If you’re in the market for new cookware, you might be wondering which brand is the better investment — Calphalon or Tramontina?
Both offer high-quality, long-lasting cookware. So what’s the difference?
In this comparison of Tramontina vs. Calphalon, you’ll learn how they differ in performance, design, materials, price, and more.
Use the links below to navigate the comparison:
- Tramontina vs Calphalon: Comparison Chart
- Difference 1: Construction and Materials
- Difference 2: Design
- Difference 3: Cookware Collections
- Difference 4: Heat Conduction and Retention
- Difference 5: Oven-Safe Temperatures
- Difference 6: Metal Utensil Safe
- Difference 7: Company History
- Difference 8: Where It Is Made
- Difference 9: Price
- Difference 10: Downsides
- What Others Say About Tramontina and Calphalon
- Bottom Line: Should You Buy Tramontina or Calphalon Cookware?
Tramontina vs Calphalon: Comparison Chart
If you’re in a rush, here’s a quick comparison of Tramontina vs. Calphalon.
Tramontina | Calphalon | |
---|---|---|
Construction | Aluminum, hard-anodized aluminum, stainless steel, cast iron, and enameled cast iron | Hard-anodized aluminum, stainless steel, cast iron |
Design | Stainless, black, or colored exteriors with steel or silicone-wrapped handles and either stainless or glass lids | Black or stainless exteriors with steel handles and glass lids |
Oven-Safe Temperatures | 350-500°F | 400-500°F |
Induction Compatible | All stainless clad, cast iron, and enameled cast iron cookware is induction compatible. Aluminum pans are not. | Only stainless steel cookware is induction-compatible |
Metal Utensil Safe | No | Elite, Signature, and Premier non-stick collections are metal utensil safe |
Company History | Started in 1911 | Founded in 1963 |
Where It’s Made | Brazil, Italy, and China | US and China |
Price | $-$$ (Amazon) | $$-$$$ (Amazon) |
Top Reasons to Buy | Long handles, wide cooking surface, low price | Thick construction, durable multi-layer non-stick coating, high oven-safe temperature |
Top Reasons to NOT Buy | Low oven-safe temperatures, difficult to clean around rivets | Exterior Stains, expensive (for non-stick cookware) |
Difference 1: Construction and Materials
One of the most notable differences between Tramontina and Calphalon is the materials they use to make their pots and pans. Here’s a breakdown, starting with Tramontina.
Tramontina
Collection | Materials |
---|---|
Tramontina Everyday | Aluminum, hard-anodized aluminum, enameled cast iron |
Tramontina Gourmet | Stainless steel (fully-clad and bonded base), carbon steel, aluminum, enameled cast iron |
Tramontina Professional (PRO Series) | Aluminum, hard-anodized aluminum, stainless steel (fully-clad) |
Tramontina Select | Aluminum, hard-anodized aluminum, enameled cast iron |
Tramontina Style | Aluminum, hard-anodized aluminum |
The main cookware constructions that Tramontina offers are aluminum, hard-anodized aluminum, and fully-clad or impact-bonded stainless steel.
However, they also make cookware from cast iron, carbon steel, enameled cast iron, and enameled aluminum.
Tramontina’s stainless steel cookware (Professional and Gourmet collections) is made with tri-ply (3-layer) construction. It has an 18/10 stainless steel interior, an aluminum core, and a magnetic steel exterior for induction cooking.
Tramontina aluminum cookware (PRO, Style, and Everyday collections) features heavy-gauge aluminum walls with a dark PTFE (Teflon) non-stick coating. If you prefer a PTFE-free cooking surface, the Everyday collection has a ceramic non-stick option.
Tramontina uses a variety of materials to coat its non-stick pans, including:
- Starflon: This PTFE (Teflon) non-stick coating is PFOA-free and resistant to abrasion.
- Teflon Profile: PFOA-free, lead and cadmium-free reinforced non-stick. It’s used in the limited Tramontina Culinary collection.
- PPG Eclipse: Used in the PRO Series, it’s the most durable non-stick coating Tramontina offers. It features a heavily reinforced primer, a partially reinforced midcoat, and a premium-release topcoat.
Calphalon
Collection | Materials |
---|---|
Calphalon Elite | Hard-anodized aluminum |
Calphalon Signature | Hard-anodized aluminum, stainless steel (fully-clad) |
Calphalon Premier | Hard-anodized aluminum, stainless steel (fully-clad) |
Calphalon Classic | Hard-anodized aluminum, stainless steel (impact-bonded base) |
Select by Calphalon | Hard-anodized aluminum, stainless steel (impact-bonded base) |
Simply Calphalon | Hard-anodized aluminum, stainless steel (impact-bonded base) |
Calphalon Contemporary | Hard-anodized aluminum |
Calphalon is best known for its hard-anodized aluminum non-stick cookware. In fact, it was the first brand to make cookware from hard-anodized aluminum in the 1960s.
Calphalon also offers cookware made from aluminum with a non-stick ceramic cooking surface, fully-clad stainless steel, cast iron, and impact-bonded base stainless steel.
To create a more durable non-stick surface, Calphalon uses two multi-layer non-stick coatings: AquaShield and MineralShield.
MineralShield is made with strong, durable minerals that make the cooking surface five times more durable than Calphalon’s previous coatings and compatible with metal utensils.
AquaShield is a water-based coating that is 40% stronger than previous Calphalon coatings. Like MineralSheild, you can use metal spatulas on this material. Both coatings are dishwasher-safe and oven-safe up to 450°F.
Difference 2: Design
Another notable difference between Tramontina and Calphalon is their design.
Color and Finishes
Tramontina’s cookware features brushed aluminum, stainless, black, or colored exteriors (blue, red, and copper) paired with steel handles.
Some collections, like the Tramontina Gourmet and Select sets, only feature black or stainless exteriors.
Tramontina’s PRO series 11-Piece Non-stick Cookware Set is available in charcoal, silver, blue, and copper. The PRO Series fry pan features a satin finish exterior made of heavy-gauge aluminum that resembles brushed stainless steel.
Calphalon cookware has either a black or stainless exterior. The non-stick collections feature a sleek black body, stainless steel handles, and a clear glass lid.
The stainless steel cookware has a brushed appearance. Even though this finish doesn’t have the gleam of polished stainless steel, it hides scratches and fingerprints more effectively.
Shape
The pans in the Tramontina PRO Series have a large reinforced PFOA-free non-stick cooking surface and a long, straight stainless steel handle.
The pans have a classic and streamlined shape with no unnecessary details. They’re designed with restaurant and commercial use in mind.
Furthermore, the cooking surface on this pan is larger than you would find on most other 12-inch non-stick cooking pans — the flat cooking surface measures 10 inches when the average is 9 inches.
The walls on PRO Series pans are sloped, but only slightly, allowing more room on the bottom for additional cooking space.
Calphalon cookware has flared rims and sloped sides with a thick ledge that runs around the perimeter of the pan.
The sides are steep to prevent splatter and accommodate liquid-based meals.
Handle Design
The handle design for the Tramontina PRO Series is unique; the pans have thin, straight handles with a slight upward angle but no curve.
The handle is attached to the pan with three heavy-duty rivets, and the handle comes with a removable heat-resistant red silicone grip. This handy feature makes it safer and easier to transport hot pans.
Tramontina PRO fry pans have a handle that is 9.75 inches long, which is longer than most fry pans. The average length of handles on 12-inch fry pans is about 8 or 9 inches long. A longer handle keeps your hands away from the heat and allows for better control.
Calphalon pans have ergonomically designed handles for a comfortable grip. Although handle design varies slightly by collection, they’re all rounded, comfortable, and designed to stay cool.
The handles are attached to the pots and pans with two secure rivets. A half-moon spacing in the handle helps to keep heat from transferring to the pan from the handle.
Lids
Though Tramontina’s PRO Series fry pans do not include lids, the other pots and pans in the collection come with clear tempered glass lids.
The lids for both Calphalon’s stainless steel and non-stick pans are made with transparent tempered glass. Notably, these lids are oven-safe up to 450°F.
The lids have the Calphalon name and logo etched into them and have a slightly domed shape. They also feature a wide rim that keeps the lids firmly in place over the pans.
Difference 3: Cookware Collections
When comparing Tramontina to Calphalon, it’s important to understand that both brands have several collections with unique materials, designs, and features.
Here’s a brief run-down of each collection offered by Tramontina and Calphalon:
Tramontina
- Professional – This collection features a simple, clean aesthetic, durable and heavy construction, and a large cooking area. It is versatile and made for heavy use (hence the name, Professional).
- Everyday – The Everyday collection encompasses a wide range of cookware, from aluminum non-stick to enameled cast iron.
- Gourmet – Tramontina’s Gourmet collection is high-end in every sense of the word. Featuring an elegant design and durable premium 18-10 stainless steel tri-ply construction, this collection is built to last.
- Select – This collection is made for people who like options: choose from hard-anodized aluminum or non-stick finishes.
- Style – One of the main features of this collection is that it comes in a variety of different color offerings: choose between charcoal, silver, blue, and copper.
Calphalon
- Elite (Williams-Sonoma) – Designed through a collaboration between Calphalon and Williams-Sonoma, the Elite collection is built to deliver performance and quality. While it’s not the most affordable option, the style, versatility, and thoughtful design of this collection make it worth a look.
- Signature – Available in stainless steel and hard-anodized aluminum finishes, the Signature collection’s main appeal is its thick (3.6 mm) walls for superior heat retention and metal-safe non-stick coating.
- Premier – The Calphalon Premier series was made with function in mind. Sets are stackable to help you save space in the kitchen (see my Calphalon Premier review for more details).
- Classic – This affordable collection is available in either stainless steel or hard-anodized aluminum, with a brushed metal exterior and a water-based non-stick coating.
- Select by Calphalon – With a space-saving design and a sleek, modern aesthetic, this collection is as stylish as it is functional. This collection features Calphalon’s proprietary AquaShield water-based non-stick coating.
- Simply by Calphalon – This collection is made with the budget-conscious home chef in mind, with thoughtful features like silicone comfort-grip handles and a high oven-safe temperature.
- Contemporary – Available in stainless steel and non-stick options, the Contemporary line is elegant and functional. Its thick, heavy-gauge base allows for even heating and excellent heat retention. You won’t find this collection on Calphalon.com, but it’s available on Amazon and in stores like Home Goods.
Difference 4: Heat Conduction and Retention
Two important factors to consider when buying cookware are heat conduction (how fast and evenly the pan heats) and retention (how well it holds heat when ingredients are added).
I conducted two simple tests to find out how Calphalon and Tramontina stack up in these categories.
After pouring two cups of cold water into Calphalon and Tramontina pans, I placed each pan on the stove and turned the heat to the highest setting. My goal was to measure how long it took for each pan to boil the water.
Water in the Tramontina pan started to bubble after 1 minute and 53 seconds and came to a full boil after 2 minutes and 52 seconds. The bubbles were uniform across the cooking surface, indicating even heat distribution.
Water in the Calphalon pan began bubbling after 1 minute and 45 seconds and boiled at the 2-minute and 40-second mark.
Although both pans heated quickly, there was a noticeable cold spot in the middle of the Calphalon pan.
Normally, I would consider this a red flag — you don’t want cookware that heats unevenly. But in my years of experience using Calphalon for cooking actual food, I’ve never encountered an issue with heat distribution.
I conduct this same test with every cookware brand I review. You can see in the chart below how Tramontina and Calphalon compare to the rest of the industry:
Pan | Time to First Bubbles | Time to Boil |
---|---|---|
Made In fry pan | 1 minute and 40 seconds | 2 minutes and 21 seconds |
Misen fry pan | 1 minute and 50 seconds | 2 minutes and 25 seconds |
Anolon fry pan | 1 minute and 55 seconds | 2 minutes and 27 seconds |
Zwilling fry pan | 1 minute and 45 seconds | 2 minutes and 31 seconds |
T-fal fry pan | 1 minute and 50 seconds | 2 minutes and 32 seconds |
Gotham Steel fry pan | 1 minute and 58 seconds | 2 minutes and 32 seconds |
Rachael Ray fry pan | 1 minute and 47 seconds | 2 minutes and 36 seconds |
Viking fry pan | 1 minute and 42 seconds | 2 minute and 39 seconds |
Calphalon fry pan | 1 minute and 45 seconds | 2 minutes and 40 seconds |
Pioneer Woman fry pan | 2 minute and 2 seconds | 2 minute and 46 seconds |
Hestan fry pan | 1 minute and 52 seconds | 2 minutes and 47 seconds |
GreenLife pan | 2 minutes and 11 seconds | 2 minutes and 47 seconds |
Tramontina fry pan | 1 minute and 53 seconds | 2 minutes and 52 seconds |
Circulon fry pan | 2 minutes and 7 seconds | 2 minutes and 55 seconds |
All-Clad skillet | 1 minute and 55 seconds | 2 minutes and 55 seconds |
Demeyere Industry fry pan | 2 minutes and 3 seconds | 3 minutes and 10 seconds |
Ballarini fry pan | 2 minutes and 15 seconds | 3 minutes and 12 seconds |
Heritage Steel fry pan | 1 minutes and 59 seconds | 3 minutes and 15 seconds |
Demeyere Atlantis fry pan | 2 minutes and 11 seconds | 3 minutes and 25 seconds |
To test heat retention, I removed the pans from the heat after the water began boiling and set them aside on the counter.
After five minutes, the water in the Tramontina pan was 118.5°F. After ten minutes, the temperature dropped to 101.3°F.
Water in the Calphalon pan was 112.8°F after five minutes and 101.1°F after ten minutes.
Here’s how both brands’ heat retention results compare to other cookware brands:
Pan | Temperature After 5 Minutes | Temperature After 10 Minutes |
---|---|---|
Demeyere Atlantis fry pan | 122.0°F | 106.3°F |
Made In fry pan | 121.1°F | 106.6°F |
Misen fry pan | 118.6°F | 103.4°F |
Zwilling fry pan | 121.1°F | 103.0°F |
Rachael Ray fry pan | 126.3°F | 102.7°F |
Circulon fry pan | 133.3°F | 102.0°F |
Tramontina fry pan | 118.5°F | 101.3°F |
Demeyere Industry fry pan | 115.2°F | 96.6°F |
Calphalon fry pan | 112.8°F | 101.1°F |
All-Clad skillet | 111.6°F | 100.9°F |
Ballarini fry pan | 120°F | 99.9°F |
Heritage Steel | 120.1°F | 98.2°F |
Hestan fry pan | 114°F | 98°F |
Viking fry pan | 106.6°F | 95.9°F |
GreenLife fry pan | 119°F | 95°F |
Gotham Steel fry pan | 113°F | 95°F |
Anolon fry pan | 112.7°F | 90.9°F |
Pioneer Woman fry pan | 104.3°F | 90.9°F |
T-fal fry pan | 108.7°F | 88.0°F |
Difference 5: Oven-Safe Temperatures
Tramontina has a wide range of oven-safe temperatures depending on the collection and the materials used. Its non-stick pans have an oven-safe temperature limit of 350℉, while the stainless steel pieces are oven-safe up to 500°F.
Calphalon’s oven-safe temperature limits range from 400-500°F. The chart below shows the oven-safe temperatures of each Calphalon collection.
Collection | Type | Oven-Safe Temperature |
---|---|---|
Simply Calphalon | Non-Stick | 400°F |
Select by Calphalon | Non-Stick | 400°F |
Calphalon Unison (Discontinued) | Non-Stick | 500°F |
Calphalon Signature | Non-Stick | 500°F |
Calphalon Premier | Non-Stick | 450°F |
Calphalon Contemporary | Non-Stick | 450°F |
Calphalon Classic | Non-Stick | 450°F |
Simply Calphalon | Stainless Steel | 400°F |
Select by Calphalon | Stainless Steel | 400°F |
Calphalon Tri-Ply (Discontinued) | Stainless Steel | 500°F |
Calphalon Signature | Stainless Steel | 500°F |
Calphalon Premier | Stainless Steel | 450°F |
Calphalon Contemporary (Discontinued) | Stainless Steel | 500°F |
Calphalon Classic | Stainless Steel | 450°F |
Please note that while non-stick pans are oven-safe up to a specific temperature, no non-stick cookware is broiler-safe.
Difference 6: Metal Utensil Safe
All of Tramontina’s stainless steel cookware collections are safe with metal utensils. However, none of its non-stick cookware should be used with metal utensils.
Three Calphalon non-stick collections are metal utensil-safe: Elite, Signature, and Premiere. Calphalon advertises you can use metal utensils with its non-stick coating without causing damage.
Calphalon’s other non-stick collections, including Classic, Simply Calphalon, and Select by Calphalon, are not metal-utensil safe.
That said, I never recommend using metal utensils on non-stick cookware, even if it’s advertised as metal-safe. No matter how careful you are, eventually, metal utensils will scratch the non-stick coating and reduce its lifespan.
Difference 7: Company History
Tramontina began in 1911 as a blacksmith shop in Carlos Barbosa, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. It was founded by entrepreneur Valentin Tramontina and his wife, Elisa.
Since then, it has grown to be one of the largest companies in southern Brazil, with ten factories throughout the country and more in Italy and China.
While Tramontina is a trusted and popular cookware brand, the company also produces a variety of agricultural and automotive equipment, appliances, gardening tools, and furniture. The company prides itself on maintaining high quality standards in every item it produces.
Calphalon launched in 1963 when Ronald M. Kasperzak founded Commercial Aluminum Cookware in Perrysburg, Ohio, just outside Toledo.
Kasperzak is credited with inventing hard-anodized aluminum cookware, which he called Calphalon. Using a unique manufacturing process, he created pots and pans that were more durable and less prone to corrosion than standard aluminum.
Difference 8: Where It Is Made
Tramontina stainless steel cookware is made in Brazil, and its non-stick cookware is produced in multiple locations across Brazil, Italy, and China.
Calphalon’s manufacturing origin is slightly more complicated. Certain Calphalon cookware collections and individual pieces are made in the United States in Perrysburg, Ohio, while others are made overseas.
Despite that, all Calphalon pans are stamped with a “Toledo, OH USA” on the bottom (which is confusing and misleading).
The Calphalon Elite and Calphalon Commercial collections are both made in the US, as well as individual pieces for the Calphalon Signature non-stick collection.
Signature cookware sets and the rest of Calphalon’s cookware are made in China. Learn more about where Calphalon is made in this quick guide.
Difference 9: Price
While both Tramontina and Calphalon offer individual pieces and complete cookware sets at a range of prices, Calphalon tends to be more expensive.
Calphalon’s priciest collections are the Elite and Signature, while Select by Calphalon and Simply Calphalon are the most affordable.
Tramontina’s sets are all relatively affordable — however, its stainless steel collections are more expensive than the non-stick counterparts.
To give you a better overview of what you can expect to pay for each brand, take a look at the pricing chart below:
Cookware | Price | View Details |
---|---|---|
Tramontina PRO Fusion 12-Inch Fry Pan | Amazon | |
Tramontina Professional 10-Inch Fry Pan | Amazon | |
Tramontina Professional 12-Inch Fry Pan | Amazon | |
Tramontina Kitchen Essentials 8-Piece Set | Amazon | |
Tramontina Stainless Steel Saucepan 3-Quart | Amazon | |
Tramontina Dutch Oven 3.5-Quart | Amazon | |
Tramontina Nesting 11-Piece Set | Amazon | |
Tramontina Gourmet Stainless Steel 12-Piece Set | Amazon | |
Calphalon Signature 10-Inch Fry Pan | Amazon | |
Calphalon Classic 12-Inch Fry Pan | Amazon | |
Calphalon Premier 10- and 12-Inch Fry Pan Set | Amazon | |
Calphalon Premier Stainless Steel 5-Quart Sauté Pan | Amazon | |
Calphalon Premier 5-Quart Sauté Pan | Amazon | |
Calphalon Simply 10-Piece Set | Amazon | |
Calphalon Premier Stainless Steel 11-Piece Set | Amazon |
Difference 10: Downsides
While Calphalon and Tramontina are trusted for their high-quality and durable cookware, each brand has downsides.
Tramontina
- Low Oven-Safe Temperatures: Tramontina’s non-stick cookware only has an oven-safe temperature of 350°F, limiting what you can cook in your oven. For example, the ideal temperature for roasting vegetables is 400 to 425°F, which you wouldn’t safely be able to achieve with a non-stick Tramontina pan.
- Not Metal Utensil Safe: The non-stick coating on Tramontina’s cookware is incompatible with metal utensils. You need to use rubber, silicone, or wood utensils.
- Difficult to Clean: Another downside to Tramontina’s PRO Series pans is that they have three small rivets that easily trap oil and bits of food. Unfortunately, these rivets are tough to clean due to their design.
Calphalon
- Non-Stick Durability: Calphalon claims some of its collections are metal utensil safe, but the reality is metal spoons, forks, and spatulas will scratch the surface. And any damage to the non-stick coating will reduce the pan’s lifespan. Although Calphalon uses high-quality non-stick coatings, don’t expect it to last significantly longer than Tramontina.
- Not Induction Compatible: Since Calphalon non-stick pans have a non-magnetic aluminum base, they are incompatible with induction cooktops. Only Calphalon stainless steel pans are induction-compatible.
- Pricey: Calphalon is a mid to high-end cookware brand. While investing in premium stainless steel cookware is wise (since it can last forever), spending top dollar for a non-stick pan you’ll eventually throw out isn’t the best choice for everyone. Fortunately, the brand provides a range of options at various price points. Classic, Simply Calphalon, and Select by Calphalon are the most affordable options.
- Exterior Stains: Although Calphalon’s cooking surface wipes clean with little effort, thehard-anodized aluminum exterior stains easily. Although the anodizing process prevents corrosion, the black outer layer on the pan’s exterior becomes blotchy as oil and food debris bake into it. These stains are notoriously difficult to remove. If you need help cleaning Calphalon, refer to this guide.
What Others Say About Tramontina and Calphalon
Calphalon and Tramontina have solid reputations, and both receive favorable reviews from respected publications, consumer review sites, and lifestyle blogs.
Here’s what others are saying about Calphalon and Tramontina cookware:
Tramontina’s 12-piece stainless steel tri-ply set made Food Network’s Top 6 Best Cookware Sets list for being the Best Value Stainless Steel cookware set. Food Network recommends this set because it offers “a lot of value for your money” and says this is the set for you if you want “professional-looking stainless-steel cookware” on a budget.
Tramontina’s Gourmet 12-piece Tri-Ply Clad cookware set was crowned the Best Cookware Set by The New York Times. They praised its even heating, durable construction, and affordable price tag.
The New York Times also praised Tramontina cookware in its guide to the Best Non-stick Pans. Reviewers mention that the Tramontina Professional 10-Inch Restaurant Fry Pan “offers the best value for the money—in some cases, it outperforms pans that are more than triple the price.”
The Tramontina Tri-Ply Eight-Piece Cookware Set was featured as the best budget pick on the CNET Best Cookware Sets list. CNET highlights its heat distribution, durability, and fair price.
In that same article, the Select by Calphalon set gets high praise for its space-saving stackability. CNET says its stackable features save 30% more space, and the multi-layer non-stick coating is less likely to scratch.
Good Housekeeping named Calphalon’s Classic Hard Anodized Nonstick 10 Piece Cookware Set the Best Overall Non-stick Set. The Good Housekeeping team points out its stay-cool handles, quick heating, and even searing.
Reviewed.com loves Calphalon’s Contemporary Nonstick 10-inch Omelette Pan, praising its balance, thickness, and sturdiness.
Bottom Line: Should You Buy Tramontina or Calphalon Cookware?
Now you know the major differences between Tramontina and Calphalon cookware. But which is better for your kitchen?
Before I offer my recommendation, let’s quickly recap:
- Tramontina’s cookware is made with aluminum, hard-anodized aluminum, stainless steel, cast iron, and enameled cast iron. Calphalon is best known for its hard-anodized aluminum non-stick pans, but it also makes stainless steel and cast iron.
- Most Calphalon pans have a black exterior, while Tramontina offers more colors and variety.
- Tramontina’s non-stick pans have oven-safe temperatures up to 350℉, while its stainless steel collections are oven-safe up to 500°F. Calphalon’s pans are oven-safe up to around 400-500°F.
- You can use metal utensils with Tramontina stainless steel cookware, but not with non-stick. Calphalon Signature, Premier, and Elite non-stick collections are metal utensil safe.
- Tramontina is a Brazilian company with a rich and storied history of offering quality cookware and home appliances since 1911. Calphalon has been around since 1963 and was the first company to produce hard-anodized aluminum cookware.
- Tramontina has manufacturing plants in Brazil, Italy, and China. Two of Calphalon’s collections and a few individual pieces are made in the United States, and the rest are made in China.
- Calphalon cookware tends to be more expensive, but prices vary by collection.
- Tramontina cookware has received rave reviews from the New York Times and Food Network for its excellent value at an affordable price. Good Housekeeping and Reviews.com gave Calphalon cookware high marks for its sturdiness, durability, and heat distribution.
Bottom line — Tramontina and Calphalon are trusted cookware brands with a wide range of options. Tramontina pans have longer handles and larger cooking surfaces than Calphalon, but they can’t handle as much heat in the oven, and none of its non-stick pans are metal utensil safe. Calphalon is an American brand known for its classic design, thick walls, and durable, multi-layer non-stick coatings.
If you’re still on the fence and need help deciding, here’s my advice. If you’re looking for one affordable non-stick pan for everyday cooking, go with the Tramontina PRO Series fry pan. It’s one of the highest-rated pans on Amazon and The New York Times named it the best overall non-stick pan. Its handles are long, and the silicone wrapper prevents your hand from slipping and keeps it cool.
If you’re considering a set and have a higher budget, I recommend the Calphalon Premier or Signature collections. Both are made with an ultra-durable non-stick coating that can handle significant abuse.
The Signature collection has 3.6 mm thick walls for superior heat retention, and the Premier collection comes with interlocking grooves and flat glass handles for easy stacking and storing.
Learn more in my in-depth reviews of Tramontina and Calphalon, or check them out at the links below:
- Calphalon on Amazon and Calphalon.com
- Tramontina on Amazon or Walmart.com
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