I always thought searching for new stainless-steel cookware was overwhelming until I discovered the Calphalon contemporary vs tri ply. Stainless steel always seemed like something reserved for the professionals and that there was no way it would have a place in my kitchen.
I was happy to stick with some low-quality, grocery store imitation of stainless-steel cookware, but it quickly became evident that I couldn’t keep forking over the money to replace them every time they broke, which was more often than I care to count.
With that said, I needed to find a better way. If you are in the same boat as I was, follow along in my Calphalon Tri Ply Vs Contemporary Review. In my Calphalon cookware comparison, I take a closer look at two of their popular sets so you can see which one works for you.
Why Choose Calphalon?
Founded in 1963, Calphalon has striven to be an approachable expert in kitchenware. They initially began as a company who intended to expand the line of aluminum equipment for fast food restaurants, but quickly found they had a bigger purpose.
Calphalon’s hard anodized aluminum quickly found a space in kitchen retail and even in the aerospace industry. Since then, they have continued to develop new methods and tools to enhance a chef’s cooking experience. From planning and prep to cooking and baking to even the cleaning process, Calphalon has made a conscious effort to make the kitchen an exciting place to be.
Calphalon Tri-Ply Cookware
What exactly is the Calphalon tri ply cookware? Essentially, this is a type of Calphalon stainless steel cookware. The tri-ply construction is a three-layer design with 2 layers of stainless-steel sandwiching a hard-anodized aluminum core. With the aluminum extending up the sides of the pan, the goal of this design is to deliver fast, even heating that eliminates hot spots.
The Calphalon tri ply cookware is also both functional and beautiful to look at. With its classic polished stainless-steel exterior and satin finished interior, it brings a degree of traditional sophistication to anyone’s kitchen.
✔️ Calphalon Trip-Ply Stainless Steel 13.-pc. Cookware Set
What Do You Get?
The Calphalon 13-piece set includes:
- 8-inch omelette pan
- 12-inch omelets pan
- 5-quart sauce pan (covered)
- 5-quart sauce pan (covered)
- 3-quart sauté pan (covered)
- 10-inch omelet pan
- 3-quart chef’s pan (covered)
- 6-quart stock pot (covered)
- 5 tempered glass lids
As you can see, this collection lacks a skillet or frying pan. This set has 3 omelette pans instead. The construction of an omelette pan features sloped sides that makes it easier to slide omelettes out when they are done cooking. But when you think about it, you can use regular skillets to fry eggs and just about anything else. As such, you can safely assume that the omelette pans can be used like any other regular frying pan.
Another interesting addition is the chef’s pan. A chef’s pan is somewhere between a frying pan and pot that is an essential for many professional chefs. It also has a wide mouth that is ideal for making delicious reductions and sloped sides that make it easy to whip up nice sauces, custards and risottos.
These two additions bring your home cooking closer to the level of professional chefs.
What Are the Other Features?
First, the handles are stainless steel and triple-riveted. This means there are less chances of the handle falling off compared to a welded handle.
Secondly, the handles have a V-shaped design. This allows air to flow through the handle during cooking and keep it cool to the touch.
Thirdly, the cookware’s tempered glass lids help preserve the quality of your food. The lids essentially trap heat, moisture and all the natural flavors and nutrients that could escape during cooking while also letting you watch your food cook.
Fourthly, these pans are oven-safe up to 500°F. This means you can go from stove-top to oven in no time. This tri ply cookware is also compatible with induction stovetops.
Lastly, the pans are also fairly easy to clean. They are dishwasher safe, but hand-washing is recommended to maintain the pans’ luster. Furthermore, properly seasoning your pans with a little bit of oil just right could also prevent any food from sticking and make the pans virtually nonstick.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- It is a nice, solid cookware collection that feels expensive.
- Its Tri-Ply base guarantees an even heat distribution that means, your food will cook evenly.
- When treated properly, it can be virtually non-stick, which is great.
Cons:
- The handles are thin, feel flimsy and offer no secure grip.
- Stainless-steel cookware has a tendency to stain overtime.
- Some users found that their cookware warped over time.
- Riveted handles can be difficult to clean so you might want to keep that in mind.
Calphalon Contemporary Cookware
Much like the Calphalon tri ply cookware, the Calphalon contemporary cookware also features a hardy aluminum core pressed between a stainless-steel exterior and a brushed stainless-steel interior. As such, you will also get even and consistent heating throughout the pan.
However, what differentiates the contemporary set from the tri-ply set is the aesthetic design. The Calphalon contemporary cookware definitely delivers a more stylish look. Its pans and pots have an attractive flared tulip shape and curved handle that gives the whole set a modern flare.
In addition, the contemporary set features a PFOA-free non-stick coating. Many pieces of stainless-steel cookware lack a non-stick feature. So, the coating on these pans and pots is a welcome addition. If you like something that matches modern style with high-quality cooking, this set could be for you.
✔️ Calphalon Contemporary Stainless Steel 13-pc. Cookware Set
What Do You Get?
This Calphalon 13-piece set features all the kitchen essentials for everyday cooking. Here is what you get in the collection:
- 8-inch omelette pan
- 12-inch omelet pan
- 10-inch omelet pan
- 5-quart sauce pan
- 5-quart sauce pan
- 3-quart chef’s dish
- 8-quart stock pot
- 3-quart sauté pan
- 5 tempered glass lids
As you can tell, this set features the same pans and pots as the tri ply cookware set. However, you do get a slightly bigger stock pot with the contemporary set than the tri-ply set.
You can very well accomplish anything from browning and searing to sauteing and de-glazing in these pans. With such a wide range of tools at your disposal, this cookware offers exceptional flexibility while making you look like you have the most professional kitchen.
What are the Other Features?
First, the handles are stainless-steel and riveted. Not only are they stable, but they also stay cool during cooking.
Secondly, the Calphalon Contemporary cookware also comes with tempered glass lids. They are specially-designed with steel rims to lock in moisture, heat and freshness while also allowing you to keep an eye on what you are cooking.
Thirdly, the pans and pots are all oven-safe and induction-safe. So, if there is a recipe that requires you to move between cooking mediums, you should have no issues.
Fourthly, the Contemporary set is non-stick. Whereas the tri-ply set requires some pre-seasoning with oil, the Contemporary set comes with a non-toxic, non-stick coating already in place.
Lastly, on that note, the Contemporary set is super easy to clean. It is dishwasher safe, but in order to preserve the quality of the stainless steel, you should go with hand-washing.
One of the best compliments given to this cookware set is that it is pleasure to look at. Many users have taken to displaying the cookware on the counters and tables because they look so chic.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- This Calphalon stainless steel cookware has a stylish, modern design.
- This set feels solid, durable and expensive.
- They have even heat retention even at low heats.
- The handles stay cool and safe to handle.
Cons:
- Riveted handles are difficult to clean.
- The curved handles can be difficult to carry.
- Without proper care, the stainless steel can stain easily.
Conclusion
If you are someone who likes things to look as good as they work, the Calphalon contemporary cookware set is for you. If you are more on the minimalist side, who prefers functionality above all else, the tri ply cookware set can get the job done.
However, you are really in good company with either cookware set. Both have a sturdy and reliable design that guarantees delicious results every time. Both are easy to handle and easy to clean, and both are attractive in their own ways. It is just a matter of reviewing your options and finding the one that fits your lifestyle the best.
So, if you find that Calphalon’s stainless steel series are for you, I suggest you look at our Calphalon Tri Ply Vs Contemporary Review above and find the perfect set you.
