()We've enjoyed using a wonderful copper core stainless cookware set for several years.Then a year and a half ago, I opted to test the Circulon Contempo 10-piece hard anodized nonstick cookware set even though my expectations were low.However, I was surprised by how well the anodized cookware set performed.When offered the dishwasher safe Circulon Contempo 10-Piece stainless steel nonstick cookware set, I eagerly accepted, not realizing how different these two Contempo sets would be.
The Circulon Contempo stainless steel nonstick cookware set, oven safe to 400°, is suitable for solid plate, ceramic, gas, radiant ring, halogen, glass and induction cooking surfaces.This 10-piece cookware set, made in China, comes with 8.5"/21.5 CM and 10"/25.4 CM sauté pans, 1/0.9 and 2/1.9 Qt/L covered saucepans, a 3 Qt/2.8 L covered sautoir (straight sided sauté pan), and an 8 Qt/7.6L covered stockpot.Even though there isnt a lid for the 10" sauté pan, either the stockpot or covered sautoir lid can be used.The polished stainless steel exterior encapsulates an aluminum base for superior heat distribution, and uses basic professional construction with comfortable silicone covered stainless steel handles.The interior of each pot/pan includes a metal utensil safe hard anodized food release system with high low wave technology. Clear shatter resistant tempered glass lids boast decorative silicon and stainless steel handles and stainless steel rims.
Caring for this set is pretty simple.Avoid sliding the pans on the cook top, use a similarly sized burner, and use a low to medium heat setting.Store pans separated with paper towels to prevent scratching.Don't use nonstick sprays and keep use of oil to a minimum.Don't cut with sharp knives or poke with pointed items in the pans.Don't use oven cleaners; make a paste from baking soda and water to remove stains.
The Circulon Contempo stainless steel nonstick cookware set heats up quickly and evenly distributes heat, while the handles stay cool to the touch on the cook top.The TOTAL food release system consists of circular ridges on the bottom of the pans, and works remarkably well.Additionally, the polished stainless steel cookware set provides a guaranteed lifetime of performance and satisfaction.
The silicone covered long double riveted stainless steel handles provides a good grip and includes a fold out ring for hanging.The handle rings pop out freely, but are taught to prevent movement while cooking.The lid's decorative handles flare out at the sides and arc on the top.This looks nice, but their 2" height is higher than the lids from our copper core set.This really isn't a problem until placing a pot with this domed lid with 3/4" taller profile handles into the oven.This makes a big difference in oven rack placement and how much I can fit into our 27" wall ovens.
While the glass lids allow full view of the pot's contents, they fit loosely an easily shift on the pans allowing some steam to escape.The lid problem is largely caused by the pan's construction where the rim flares out so the pan's inner and outer components can be crimped together.The sauté pans are sharply curve upwards making flipping food extremely difficult.Plus, the handles suck up water through an opening on the bottom side where attached to the pan while in the dishwasher.Later when the pan in resting on a flat surface, the water will leak out causing puddlng and leaving a removable water stain on the stainless steel surface. (See photo)Even though this set is dishwasher safe, you're practically better off washing them by hand.
I liked the polished metal look of these pans when I first unpacked the Circulon Contempo stainless steel cookware set.Features largely mirrors those of the hard anodized set, plus improved upon it by being dishwasher safe.After learning of the stainless steel cookware set's flaws, I dislike cooking with them.The attractive and more economically priced Circulon Contempo 10-piece hard anodized cookware set may not be shiny, but it's by far the better cookware set between the two.If you're looking for a hassle free quality stainless steel nonstick cookware set, this set isn't it.
PROS
Oven safe to 400°
TOTAL food release system
Safe for use with metal utensils
Usable on solid plate, ceramic, gas, radiant ring, halogen, glass and induction cook tops
Fold out ring in handle for hanging
Circulon Cooks! iPad app
Lifetime customer satisfaction guaranteed
CONS:
Lids fit loosely allowing steam to escape
Decorative handle a bit too tall
Handles suck up water in the dishwasher which leaks out later
()As a professional chef I often get asked and often ask myself to demo a variety of cookware for my cooking programs and culinary classes.It was a joy to see this set hit the Amazon-vine program and I looked forward to opening my box of pans the moment they hit the front porch.
First let me say they were packaged quite well and the lids fit perfectly onto the handles to allow each pan to be placed on my pot rack.In the package were a 1-quart covered saucepan, 2-quart covered saucepan, 8-quart covered stockpot, 8.5-inch french skillet and a 10-inch french skillet
This set is a great set for the average kitchen and I have enjoyed using them for a variety of tasks from omelets, stir fry's, cooking pasta all utilizing metal utensils.The coating is very durable and will take up 400 degrees in the oven without flaking off or melting the handles. The lids go well with the pans and many reviews commented that the handles are too big. I'm used to storing pans and lids aside from each other but they both work well together if you want to hang them up.
I really like the exterior finish and it's very easy to clean and maintain and has stood up to the dishwasher and scrubbing by hand.As for the interior you can burn marinara sauce, scorch milk and overcook mac and cheese till it turns black and each will simply drop out of the pan and wipe clean with little effort.
I will say that high heat cooking is out if you are not adding in a liquid or some sort of fat.You will need to get a traditional pan without a non stick coating to get a good sear, unless the pans specifically state they are non stick and made to sear, such as those from Calaphalon.
As for the price you really can't do any better for a complete set such as this.You get a great set of high quality cookware that will give you loads of versatility in the kitchen.Will this cookware set do everything if you are looking for a do it all professional set, no.Will this cookware set give the average to budding professional chef the option to get creative and have fun in the kitchen, yes.
Enjoy the set of cookware, you will not be disappointed.
Buy Circulon Contempo Stainless Steel Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set Now
()These are great. Very tough. Induction compatible. Metal utensil safe (thought I wouldn't do that), and dishwasher safe. The base is very thick and I've never better cookware for heat distribution. I was worried that the handles on the lids weren't very big and that my hand would touch the metal parts. It turns out the metal bit that connects the handle to the lid doesn't get hot at all so it's no concern at all.
I have the circulon hard anodized symmetry set as well (Circulon Symmetry Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set, 11-Piece) and that is great as well. I was very curious what the difference was and why this set is cheaper:
1. These have thinner side walls. It makes no difference at all. I have pots that cost more than this set with thin walls.
2. The walls go straight up and down. The other ones were fluted to help pour without spalshing. Both sets perform admirably and honestly the is no difference performance wise.
3. The long handles on these are better, I think, because they don't collect water in the dishwasher.
Both had very nice thick bases and are really amazing. If you want to save money and don't mind the looks of this set then get this. No performance is sacrificed. The other set looks nicer however (bigger handles) and I can see why it costs a little more. Both are really really good and I'd say a good value for the quality you get.
EDIT (Sept 2012)
I don't like these as much anymore since the pots with the long handles retain water in them from the dishwasher. The water gets in where the handle attaches to the pot/pan. And when you turn the pot right side up, water slowly dribbles out for a long time. It doesn't dry in there well and the handle starts conducting heat when being used.
Read Best Reviews of Circulon Contempo Stainless Steel Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set Here
()Good cookware is hard to find at least at a reasonable price! The 10-piece Circulon Contempo Stainless Steel Nonstick Cookware Set seems to take care of both these requirements at once it is exceptionally good cookware and it is reasonably priced.
The set includes just about every piece you'll need for the average kitchen. There's a big 8-quart stock pot, an 8.5" French skillet, a 10" French skillet, oneand two-quart sauce pans and a three-quart covered saute pan. The lids are unique and have both a plus and a minus to mention. The plus is that the handles are very tall. They keep your hands away from the heat and splatter and they look very cool. The minus is that the handles are very tall. I know, the same feature is both a plus and a minus. The minus part is that if you need to stack the lids in such a way as to conserve space, you'll be disappointed. These handle do take up more space than conventional lids. If you have sufficient space, you will love the design, however.
This cookware set is heavy duty, made to last many years with proper care. The Circulon Contempo also uses the TOTAL Food Release System with Autograph, which is a 3-layer nonstick system from DuPont. This system enables you to use metal utensils with the nonstick surface without scratching the surface.
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My wife and I really like the set. We were really impressed with the non stick surface. She burned something in on of the pans and it cleaned up with little to no effort.
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The first time I used this pot, it developed a few small black spots inside the 6-quart pot: on the bottom and sides of the pot. That was the day it arrived. I had washed it in hot water with mild soap, as per the enclosed instructions, and boiled a pot of spaghetti over medium-high heat, also per instructions. The second time I used it, black spots formed on the insert. Again, after cooking as directed. I cleaned the pot shortly after using, not allowing water to sit in it for a long time, and dried it by hand immediately after washing. I am not sure if the silver is flaking off or if the spots are merely a discoloration. Either way, it does not instill confidence in the manufacturer or, indeed, in the name Weight Watchers. This pot was bought new, was not misused or even put in a dish washer, as I do not own one. I washed it with dish soap and hot water. Neither of which have ever caused this to happen with any of my other cookwear. In future, I will steer clear of this brand and manufacturer.
