Product Description
Cuisinart, 7 Piece, Chef's Classic, Stainless Steel, Cookware Set, Consists Of: 1.5 QT Covered Saucepan, 3 QT Covered Saucepan, 10" Skillet & 8 QT Covered Stockpot, 18/10 Mirrored Stainless Steel With Aluminum Encapsulated Bottom, Solid Stainless Riveted Cool Grip Handles, Tapered Rims For Drip Free Pouring, Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Product Details
* Amazon Sales Rank: #951 in Kitchen & Housewares
* Brand: Cuisinart
* Model: 77-7
* Released on: 2003-03-01
* Dimensions: 8.80" h x 13.00" w x 22.40" l, 26.10 pounds
Features
* Set includes 1-1/2-, 3-quart saucepan; 8-quart stockpot; 10-inch skillet--all with lids
* Cookware and lids constructed of mirror-polished 18/10 stainless steel
* Aluminum encapsulated in base ensures quick, even heating
* Stay-cool stainless-steel handles; dripless rims on lids
* Oven-safe up to 550 degrees F; limited lifetime warranty
Customer Reviews
Quality Cookware at an Excellent Price4
I purchased this set about six weeks ago am very pleased with it to date. I enjoy cooking and cook most meals "from scratch," rarely relying on anything pre-packaged for a meal, so these pots and pans get a workout on a daily basis. Since purchasing them I've cooked dishes from oatmeal to pork tenderloin, squash soup to rice pilaf.
The set is good looking, the lids fit perfectly, the pot handles are comfortable to grip even with a full pot (much better than my one Calphalon pan). In my kitchen, if it isn't dishwasher safe, it is evicted, and these pots and pans do just fine in the dishwasher, unlike the aforementioned Calphalon. The pans are satisfyingly weighty, yet well balanced and the long pot handles stay cool to the touch (unless they are too close to another burner or the oven vent). The lid handles do get hot, but I always have a potholder handy.
Cooking: I find the cookware is very responsive to my gas range; the pans conduct heat very efficiently and it is essential when using these pans to keep that in mind. I recommend starting with a lower temperature than you think you need and increasing the heat if necessary until you become accustomed to the way the pans respond to heat. The pans heat very evenly, I've successfully melted chocolate with no burning on the lowest heat setting, and rice cooks perfectly at a low simmer with the lid firmly in place. I prefer these over non-stick pans when sautéing, these pans allow good browning which leaves yummy bits behind for deglazing into a sauce; these pans perform well in that capacity. The rolled rims mean liquids pour driplessly from the pan, a feature I find extremely valuable. The entire set is oven safe and I find that also an excellent feature. You can quickly sear a pork tenderloin and then pop the skillet right in the oven to roast it to perfection. One less dish to clean, all the cooked-on bits in one pan to deglaze.
Cleaning: I have not had any problems with cleaning the pans after use. Following the manufacturers recommendation, I add a little water to the warm pan and leave it to soak in the sink during dinner. Then the pan is loaded in the dishwasher with the rest of the dishes. Occasionally food may stick around the rivets, but the dishwasher usually takes care of that with ease. The manufacturer suggests avoiding citrus dishwashing products so I do. The mirror like finish is beautiful, but this is actually my least favorite feature of the set. Fingerprints and water spots show up readily. This in no way interferes with the cooking value of the set, but if you are concerned with the way the set looks, this is a flaw. If you must have it, a quick wipe with Barkeepers Friend or Cameo polish will restore the mirror finish.
The set includes a 1-1/2- & 3-quart saucepan, 8-quart stockpot, and 10-inch skillet. Lids for the saucepans and stockpot are included. I received the bonus 2-quart sautee pan with my set which has proved very useful. I would have preferred a 12 inch skillet to the 10 inch but even so I find the set an excellent value. I saw no need of an 8 inch skillet which is why I chose this set instead of the 10 piece set. I hope Cuisinart will be adding to the open stock available in this line. I have the 16-quart stockpot with steamer basket and pasta insert, but would love to find a pasta insert and steamer for the 8 quart stock-pot.
I think this set is an excellent value, and will satisfy me for years to come treated with a bit of care. I am replacing a set of Copper-bottomed Revere Ware my mother received as a wedding gift in 1950 (and used daily until she gave them to me 20 years ago), and I am hoping these will last as long, if not longer.
Solid construction and design5
Any shopper who is name conscious should stop for a moment and seriously consider this seven piece set. Cuisinart, a mainstay in the kitchen offers the cook in the household this wonderful 7 piece cookware set and Amazon.com offers it at an exceptional price.
The set features 18-10 Stainless Steel construction that makes each piece feel substantial. The design also aids in convection and, thus, requires less heat from the stove top but that Heat is not transferred to the handle making the handle cool to the touch.
Each piece features a high shine and bears the brand name on the side. Each piece is also rated up to 550 degrees which means it could double as bakeware.
The only thing I would have liked would have been a 12 inch rather than a 10 inch skillet but with that said, the 10 inch skillet is a great piece.
Great buy for the money5
If you are looking for the quality of All-Clad or Calphalon but not necessarily willing to fork over the dough, then this is a great set for the money. Fast, even heating; good looks; versatility (stove to oven to even freezer, if need be...); and a decent combination of pieces in the set made it the perfect choice for me, after nearly a year of research.
I don't find it as difficult to clean as other reviewers have commented. I will say that the mirror finish does show wear after just a few uses. It's not bad, by any means, but just know they won't stay perfect if you plan to use them. A few notes...
*They heat up fast! Don't ever leave the pan to heat up and do something else while waiting. You'll be at the temp you need lickety split.
*It's a good idea to soak them a bit after cooking something sticky--then cleanup is a breeze.
*Lid handles do get hot when covering to allow something to simmer or boil, but I've found my handles stay cool enough to take off the stove with no problem.
*I have yet to stick them in the dishwasher, but I know you can, so that's a plus. I have a tendency to soak them, wash them, and dry them right away so as not to get the water spots on the pretty finish that others have commented on.
All in all, I'm very happy with this set. After years of hand-me-downs with handles falling off, dented sides, and nonstick coating that wears off in no time, I feel safe and healthy cooking with my new Cuisinart.
