In this guide, I share with you the best Calphalon cookware sets across both stainless steel and non-stick.
You’ll learn all the important facts about each set, including:
- What pots and pans are included
- Its materials and construction
- How it looks, feels, and performs
- How much it costs
- And more
No cookware is perfect for everyone, which is why I provide reasons you may or may not want to buy each set.
By the end, you’ll have an understanding of what Calphalon offers and which cookware set is best for you.
Let’s get started!
Use the links below to navigate:
- Best Stainless Steel Set: Calphalon Signature 10-Piece
- Best Non-Stick Set: Calphalon Signature 10-Piece
- Best Stackable Set: Calphalon Premier Space-Saving 15-Piece
- Best Low-Cost Set: Calphalon Classic 10-Piece
- Best Complete Set: Calphalon Premier 13-Piece
- Bottom Line: Which Calphalon Cookware Set Is Best for You?
Best Stainless Steel Set: Calphalon Signature 10-Piece
If you’re looking for premium stainless steel cookware built to last, Calphalon’s best set is the Signature 10-piece (view on Amazon).
Each piece is made with a 5-ply construction, including a triple-layer aluminum core, which provides even heat distribution and precise temperature control.
The stainless steel handles are heat-resistant, so they remain cool even when you’re cooking on the stovetop. It also comes with dishwasher-safe tempered glass lids. This set includes:
- 8 inch Fry Pan
- 10 inch Fry Pan
- 2 qt Sauce Pan with Cover
- 3 qt Sauce Pan with Cover
- 3 qt Saute Pan with Cover
- 8 qt Stock Pot with Cover
- 4 lids
Why You Should Buy This Set
Thinking of this set? Here are the main reasons why you’ll love it.
5-Ply Construction: 5-ply construction means that the cookware is thick, with five bonded metal layers (two steel exterior layers and three aluminum core layers). Not only does this provide even heat distribution and precise temperature control, but it also means the cookware is super durable, built to last a lifetime.
Oven, Broiler, and Dishwasher Safe: This set is broiler and oven-safe up to 500°F. Many other Calphalon collections can only tolerate up to 450°F.
Long-Lasting Beauty: This cookware wow you when it arrives — due to its stunning and modern beauty — but it stays looking good thanks to its durable steel outer layers. You can even use metal utensils without risking damaging the cooking surface.
Versatile: With this set, you can cook almost anything. Stainless steel is non-reactive, which means it can handle highly acidic ingredients without leaving behind a metallic flavor. Also, it can handle high temperatures, so it’s the perfect cookware for searing, browning, and sauteing.
Limited sticking: By using correct culinary techniques and properly seasoning the pan, you’ll experience limited sticking. This makes the cooking experience less frustrating, even if it’s not as simple as using a non-stick pan.
Why You Should NOT Buy This Set
Although this is an excellent set, there are a few reasons it may not be the best for you. If you are a beginner home cook, you might prefer the ease of non-stick cookware. When misused, food can easily stick to stainless steel.
Another reason this might not be your preferred set is that it’s expensive. Stainless steel has a higher price point than other types of cookware, and Signature is one of Calphalon’s most expensive collections due to its premium 5-ply construction.
This set is available on Amazon, where you can read more reviews and check the current price.
Best Non-Stick Set: Calphalon Signature 10-Piece
The Calphalon Signature Non-Stick 10-piece set (view on Amazon) is perfect if you want premium yet easy-to-use non-stick cookware.
The Signature collection is made with a three-layer non-stick surface and a hard-anodized aluminum base. It’s durable, provides even heat distribution, and responds to temperature changes well.
It’s designed with stainless steel handles with a charcoal gray exterior, so it stands out in the kitchen, both for its aesthetics and performance.
In this set, you’ll find:
- 10 inch Omelette Pan
- 12 inch Omelette Pan
- 2 qt Sauce Pan with cover
- 3 qt Sauce Pan with cover
- 3 qt Saute Pan with cover
- 8 qt Stockpot with cover
Why You Should Buy This Set
This is one of Calphalon’s best cookware sets for many reasons, including:
Dishwasher-Safe: Although I always recommend hand-washing non-stick cookware, this set is dishwasher-safe. If you’re in a hurry or don’t have the energy to do the dishes, you can pop this set in the dishwasher without damaging the coating.
Hard-Anodized Aluminum Construction: The body of this cookware is made of heavy-gauge, hard-anodized aluminum. At 3.6 mm thick, it’s more substantial than most. The added mass increases durability and warp-resistance, and it also absorbs and distributes heat more evenly.
Triple-Layer Non-Stick Coating: While most non-stick cookware has one coat of non-stick material, this set features three. The added layers increase its durability and scratch-resistance, giving you extra leeway if you mistakenly nick the coating with a metal spatula.
Textured Non-Coating: Most non-stick coating is completely smooth, ideal for sliding eggs and delicate foods, but not so great for searing. The Signature collection features a unique “Sear” surface, which has a slight texture to it. This texture allows you to sear and brown with your non-tick pans, just like you would with stainless steel or cast iron pans.
Why You Should NOT Buy This Set
Despite all the advantages, let’s take a look at a few of the disadvantages.
First, it’s not compatible with induction cooktops or under broilers.
Second, this is an expensive set due to its heavy-gauge hard-anodized aluminum base and triple-layer non-stick coating. You’ll find cheaper non-stick cookware on the market (although, not at this quality level).
Finally, you have to be careful with non-stick. Even though Calphalon claims this set is metal utensil-safe, I recommend using wood or plastic utensils to avoid scratching the surface. Once a non-stick surface is scratched, the pan may be ruined.
This set is available on Amazon, where you can read more reviews and check the current price.
Best Stackable Set: Calphalon Premier Space-Saving 15-Piece
Low on cabinet space? This Calphalon Premier Space-Saving Hard-Anodized Non-Stick 15-piece set (view on Amazon) is the best space-saving option.
The stackable design saves up to 30% on storage space. Besides that, it’s made with a heavy-gauge hard-anodized aluminum base and a triple-layer non-stick surface, making it extra durable.
With 15 pieces in the set, you’ll get:
- 8 inch Fry Pan
- 2.5 qt Sauce Pan with Cover
- 3.5 qt Sauce Pan with Cover
- 4.5 qt Soup Pot with Cover
- 10 inch Fry Pan
- 3 qt Saute Pan with Cover
- 8 qt Stock Pot with Cover
- 12 inch Fry Pan
- 5 qt Sauteuse with Cover
Why You Should Buy This Set
Here are the reasons to buy this set:
Saves Space: The stackable design saves up to 30% more space. If you have a small kitchen with limited storage space but still want a complete set, this is the perfect one. The unique design and flat lids make it easier than ever to store.
Hard-Anodized Construction: You’ll love the construction of this cookware. It has the thickest gauge of all Calphalon products. The hard-anodized aluminum body is 3.6 millimeters thick, ensuring that the cookware is durable, heats up evenly with no cold spots, and is dishwasher safe.
Non-Stick: The triple layer non-stick features high-quality materials that last 40% longer than Calphalon Classic. In fact, it’s so strong that it can withstand the use of metal utensils. While I recommend sticking to nylon or wood, it’s good to know a metal utensil won’t damage the interior. Plus, non-stick surfaces make cooking and cleanup a breeze.
Why You Should NOT Buy This Set
Every cookware comes with its drawbacks. Here are some reasons this set might not be the one for you.
This set is not cheap. The unique stackable design, combined with high-quality materials, make this one of Calphalon’s most expensive sets.
Another drawback is the handles. They are bulky, and the interlocking grooves could be a put off for some people.
This set is available on Amazon, where you can read more reviews and check the current price. You can also learn more by reading my in-depth review of Calphalon Premier cookware.
Best Low-Cost Set: Calphalon Classic 10-Piece
If you’re on a budget but still want a high-quality Calphalon set, the Calphalon Classic Hard-Anodized Non-Stick 10-piece set (view on Amazon) is the best option.
What makes it great is the no-boil-over inserts that prevent bubbling over and spills—perfect when cooking pasta, rice, and potatoes.
In this set, you’ll get ten pieces, including:
- 8 inch Fry Pan
- 10 inch Fry Pan
- 2.5 qt Sauce Pan with Cover + No-Boil-Over Insert
- 3 qt Sauté Pan with Cover
- 6 qt Stock Pot with Cover + No-Boil-Over Insert
Why You Should Buy This Set
What are the reasons you’ll fall in love with this set? Besides the no-boil-over inserts, here are the other significant advantages.
Low-Cost: This is one of Calphalon’s least expensive sets. If you’re on a budget but still want to experience long-lasting and durable Calphalon products, this is a set to consider.
Non-Stick Interior: The two-layer non-stick interior is a big bonus to this set. It prevents food from sticking to the surface of your cookware, making cooking and cleanup a lot easier. Plus, it’s also a versatile surface, suitable for most recipes.
Hard-Anodized Aluminum Construction: Hard-anodized aluminum boasts many benefits. It’s durable and provides quick and even heating. Best of all, it resists corrosion and warping.
Convenient Design: The design sets this collection apart. It features measuring marks, pour spouts, and straining covers. Finally, the no-boil-over inserts have a hole in the middle so you can easily stir while the ingredients are covered.
Why You Should NOT Buy This Set
What are this set’s main drawbacks? First, it’s not dishwasher safe. Most non-stick sets aren’t, so this shouldn’t come as a huge surprise, but considering some of the other non-stick cookware from Calphalon is dishwasher safe, this is a bit of a downside.
Another drawback is that the stay-cool handles actually don’t stay that cool. Customers noted that they didn’t stay cool on the stovetop, which can be a safety hazard.
Finally, the non-stick coating isn’t as strong as some of Calphalon’s other collections. Instead of three layers, which many Calphalon products have, this set only has two.
It’s also not safe for metal utensils. Even wooden utensils can scratch the non-stick coating if you’re not careful.
This set is available on Amazon where you can read more reviews and check the current price. Learn more in my in-depth comparison of Calphalon Classic vs. Contemporary.
Best Complete Set: Calphalon Premier 13-Piece
The Calphalon Premier Hard-Anodized Non-stick set (view on Amazon) is the most complete set from Calphalon. It includes all the essential pots and pans, plus a few extras.
Each piece has a hard-anodized aluminum body, a triple-layer superior non-stick coating, and is oven-safe up to 450°F.
This set includes:
- 10 inch Fry Pan
- 12 inch Fry Pan with Cover
- 1.5 qt Sauce Pan with Cover
- 2.5 qt Sauce Pan with Cover
- 5 qt Saute Pan with Cover
- 8 qt MultiPot with Cover, pasta insert, steamer insert
Why You Should Buy This Set
There are many reasons to love this set, but here are the main advantages:
Long-Lasting Non-Stick: This cookware set uses a super-strong non-stick coating, 40% longer-lasting than the Calphalon Classic collection. You’ll love how well it performs.
Heavy Gauge: The heavy gauge design makes it warp and dent resistant. The professional-grade quality means that even if you knock it against something or expose it to drastic temperature changes, it should withstand these elements.
Even Heating: Even heating is a must-have. It provides consistent cooking. This set has the highest level of even heating from Calphalon so that you can cook with confidence every day.
Oven and Dishwasher Safe: This cookware is oven safe up to 450°F, so you can use it for various recipes. It’s also dishwasher safe, making cleanup easier than ever.
Why You Should NOT Buy This Set
Before you buy this set, consider some of the negatives. First, it is expensive. Although it’s a 13-piece set, only six of those items are cookware pieces; the other seven are lids or inserts.
Also, consider the fact that the products are made in China. They’re designed in Ohio, but they have moved their manufacturing facility to China.
Finally, the lids are known to be problematic. They don’t fit as snug as some customers would like. Plus, the stay-cool handles don’t remain cool, which shocked quite a few customers!
This set is available on Amazon where you can read more reviews and check the current price.
Bottom Line: Which Calphalon Cookware Set Is the Best for You?
Calphalon is a highly reputable and trustworthy brand that offers several collections to suit most needs and budgets.
Although their collections vary in materials and prices, they’re all high-quality, durable, and provide even heating and exceptional results.
When choosing between the sets in this guide, the essential considerations are:
- Stainless Steel vs. Non-Stick: Do you want the versatility and durability of stainless steel or the convenience of non-stick?
- Pieces: Do you need a complete set or just a few pans?
- Budget: Signature and Premier are Calphalon’s high-end collections, while the Classic is more affordable.
- Extra Features: Do you need pour spouts, no-boil-over inserts, and straining covers?
- Storage Space: Is your cabinet space limited? If yes, you may want to consider the space-saving options.
Calphalon Signature 10-Piece is the best stainless steel set because of the 5-ply construction, aesthetics, versatility, limited sticking, and professional quality.
Calphalon Signature 10-Piece is the best non-stick set because it’s dishwasher safe, features a hard-anodized aluminum body, a 3-layer non-stick coating, and unique “Sear” surface.
Calphalon Premier Space-Saving 15-Piece is the best stackable set. It saves up to 30% of storage space and is constructed with hard-anodized aluminum with a non-stick interior.
If you’re on a budget, consider the Calphalon Classic Hard-Anodized Non-Stick 10-Piece set. It’s not as expensive, but it still boasts a quality non-stick interior, hard-anodized exterior, and a convenient design with lots of innovative features, including no-boil-over inserts.
Calphalon Premier Hard-Anodized Non-Stick 13-Piece is the best complete set, including all the essential pieces plus some nice-to-have extras. It’s made with a long-lasting non-stick interior and premium heavy-gauge hard-anodized aluminum base.
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