These particular skillets are part of the "Contemporary" line. I've had great experiences with them myself. As my non-stick skillets often come into contact with sharp objects(sometimes you just can't make people understand that to non-stick, a metal spoon is sharp) I decided that I should probably avail myself of this deal.

This is my third purchase from this particular line of skillets, and I must say that I'm impressed. They're sturdy, riveted, and well made. They heat evenly, and the non-stick is very very good.

Here's the link, directly to the skillets, so you don't have to search around the site:


Calphalon 2-pc. Nonstick Contemporary Nonstick Skillet Set

We will wok you!
Are you ready to wok?

I'm sure I could come up with all number of horrendous puns to introduce my latest review, but I'll try to avoid them as best I can.

A cast iron wok is about as traditional as you can get, and as stir-frying is general done at quite high temperatures, it just so happens to be the perfect material for the job.

I recently tried a new piece of cookware from the iron chef, whose food I am familiar with. I was a little dubious, I've never had much luck with any cookware that has someone else's name on it.
Iron Chef 14-in. Pre-Seasoned Wok Pan


But I found it to be immensely better than any of the stainless and non-stick woks that I've used in the past. The pre-seasoning is superb, and it heats evenly and quickly (well, quickly for cast-iron). My only complaint is that it's rather heavy compared to other woks that I've used. But that's to be expected considering the materials.

It's also not too shabby looking, and was able to withstand the beating that all of my cookware normally gets.

Having played around with some cast-iron cookware before (see the lodge skillet below) I mentioned to my girlfriend that it'd be nice to get a panini press. guess what I got for christmas?

Anyway, combined with my lodge skillet, this press is absolutely wonderful. Pre-seasoned cast iron means that there's minimal prep to get it ready to use, and the heat retention and distribution is amazing.

The great thing about this press is that I can put the pan into the press, and heat them both up. This means that the press cooks the top of the sandwich, and gives those professional looking grill-lines.

All in all, a great deal for anyone wanting to grill up a perfect panini.


Emerilware from All-Clad 7.5-in. Cast Iron Panini Press

Like many people, us included, you have probably resolved to eat better in 2008. Healthy eating doesn't need to be a huge change in your life. Sometimes, just a few tweaks can make a real difference in how you feel and how you look.

As with most things, having the right tools at hand can really help keep you on track. Here's a few of what we consider to be essential cookware for healthy eating. Some of them are even discounted from their normal prices.


Circulon 11.5-in. Nonstick Circulon 2 Rectangular Braiser




This is a beauty for braising meat. Cooking things in their own juices, without added fat, is a great way to begin eating better. This particular item looks to be discounted by about 60%. Good deal for this brand.

Whether you eat red meat or just poultry, grinding your own for patties to grill or broil just makes good sense. You really don't even want to know what's in commercially produced hamburger. Protect yourself and your family by grinding your own. Here's a well-rated machine to do that, which also has attachments to make your own sausages AND a citrus juicer attachment. Cleanup is a cinch. Pretty handy!


Weston 12x10x13-in. Electric Grinder with Attachments




Speaking of juicing, there are so many proponents of it that it's too hard to ignore anymore: juicing is good for you and a short, properly managed juice fast can be just the trick to kick off a weight loss campaign. Citrus juicers are fine, but you really need a machine that can extract nature's goodness from all kinds of fruits and vegetables. Here's the one we like to make juices that really get your morning off and running.


Breville Juice Fountain Plus Juicer




Besides eating more raw foods via juicing, you can also lightly steam vegetables and fish for healthy eating. Here's a nice set to help do that in style. It includes the 3qt pot and a steam insert. We like these better than those accordian things which are much harder handle when hot. Looks like this one is now at a nice discount too.


Circulon 3-qt. Nonstick Circulon Elite Steamer Insert Set




Well, that's it for this entry. Next time, more cookware reviews and maybe even a recipe or two, if we get inspired.

Calphalon 12-in. Nonstick Simply Calphalon Nonstick Round Griddle Pan

My new skillet arrived today, and I was relatively impressed as I fried up my lamb for the panini I was making for dinner. ok, so mabey I was -very- impressed. I didn't propose marriage on the spot, but I'm seriously thinking about continuing the relationship.

Mabey I shouldn't have been cooking lamb on a flat griddle, but I had a new toy, and new toys need to be played with, right?

Out of the box, the griddle seemed solid. Riveted handle, good solid feel. My girlfriend could probably brain me with this if I ever drive her too nuts. Definitely a good start.

The griddle heated up very quickly, and as evenly as I could want. The lamb patties (adepted from a cooks illustrated recipe for lamb for Gyro's) sizzled nicely when it went on, and browned quickly without burning. No hot spots here folks!

The non-stick was on par with all of my other calphalon stuff. That is, it was great. Still don't want to use metal on it though.

From the reviews I've read on cooking.com, the griddle seems to wear well. In fact, the reason I purchased it was the outstanding reviews it received.

I'm going to give this one a 9/10. Simply because I don't think -anything- can beat my lodge logic skillet for eggs.

Anodized Aluminum, non-stick. Treat as you would all other non-stick items, that is, don't use metal, and try to hand-wash.

Oh, and as one reviewer wrote, " Great Omelette pan. Steel handle allows oven finishing." Mmmh, crispy.

Calphalon 3-qt. Nonstick Everyday Nonstick Saute Pan

I recently got this pan as a gift, and it's become one of my favorites. I haven't been kind to it at all, and have given it a real beating. The pan has stood up admirably.

Aside from it's notable hardiness, I also find that it out performs any other saute pan I've used. Steep sides mean I can put a lot of liquid in it if I want to, and it heats up very quickly. Surprisingly, it also distributes heat very evenly.

All in all, I don't have any complaints at all. It's definitely not a shallow-sided skillet. You can't flip things in it.

This one is a winner if you want a versatile pan that can braize small items, as well as saute quickly and efficiently.

9/10

Hard Anodized aluminum. Well constructed, heats fast and evenly.

In my experience,
Cooking.com

along with,




and,

ShoppersChoice.com


Are all great places to find reviews and opinions on a wide range of cookware. Each of these sites has a feedback system for customers, who can leave reviews or feedback once they have made a purchase. Simply click on the link to go to the online store, and then search for the product you're looking for,

Today's featured cookware review is The Cuisinart Chef's Classic Non-Stick 12" Stainless Skillet.

Try saying THAT three times fast.


Cuisinart 12-in. Nonstick Chef's Classic Nonstick Stainless Skillet





The Cuisnart Chef's Classic (CCC) has consistently been rated by customers as the top skillet sold by cooking.com. That's noting to sneeze at, considering that cooking.com has what is probably the largest variety of stock in the world!

Why is it so good? Well, here's what they have the customers have to say about it at cooking.com, 23 people have reviewed the item there, and it has an overall rating of 4.8/5.0 not bad at all!

Kate,
I've been in the market for a good quality non-stick skillet for months. I finally found this one - and at a GREAT price. This skillet is fantastic. I love the smaller handle on the left...it makes cooking with this pan so much easier. All-in-all - I love this skillet!

John,

I like Cuisinart and have many pieces. This size is perfect for larger recipes. It cooks evenly and cleans easily.

Peggy

I have tried a lot of nonstick cookware. This is the second non-stick frying pan by Cuisinart I have purchased and I really like them both. They are truly non-stick and so easy to clean. I highly recommend this pan.

And of course, what feature would be complete without the manufacturer's review of it's own product?

With its expansive, 12-in. diameter, this large pan is ideal for frying large batches of chicken, searing a whole piece of fish or cooking a hearty beef goulash. This pan features an Excalibur nonstick cooking surface reinforced with stainless steel so food cooks evenly then releases with no stuck-on messes. This classic skillet has sloped sides, a wide, flat bottom and a helper handle that facilitates lifting when moving from the stove. The open design of the skillet maximizes the cooking surface and makes it easy to arrange food as it cooks. The long, dual riveted handle offers perfect balance to provide exceptional control when gently tossing food.

Looks pretty good to me. I can't say I've tried it, in all honesty, but I do have great faith in the review system at Cooking.com.

Enjoy!

Sometimes it's almost impossible to find the right gift for some people. Chefs, in particular, can be a downright pain. They're like cats, you never know what's going to please them, or when they're going to curl up in a ball and ignore you.

Cookware always seems to get them to come and investigate, though...the chefs that is, not the cats.

I recently decided that it was time to try out these dutch ovens that I've been hearing so much about. I have to say, I'm rather impressed. Not only can I get them in festive green or red, they also bake a mean bread, and create a tender roast.


Le Creuset 3.5-qt. Enameled Dutch Oven, Kiwi





Not being one to ignore the festive spirit of the season, I went for bright green. However, there are also many other more..shall we say, subtle? colors.



Le Creuset 5-qt. Enameled Oval Dutch Oven, Dune





Merry Christmas, Almost.

Lodge Logic L10SK3 12-Inch Pre-Seasoned Skillet




Words cannot describe my love for this skillet. Alright, so I'm being a little melodramatic. However, this it -the- most used pan in my kitchen. A cast iron skillet must for cooking any sizeable meat or poultry, and of course for eggs.

The lodge logic is pre-seasoned, so you don't need to worry about dealing with that. Of course, it still needs to be used once or twice to really come into it's own. Once you've cooked with it, the seasoning on this is absolutely amazing.

10/10
Cast Iron
Don't soak it in water.


Kitchen Essentials from Calphalon Pro Series 10pc. Nonstick Cookset



Anodized Aluminum, non-stick, black.

My first 'real' set of cookware, these pots have lasted me for a number of years now (I have an earlier series, but have slowly replaced worn-out ones with the newer, and am still impressed).

They're durable, look decent, and the non-stick is of very good quality. What more could you ask for in an mid-level set of cookware?

I'd definitely purchase these again, though I might look for a set in stainless, if they make them, simply because the black pots don't match the kitchen anymore.

8/10

Farberware Restaurant Pro Aluminum Silver 12 Open Skillet


Coated Anodized Aluminum, Non-stick

I purchased the 12" skillet as a cheap replacement when my 12" calphalon skillet got damaged. I was very surprised with how even the heating was, and how well the non-stick stood up to use. It has now served for 2 years, and isn't going to be replaced any time soon. The skillet features a very long handle, which is handy for flipping food, but can get in the way in a small kitchen like mine. The sides are sloped, so food slips out well, and is easy to flip. The sloped sides also provide a very large cooking surface. The skillet heats up quickly, but has no noticeable 'hot-spots'. The long handle's silicone cover has never felt warm, and wears well, while the grey outside coating of the skillet has stood up to all the punishment I can throw at it (which is substantial). At the price, you really can't beat it.

Exceptional price, fast heating, good non-stick, durable.

7/10

Non-stick, coated anodixed-aluminum, dishwasher safe.

Linens & Things Home Essentials Series

No link included, I simply wouldn't reccomend buying this

Stainless Steel

This was my first foray into stainless steel, and I have to say I was less than impressed. The interior of the pans is not flat, with the center being slightly higher than the outside. This caused liquids to pool around the outside. While the price was good, the copper bottom quickly discoloured, and the stainless cooking surface warped slightly after around three months use. This caused the copper bottom to pull away slightly from the cooking surface, and causing uneven heating, hotspots, and burning. The interior of the pan also stained when subjected to medium-high heats, and did not clean off well at all. The handle (which is a poorly coated soft metal, it seems) heats up, and makes it uncomfortable to handle, while also being too short to balance the pan.

Well priced, but a poor performer that breaks apart quickly. Uneven heating.

2/10

Stainless.

Cookware Reviews are an important tool when selecting your next pot, pan, or skillet. Getting someone's opinion can help you avoid a poorly made set of cookware, and, more importantly, help you find the right set. A lot to be said for how much difference a high-quality piece of cookware can make in your cooking.

By far the two most important things to consider are the materials -which affects the evenness of heat a piece of cookware provides- and the design of the cookware.

Materials:

The two biggest factors in how evenly a piece of cookware heats up, are what it is made from, and how thick that material is. These days there are a number of choices.

Stainless Steel: Stainless steel looks great and is durable. However, by itself this material does not conduct heat well, or evenly. There is a solution to this, though. To get around the lack of heat conduction, high-quality cookware often has a copper or aluminum base, or is comprised of layers of stainless steel with aluminum or copper in between. The latter is refered to as a "ply" (hence tri-ply or five-ply pots). Copper and Aluminum conduct heat very well, which means that as the pot or pan heats up the temperature will be even throughout the pan. Hot and cold spots are bad!

Copper: Pots made entirely from copper are beautiful, however, copper is soft and scratches very easily. They're also -very- expensive. As mentioned before, copper is incredibly good at conducting heat. If you can take great care of your equipment, and don't mind paying a premium, cookware made from copper is a wonderful choice. Take care though, copper oxidises easily and may be susceptible to harsh chemicals or acids. In all circumstances, a piece of cookware made from thicker materials is a better choice.

Aluminum: Aluminum is much like copper in terms of how well it conducts heat. However, it cannot stand higher temperatures, and may crack or warp. Aluminum pots need to be very thick, in order to retain and conduct heat evenly. If they are not, they will cause problems.

Anodized Aluminum: Aluminum that has been anodized has been treated to an electrolytic process that forms aluminum oxide on the surface of the material. Aluminum oxide is black, hard, and durable, and overcomes the problems that normal aluminum faces. A great many pots and pans are made from Anodized Aluminum, and more often than not, this is the material of choice in non-stick cookware.

Cast Iron: A cast Iron skillet is a must have for any kitchen. Cast iron is heavy and dense, meaning it will take a long time to heat up. However, cast iron is unparalleled in its ability to distribute and retain heat. My cast iron skillet is one of the most-used pans in the kitchen. Be careful that you do not cool cast iron with cold water, however, as it can crack. Also, remember to season it, or purchase a pre-seasoned pan. Seasoning is the addition of oils, combined with heating, to the porous iron. This will stop things sticking to the pan and is very important.

Design

While not as important as an even heat, the design of a piece of cookware is still something to consider. For the most part, this comes down to personal choice. However, there are a few things to consider.

-Make sure the handle of the pot or pan, as well as the handle of the lid (if it has one) are heavy and well insulated. Otherwise, you'll need to purchase protective coverings, or wear an oven mit when you handle them

-Ask yourself "will I be pouring liquids from this regularly?" if so, consider a pan or pot with a small spout-like indentation on the side. If you will not be pouring from this pot or pan regularly, avoid these. They just get in the way

-Thickness of cookware, especially the base. "How thick is the material, is the pan solid and strong?" As a general rule of thumb, the heavier and thicker the cookware, the more evenly it will conduct heat, and the longer it will last.

-How long is the handle? Long handles can be good if you're using the side of the pan to flip its contents, however, they also get in the way.

-Curvature of pan or pot from base to side. "How steep is the side, how quickly does it transition from base to side, how tall are the sides?" Steeper, taller sides will keep food inside the pan or pot, but will make the surface area smaller, and get in the way when sauteing. Shallower sides provide more access to the food, and a greater cooking area, but things tend to slop out more easily.

Once again, listen to other people's experiences with various pieces of cookware. Check out the reviews here, or take a look at the user ratings of anything you're likely to purchase.

I recommend that you take a look at reviews for any item you're considering purchasing. The fact that some sites allow customers to submit reviews and ratings is the single biggest advantage of shopping online. You can find a number of reliable customer reviews from these retailers:

Cooking.com
Cookware


Chef's Corner
Shop Chefs Corner for Cookware and Save


Otherwise, please check out reviews from various authors futher down the page.