Cookware technology has become so advanced, that it’s often overwhelming to choose. At Crate and Barrel we edit the choices, eliminate the confusion, and in record time match you up with the cookware that’s right for how you cook. Whether you’re a novice, a savvy pro, or a non-stick health conscious foodie, we’ve got your pan. And if counting counts, you’ll find we carry as wide a range of cookware materials as even many specialty gourmet stores.
Sets offer a significant savings and are a great way to jump-start a new kitchen. We recommend the following based on how you cook. (*Indicates dishwasher-safe.)
Novice Cooks
Healthy Cooks
Calphalon Contemporary Non-Stick
Infinite Circulon® Non-Stick*
Experienced Cooks
All-Clad MC2 Stainless
Calphalon One™ Infused Anodized
Calphalon Contemporary Stainless*
Calphalon Tri-Ply Copper
A few quick definitions you’ll want to know.
Hard-Anodized Aluminum
Aluminum conducts heat quickly and evenly without hot spots.
An electrochemical process hardens, or anodizes, the surface to make it more
durable and non-reactive to acidic foods like tomatoes. We recommend Calphalon
One Infused Anodized. We particularly like how its advanced polymer surface
sautés, sears, browns and deglazes, yet has an easy food release.
Stainless
Stainless steel is non-reactive with high-acidic foods. All-Clad Stainless is professional, restaurant quality tri-ply cookware with an extra-thick aluminum core extending from the bottom of the pan all the way up the sides for even heat distribution. The hand-polished 18/10 stainless interior will not react with foods, and the gleaming stainless exterior is magnetic making it suitable for induction as well as traditional cooktops.
Non-Stick
Why is it so popular? It offers no-fat cooking, an aluminum core for even heat, great food release and, therefore, quick cleanup. Our Calphalon Contemporary Non-Stick has an eye for design with modern shapes and ergonomic stay-cool stainless handles that look cool, too. A hard-anodized, heavy-gauge aluminum exterior for excellent heat conductivity and a durable non-stick interior provide superior performance at a great value for both seasoned and novice cooks. Domed, tempered glass lids with stainless steel rims keep an eye on dinner.
Tri-Ply
Tri-ply construction is the ultimate for the serious cook. Three layers of metal are sandwiched not only at the core, but all the way up the sides of the pan to conduct heat through denser “big” foods like stews and soups. For example, Calphalon Tri-Ply Copper combines the beauty of a satin copper exterior prized for its rapid and even heat distribution, a non-reactive stainless steel interior, and an aluminum inner core for expert control. We also recommend All-Clad MC2 with a brushed aluminum exterior.
Cookware Essentials
In addition to a quality set of cookware, the complete kitchen should stock these 10 essential pieces. We have chosen them because of their outstanding performance, ease of care, and versatility to handle a range of cooking techniques.
Cast Iron Skillet
No kitchen should be without the virtues of at least one piece of cast iron cookware. A versatile cast iron skillet holds high heat to sear, brown and blacken. You'll want one with a pre-seasoned finish from Lodge®, a family that has been making cast iron cookware since 1896. They probably made your grandmother's.
Pasta Cooker/Steamer
You'll use this versatile pot several days a week. Our heavy-gauge stainless All-Clad Multi-Cooker has a generous 12-qt. size perfect for soups, stews, even lobster dinners. A deep pasta insert lifts out to drain, and a separate top basket steams vegetables, seafood and potstickers.
Dutch Oven
We're big fans of chef Mario Batali's beautiful enamel cast iron because it offers superior heat retention for slow-cooking dishes. The 6-qt. size is perfect for stocks and sauces, as well as stews, roasted chicken or risotto. And the lid has interior spikes for continuous, natural basting.
Double Boiler
You don't want to improvise melting chocolate or making hollandaise. This two-tiered stainless steel pan gently transfers heat to avoid scorching. And you pick up an extra basic saucepan. A heat-tempered glass lid lets you keep a watchful eye on everything.
Asparagus Steamer
The secret to perfect spears is to simultaneously boil the tough stalks and steam the delicate tips. Our special-sized stainless steel pot with mesh insert holds a bundle upright to do just that. And it's perfect for a few ears of corn or broccoli florets.
Roaster with Rack
While it can roast up to a 25-lb. holiday turkey, our Calphalon Contemporary Stainless Roaster is perfect for lasagna, brisket or roasted potatoes. Tri-ply construction with a heavy-gauge aluminum core heats evenly. Non-stick V-rack helps oven heat circulate around foods and allows gravy juices to caramelize.
Reversible Double Griddle
Our extra-large non-stick griddle fits over two burners and has two cooking sides. The flat griddle side does pancakes, eggs, bacon...then flips to a grooved grill for burgers, steaks and chops, not to mention authentic panini. It stores right with your cookie sheets, though our guess is you'll never want to put it away.
Fondue Set
Host a fun, interactive fondue that can switch courses with just the quick change of a glass insert. Chicken, meat and seafood cook directly in the stainless pot. Cheese and chocolate temper in a glass insert. 15-piece set also includes six forks, stand and tray.
Wok Set
Our classic wok with lid is cold-rolled carbon steel to conduct the extreme high heat required for stir-frying, sautéing, deep-frying, steaming and parboiling. You don't even have to wash it—just clean with a paper towel. Includes cooking chopsticks, stainless steam rack, bamboo steam rack, turner and ladle.
Buffet Server
A must-have for entertaining. Get out of the kitchen and back to the party while our chafing dish maintains foods at just the right temperature, hot or cold. Contemporary design in polished stainless steel has a heat-tempered glass lid to advertise what's for dinner and signal when it's time for refills.
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