has a cookware set out called the CIA Masters Collection. It was designed by the certified master chefs at the CIA. It has a 7-clad construction and a copper core.

The professional cookware sets that we've mentioned above range in price from $1900 to $600 for a 10-piece set. Most of them offer multi-ply, and, as in the case of CIA and Demeyere, 7-ply. Most have copper cores, aluminum interiors and stainless steel exteriors. So how do you choose?

The way most people choose is money and appearance. My suggestion would be to buy one pot, or pan if possible before you buy an entire set. That way you can use the cookware and see if you really like it before you commit to it.

Learn about professional grade cookware and other cookware choices at busy-kitchen.com

calphalon stainless cookware set

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Calphalon Contemporary Stainless Fondue Set

Serve up great food and amazing memories - from elegant group entertaining to romantic after-dinner treats for two. Beautifully contoured with modern stainless steel lines, this set provides everything you need for delicious dipping. Lifetime warranty.


Some people prefer the durability and looks of stainless, others find Calphalon cookware offers its own special brand of beauty and plenty of perks, as well. Considered by many to be a viable rival to the classic cooking material found in many homes and professional kitchens, Calphalon cookware offers many of the advantages of stainless without some of its disadvantages.

The trademark of Calphalon pots and pans lies in its hard-anodized surface. This electro-chemical process hardens aluminum, actually making it stronger than stainless. The end result is a pan that's beautiful, durable and darn hard to beat.

Here are some commonly asked questions about Calphalon cookware and the anodizing process itself:

What is hard-anodizing?
This process involves taking aluminum and putting it in an acid bath where it undergoes chemical changes. The final product results when aluminum mixes with oxygen to create aluminum oxide. A pan that has undergone this process will typically be about 30 percent hard than steel.

Why consider this process?
Hard-anodized pans are very durable. They do not chip, peel or stain easily. They also offer an interesting visual appearance that's a matte cross between stainless and cast iron.

Will this finish cause problems with food?
No. The end result of this process is a product that is nontoxic, doesn't peel and does not decompose. The only thing that can really damage it is extremely high heat.

What happens with stuck on food?

The reality is Calphalon cookware and other similar products are very difficult to manage to get food stuck on. The fairly nonporous material that results from the chemical process makes sticking difficult to say the least.

How do you clean this type of pot or pan?

Generally all that is necessary to clean this type of cookware is soapy water and a nylon scouring sponge. It can even withstand scouring powder without losing its looks if food is stuck on particularly hard.

Is this type of pan versatile?

In that it can withstand temperatures very well, yes. But, it is not recommended for use in food storage. The fact of the matter is, it is almost never a good idea to use a pot or pan for storing food. Since they aren't air tight, bacteria can grow. Really, it's never recommended that food be stored in a pan.

Is this cookware expensive?

The answer to that is yes and no. The price tag on Calphalon cookware tends to be pretty high, but considering the durability, many feel it is worth every penny. These pans, like stainless, are very difficult to damage or destroy. This means one set can last a lifetime. With this in mind, many people feel a purchase of this type of cookware is an investment, so they expect to pay a bit more on the front end.

Calphalon cookware offers an interesting alternative to stainless. Providing a surface that is stick resistant, a look that is very attractive and durability that is simply hard to match, this type of cookware is fast becoming a popular choice for many cooks and chefs.

Still looking for the perfect cookware? Try visiting http://www.cookwareanswers.com a website that specializes in providing cookware advice, tips and resources to included information on calphalon cookware

calphalon stainless cookware set

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Calphalon Contemporary Stainless Cookware Set 13-pc.

Cookware Set includes:8-in. Omelette Pan10-in. Omelette Pan12-in. Omelette Pan1.5-qt. Sauce Pan2.5-qt. Sauce Pan3-qt. Chef's Casserole3-qt. Saute Pan8-qt. Stock Pot Sleek curved vessel features a unique design to complement your kitchen. Tri Ply Performance has a full aluminum core for superb conductivity. Dishwasher-safe for fast, easy clean up. Stay cool handles are comfortable through hours of stovetop cooking. Tempered glass covers for see-through convenience and beautiful presentation. Beautiful, brushed stainless exterior. Oven safe to 450 degrees.
Customer Review: Impressed chef
I've been cooking quite a bit with this set and do recommend them to the casual cook and/or the professional. The major thing I've noticed is the amazing heat distribution of these pans. I cooked at friends house a couple weeks ago on a crappy electric range and the tuna steak we were cooking turned out perfect like I was cooking at home on my gas range. Also a notable achievement is the easy clean up of these pans. The smooth design seemed cosmetic at first but I've been grateful for the rounded interior edges, they've saved me hours of clean up. Great investment! Lifetime warranty is no joke either. Worth the price.


Some people prefer the durability and looks of stainless, others find Calphalon cookware offers its own special brand of beauty and plenty of perks, as well. Considered by many to be a viable rival to the classic cooking material found in many homes and professional kitchens, Calphalon cookware offers many of the advantages of stainless without some of its disadvantages.

The trademark of Calphalon pots and pans lies in its hard-anodized surface. This electro-chemical process hardens aluminum, actually making it stronger than stainless. The end result is a pan that's beautiful, durable and darn hard to beat.

Here are some commonly asked questions about Calphalon cookware and the anodizing process itself:

What is hard-anodizing?
This process involves taking aluminum and putting it in an acid bath where it undergoes chemical changes. The final product results when aluminum mixes with oxygen to create aluminum oxide. A pan that has undergone this process will typically be about 30 percent hard than steel.

Why consider this process?
Hard-anodized pans are very durable. They do not chip, peel or stain easily. They also offer an interesting visual appearance that's a matte cross between stainless and cast iron.

Will this finish cause problems with food?
No. The end result of this process is a product that is nontoxic, doesn't peel and does not decompose. The only thing that can really damage it is extremely high heat.

What happens with stuck on food?

The reality is Calphalon cookware and other similar products are very difficult to manage to get food stuck on. The fairly nonporous material that results from the chemical process makes sticking difficult to say the least.

How do you clean this type of pot or pan?

Generally all that is necessary to clean this type of cookware is soapy water and a nylon scouring sponge. It can even withstand scouring powder without losing its looks if food is stuck on particularly hard.

Is this type of pan versatile?

In that it can withstand temperatures very well, yes. But, it is not recommended for use in food storage. The fact of the matter is, it is almost never a good idea to use a pot or pan for storing food. Since they aren't air tight, bacteria can grow. Really, it's never recommended that food be stored in a pan.

Is this cookware expensive?

The answer to that is yes and no. The price tag on Calphalon cookware tends to be pretty high, but considering the durability, many feel it is worth every penny. These pans, like stainless, are very difficult to damage or destroy. This means one set can last a lifetime. With this in mind, many people feel a purchase of this type of cookware is an investment, so they expect to pay a bit more on the front end.

Calphalon cookware offers an interesting alternative to stainless. Providing a surface that is stick resistant, a look that is very attractive and durability that is simply hard to match, this type of cookware is fast becoming a popular choice for many cooks and chefs.

Still looking for the perfect cookware? Try visiting http://www.cookwareanswers.com a website that specializes in providing cookware advice, tips and resources to included information on calphalon cookware

calphalon stainless cookware set

Friday, November 21, 2008

Kitchen Essentials® from Calphalon® Stainless Steel Cookware Set - 12-pc. Plus Bonus 12" Omelet Pan




I like to cook. Because I do I like to buy professional kitchen cookware sets. My very favorite set is my LeCreuset. It's enameled cast iron. It's very heavy cookware, and certainly not everyone would want to cook with it, but then I don't like lightweight aluminum pots and pans. I prefer my LeCreuset because I think that the outside enamel remains good looking, whereas some aluminum and stainless pots and pans have finishes that are easily scratched. Luckily if you're in the market for professional cookware you have a lot to choose from.

Most cookware manufacturers such as All Clad, Cuisinart, Viking, Calphalon, Kuhn Rikon, Chantal and Mauviel all make a variety of cookware of differing quality. Mauviel is known for their copper cookware. They also have a line of 7-ply cookware. This cookware has an aluminum core for excellent heat conductivity. It has a durable brushed stainless steel surface on the inside and a highly polished stainless steel surface on the outside. Viking professional cookware has a multi-ply construction. It's a combination of aluminum alloys and stainless steel which Viking says will give "lifetime performance, durability, easy cleanup and quick even heating". What sets these pots apart are their ergonomic stainless steel handles and extra large lids.

Another popular cookware manufacturer is Demeyere. Demeyere has a line of induction cookware, something new to a lot of cooks and very expensive. These induction pots and pans have 7-ply construction and use materials that limit heat to 250 degrees celsius. This can actually prevent many foods from burning.

A much more easily affordable quality cookware set is All Clad. They offer several different types of cookware, the All Clad Copper Core and the All Clad Master-Chef 2. The Culinary Institute of America also has a cookware set out called the CIA Masters Collection. It was designed by the certified master chefs at the CIA. It has a 7-clad construction and a copper core.

The professional cookware sets that we've mentioned above range in price from $1900 to $600 for a 10-piece set. Most of them offer multi-ply, and, as in the case of CIA and Demeyere, 7-ply. Most have copper cores, aluminum interiors and stainless steel exteriors. So how do you choose?

The way most people choose is money and appearance. My suggestion would be to buy one pot, or pan if possible before you buy an entire set. That way you can use the cookware and see if you really like it before you commit to it.

Learn about professional grade cookware and other cookware choices at busy-kitchen.com

calphalon stainless cookware set

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Calphalon Contemporary Stainless 8-Piece Cookware Set

Contemporary Stainless is for home chefs who place as much importance on cookware style as they do on performance. The sleek, modern vessels in this line have curvaceous and smooth flared tulip shapes that create a stunning presence while heating on a stovetop or hanging from a pot rack. The brushed steel exteriors are a beautiful complement to professional stainless-steel appliances and are less likely to show baked-on grease or wear than a polished finish. Gracefully curved stainless-steel handles are comfortable to clutch and stay cool on the stovetop for hours at a time. Glass covers are convenient for watching food cook and have curved handles plus wide-banded stainless-steel rims for durability.

This eight-piece cookware set includes a 1-1/2- and 3-1/2-quart covered saucepan, an 8-quart covered stockpot, and an 8- and 10-inch omelet pan. Each piece boasts triple-layer construction with a stainless-steel exterior bonded over a full aluminum core that extends up the sides as well as through the bottom. The set is safe in the oven and can withstand broiler temperatures as well as the use of metal utensils. However, the tempered-glass lids are oven-safe only to 450 degrees F. All Contemporary Stainless is dishwasher-safe for quick cleanup and covered by a lifetime warranty. --Cristina Vaamonde

From the Manufacturer

As the kitchen becomes the social center of more and more American homes, consumers are focusing greater attention on the details of kitchen design. Now, style-conscious home chefs with a taste for all things modern have a new line of cookware to call their own: Calphalon Contemporary Stainless.

Calphalon Contemporary Stainless brings stunning, contemporary design into the home kitchen. Crafted from lustrous, brushed stainless steel and featuring clean lines and curvaceous silhouettes, Calphalon Contemporary Stainless expresses the very soul of modern style. Sweepingly sexy, sculpted handles and subtly domed glass covers lend additional panache to each piece. rice without the fuss. Just add the rice and water, select the menu, and hit the button. That's it.

Professional, Versatile, Comfortable

Calphalon Contemporary Stainless features tri-ply construction--the choice of many professional chefs. A layer of heavy-gauge aluminum, sandwiched between the stainless steel interior and exterior of each pan, provides superb conductivity and even heating throughout the vessel.

Each uniquely shaped Calphalon Contemporary Stainless vessel is designed to accommodate several cooking techniques. Pans are ideal for use on the stovetop, in the oven and even in the broiler. They'll also look fabulous on your table, so you can use them for serving, too.

Calphalon Contemporary Stainless makes it easy to keep an eye on what you're cooking. Sparkling glass covers let you monitor a whole stovetop full of pans at a glance. The cookware also features sculpted long handles, which are as comfortable as they are beautiful. Not only do they feel great in your hand, they're designed to stay cool on the stovetop.

Easy Clean-Up

Calphalon Contemporary Stainless is 100% dishwasher safe for effortless clean-up. (That's a feature you'll appreciate at the end of a long evening of entertaining.) You can also hand wash your pans using a dish cloth and hot sudsy water. For occasional polishing, we recommend Bar Keeper's Friend.

Features

  • Distinctive, Contemporary Design
    Calphalon Contemporary Stainless's sleek curved design makes a striking statement when displayed on pot racks, open shelves or in glass-front cabinets.

  • Versatility
    The Calphalon Contemporary Stainless vessel shapes are suitable for a wide variety of techniques and recipes--and for serving in style, too.

  • Tri-ply Construction
    The choice of many professional chefs, tri-ply construction offers great cooking results on the stove, in the oven, and in the broiler.

  • Full Aluminum Core
    Sandwiched between the stainless steel interior and exterior of each pan, the pan's full aluminum core provides superb conductivity and even heating.

  • Brushed Stainless-Steel Exteriors
    Not only beautiful to look at, these exteriors help hide wear and help to promote incredibly long life for the vessels.

  • Convenience
    The pans feature long handles that stay cool and comfortable on the stovetop, as well as glass lids that are oven-safe to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and that securely fit the vessels and make it easy to keep an eye on what you're cooking.

  • Dishwasher-Safe
    The dishwasher-safe nature of the vessels makes for easy clean-up, which is especially nice when entertaining or when serving large numbers of people.

  • Lifetime Warranty



I like to cook. Because I do I like to buy professional kitchen cookware sets. My very favorite set is my LeCreuset. It's enameled cast iron. It's very heavy cookware, and certainly not everyone would want to cook with it, but then I don't like lightweight aluminum pots and pans. I prefer my LeCreuset because I think that the outside enamel remains good looking, whereas some aluminum and stainless pots and pans have finishes that are easily scratched. Luckily if you're in the market for professional cookware you have a lot to choose from.

Most cookware manufacturers such as All Clad, Cuisinart, Viking, Calphalon, Kuhn Rikon, Chantal and Mauviel all make a variety of cookware of differing quality. Mauviel is known for their copper cookware. They also have a line of 7-ply cookware. This cookware has an aluminum core for excellent heat conductivity. It has a durable brushed stainless steel surface on the inside and a highly polished stainless steel surface on the outside. Viking professional cookware has a multi-ply construction. It's a combination of aluminum alloys and stainless steel which Viking says will give "lifetime performance, durability, easy cleanup and quick even heating". What sets these pots apart are their ergonomic stainless steel handles and extra large lids.

Another popular cookware manufacturer is Demeyere. Demeyere has a line of induction cookware, something new to a lot of cooks and very expensive. These induction pots and pans have 7-ply construction and use materials that limit heat to 250 degrees celsius. This can actually prevent many foods from burning.

A much more easily affordable quality cookware set is All Clad. They offer several different types of cookware, the All Clad Copper Core and the All Clad Master-Chef 2. The Culinary Institute of America also has a cookware set out called the CIA Masters Collection. It was designed by the certified master chefs at the CIA. It has a 7-clad construction and a copper core.

The professional cookware sets that we've mentioned above range in price from $1900 to $600 for a 10-piece set. Most of them offer multi-ply, and, as in the case of CIA and Demeyere, 7-ply. Most have copper cores, aluminum interiors and stainless steel exteriors. So how do you choose?

The way most people choose is money and appearance. My suggestion would be to buy one pot, or pan if possible before you buy an entire set. That way you can use the cookware and see if you really like it before you commit to it.

Learn about professional grade cookware and other cookware choices at busy-kitchen.com

calphalon stainless cookware set

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Calphalon Tri-Ply Copper 12-Inch Everyday Pan with Stainless Lid

Calphalon Tri-Ply Copper unites centuries-old culinary tradition with distinctive style. Featuring graceful curves and a stunning combination of expertly finished, tri-bonded metals, this recent collection is as beautifulas it is hardworking. Here, the Everyday Pan is an all-purpose pan, versatile enough for searing, browning or sauteing vegetables and meats. A brushed copper exterior and aluminum inner core combine for superiorconductivity (the best that there is) and precise cooking control for spectacular results. Because of the high conductivity, you'll use lower heat settings, saving energy. Fine-satin, brushed stainless steel interior won'treact to foods and won't tarnish or change colors even when cooking acidic foods like tomato sauce. Other features include flared rims for easy pouring, well-riveted, curved handles that stay cool to the touch duringstovetop use and secure lids that trap steam, heat and flavors. Oven- and broiler-safe. Handwashing is recommended followed by thorough drying to avoid any spots.
Customer Review: Amazon rip off 2
Amazon offered a bonus for purchasing Calphalon pots that I never received because the orders were split and they refused to honor it. Next time, I will order directly through the vendor or shop in person for this type of purchase - the vendor did their part efficiently. The pot is well worth the money and I take care to heat and cool it slowly to avoid any possibility of warping.
Customer Review: Truly an Everyday Pan
This is my first official review of anything, ever, I believe. First off: I needed to start a "grown-up" collection of cookware. My collection had consisted entirely of the visions cookware my mother gave me when I moved out on my own over ten years ago and the sad pieces I inherited when I purchased my late grandfather's home from his estate (mostly revereware). I had never purchased anything for myself and discovered I did enjoy cooking (and pretty well if I might humbly add) when I moved out. So for over ten years I have been cooking on very lousy cookware. I managed to get some great pieces at yard sales - mainly Le Creuset. I decided to ask for some good pieces for Christmas last year and did some research on ratings to determine the brand I would try. Two of Calphalon's lines made the top two spots in consumer reports two years ago, so I took a look at them and loved the look of this line. Plus, I had heard for years that copper was the way to go. I received three pieces that Christmas and this was one of them. They hung in my kitchen (after my husband made a special rack for them) for at least 3 months before I got the nerve up to try them out. I thought "I can't wait to try them" when I received them, but once they were hung up I thought "They are too pretty to use and scratch up". I got over that eventually and now find myself constantly reaching for this pan in particular. I use it almost everyday. The size is wonderful. Large. I used a much smaller saute pan almost daily and can't believe the difference. PROS/GENERAL COMMENTS: Let it heat up before adding meats and they will release better. It heats evenly - even on an uneven cook surface that tilts to one side. It browns beautifully. I've never burned anything on it. These pieces have a nice weight to them for cooking but are easy to handle (although I did read another tri-ply copper piece review by a woman with arthritis who had trouble with the weight and handle length.) I like that it can go into the oven so you can brown something nicely then finish it off in the oven as some recipes call for. And you can heat it to 450 degrees. I like the brushed finish as opposed to the mirror finish some other brands use. I think it looks more elegant. It would probably make a half decent wok or stir fry pan in a pinch. It has some depth to it compared to skillets. You are not supposed to use non-stick sprays on this line, and I haven't. Just use a bit of olive oil, it's good for you. It cleans up easily - though the outside does spot up and tarnish quickly. I also soak my in the sink when I'm too lazy to clean up that night - and you aren't supposed to do that with these pans. The tarnish comes off very quickly (if you care) with salt and white vinegar or Never Dull. I just polished mine for the first time today. CONS: The color they tarnish to is an odd yellowy color. Not like better French cookware. You think the pot actually is permanantly discolored, but it's not. I don't think the actual copper content is very high, but they do the job promised. The handles attached to this pan do get hot. The lid does not. It does get scratched, but I don't care about that. CONCLUSION: I like this line. It cooks nicely and cleans up well. I am now in the process of ordering a ton of Calphalon items from Amazon that are priced so low I couldn't resist. Mainly the Commercial Anodized line. I will review those when I get the chance to use them a bit. If you like to cook and don't have the proper tools, do yourself a favor and get some good pans and knives. I used Ginsu steak knives as cooking tools for almost ten years, and "oh the humanity". I almost gave up ever making salads entirely because I dreaded chopping/sawing things.


Some people prefer the durability and looks of stainless, others find Calphalon cookware offers its own special brand of beauty and plenty of perks, as well. Considered by many to be a viable rival to the classic cooking material found in many homes and professional kitchens, Calphalon cookware offers many of the advantages of stainless without some of its disadvantages.

The trademark of Calphalon pots and pans lies in its hard-anodized surface. This electro-chemical process hardens aluminum, actually making it stronger than stainless. The end result is a pan that's beautiful, durable and darn hard to beat.

Here are some commonly asked questions about Calphalon cookware and the anodizing process itself:

What is hard-anodizing?
This process involves taking aluminum and putting it in an acid bath where it undergoes chemical changes. The final product results when aluminum mixes with oxygen to create aluminum oxide. A pan that has undergone this process will typically be about 30 percent hard than steel.

Why consider this process?
Hard-anodized pans are very durable. They do not chip, peel or stain easily. They also offer an interesting visual appearance that's a matte cross between stainless and cast iron.

Will this finish cause problems with food?
No. The end result of this process is a product that is nontoxic, doesn't peel and does not decompose. The only thing that can really damage it is extremely high heat.

What happens with stuck on food?

The reality is Calphalon cookware and other similar products are very difficult to manage to get food stuck on. The fairly nonporous material that results from the chemical process makes sticking difficult to say the least.

How do you clean this type of pot or pan?

Generally all that is necessary to clean this type of cookware is soapy water and a nylon scouring sponge. It can even withstand scouring powder without losing its looks if food is stuck on particularly hard.

Is this type of pan versatile?

In that it can withstand temperatures very well, yes. But, it is not recommended for use in food storage. The fact of the matter is, it is almost never a good idea to use a pot or pan for storing food. Since they aren't air tight, bacteria can grow. Really, it's never recommended that food be stored in a pan.

Is this cookware expensive?

The answer to that is yes and no. The price tag on Calphalon cookware tends to be pretty high, but considering the durability, many feel it is worth every penny. These pans, like stainless, are very difficult to damage or destroy. This means one set can last a lifetime. With this in mind, many people feel a purchase of this type of cookware is an investment, so they expect to pay a bit more on the front end.

Calphalon cookware offers an interesting alternative to stainless. Providing a surface that is stick resistant, a look that is very attractive and durability that is simply hard to match, this type of cookware is fast becoming a popular choice for many cooks and chefs.

Still looking for the perfect cookware? Try visiting http://www.cookwareanswers.com a website that specializes in providing cookware advice, tips and resources to included information on calphalon cookware

calphalon stainless cookware set

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Calphalon Stainless Steel Appetizer Set

Service that shines. Elegant entertaining is at your fingertips with Calphalon's sophisticated set of appetizer plates. Whether serving hors d'oeuvres or creating a tabletop presentation, these trays are sure to dazzle and delight your guests. Lifetime warranty.


I like to cook. Because I do I like to buy professional kitchen cookware sets. My very favorite set is my LeCreuset. It's enameled cast iron. It's very heavy cookware, and certainly not everyone would want to cook with it, but then I don't like lightweight aluminum pots and pans. I prefer my LeCreuset because I think that the outside enamel remains good looking, whereas some aluminum and stainless pots and pans have finishes that are easily scratched. Luckily if you're in the market for professional cookware you have a lot to choose from.

Most cookware manufacturers such as All Clad, Cuisinart, Viking, Calphalon, Kuhn Rikon, Chantal and Mauviel all make a variety of cookware of differing quality. Mauviel is known for their copper cookware. They also have a line of 7-ply cookware. This cookware has an aluminum core for excellent heat conductivity. It has a durable brushed stainless steel surface on the inside and a highly polished stainless steel surface on the outside. Viking professional cookware has a multi-ply construction. It's a combination of aluminum alloys and stainless steel which Viking says will give "lifetime performance, durability, easy cleanup and quick even heating". What sets these pots apart are their ergonomic stainless steel handles and extra large lids.

Another popular cookware manufacturer is Demeyere. Demeyere has a line of induction cookware, something new to a lot of cooks and very expensive. These induction pots and pans have 7-ply construction and use materials that limit heat to 250 degrees celsius. This can actually prevent many foods from burning.

A much more easily affordable quality cookware set is All Clad. They offer several different types of cookware, the All Clad Copper Core and the All Clad Master-Chef 2. The Culinary Institute of America also has a cookware set out called the CIA Masters Collection. It was designed by the certified master chefs at the CIA. It has a 7-clad construction and a copper core.

The professional cookware sets that we've mentioned above range in price from $1900 to $600 for a 10-piece set. Most of them offer multi-ply, and, as in the case of CIA and Demeyere, 7-ply. Most have copper cores, aluminum interiors and stainless steel exteriors. So how do you choose?

The way most people choose is money and appearance. My suggestion would be to buy one pot, or pan if possible before you buy an entire set. That way you can use the cookware and see if you really like it before you commit to it.

Learn about professional grade cookware and other cookware choices at busy-kitchen.com

calphalon stainless cookware set