All-Clad VS Calphalon: Which is Really the Best Cookware?

Two popular household names. Both very well-known in the professional cookware industry for selling high-quality, made-to-last products.

Now that you’ve got your dream kitchen set up, it’s time to fill it with your dream cookware.

Only the best for the best, so they say. But which is really the best cookware? Is it All-Clad or is it Calphalon?

In this ultimate review, we’ll compare the two brands side-by-side to figure out the winner. It’s a showdown in the kitchen. Get ready for All-Clad VS Calphalon!

But that’s not all!

Besides in-depth reviews of specific cookware sets, we’ll also provide a FAQ section at the end. Bookmark this article now so it can be your buyer’s guide for 2020 and beyond!

In a Rush? 

Get this set: All-Clad Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware.

Made to last a lifetime, this durable set has timeless appeal and performs professionally. If the price tag knocks you for a loop, keep in mind, this cookware has a lifetime guarantee!

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Nonstick VS Stainless Steel Cookware

We’ll review several nonstick from each brand as well as one stainless steel set from both.

The pros of nonstick cookware are, of course, easier to clean, more budget-friendly, and it’s easier to achieve oil-free cooking. 

The pros of stainless steel sets are durability, longevity, and aesthetics. You can’t deny a stainless steel set is striking in any kitchen! These will likely run you a little more money, but often they come with a lifetime warranty.

Both materials are safe and will help you craft many delicious homecooked meals.

Take a look at our FAQ section for more guidance on questions to ask yourself before you buy your new cookware set.

Quick Comparison Table for All-Clad VS Calphalon Cookware

Here are four of the most popular choices for each leading brand we are reviewing today:

Now let’s look at each set more in-depth, starting with All-Clad Cookware!

All-Clad Hard-Anodized Nonstick Cookware 13-Piece Set

All-Clad cookware is all made in the USA and has been a trusted industry name since 1971. If you’ve ever bought a piece of their cookware, chances are you still have and love it!

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Hard-anodized aluminum is some of the most durable construction for cookware. It provides fast, even heating for your cooking plus it’s nonstick for easy clean-up.

With this 13-piece set, you’ll have three different-sized frying pans, a saute pan, two different-sized saucepans, soup pot, and stockpot. The saucepans and pots all come with fitted lids. The stainless steel handles offer comfort-grip contouring. 

Check out what others are saying about this set on Amazon.

Related reading: Why Do You Need Different Sized Saucepans? [3 Important Reasons].

All-Clad Tri-Ply Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set

Another great option for All-Clad pots and pans, this 10-piece set is attractive tri-ply stainless steel construction. Not only does it boast timeless professional appeal, but it’s also high-performance cookware. 

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The price tag can seem a bit daunting, but let’s go over the key features of this powerful set. You get two frying pans, easily cook up eggs in one, and some chicken sausage in the other for a healthy breakfast. Read our foolproof tips for How to Fry an Egg Without Oil or Butter.

Use the 3-quart saute pan to try out a fancy new recipe like this Pickled Shrimp with Celery and Buttermilk. Two differently-sized saucepans and a mighty 8-quart stockpot round off the set, all with fitted lids. 

Note: For the best stainless steel cookware cleaner, we recommend picking up a bottle of Bar Keeper’s Friend. 

Read what users are saying about this set on Amazon now.

All-Clad Hard-Anodized 8-Piece Cookware Set

Another hard-anodized set by All-Clad Cookware, this one has fewer pieces with a price point to match. If you find 13 pieces to be a bit much for your kitchen set-up, take a closer look at this option.

For eight pieces you get: two frying pans, two saucepans with lids, and a stockpot with lid.

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You can use these on any stovetop even induction. Take care when placing on ceramic glass cooktops, though. These pots and pans are very heavy. 

You may wish to store them with care, despite their scratch-resistance it’s advisable to hang over stacking them. Or place towels in between if you need to stack them for storage.

Our favorite thing about this All-Clad cookware set is the fast, even heating plus nonstick coating. This powerful combo means you can cook without added oils or fats. Leading to lower-fat healthier meal options for you and your family. 

See what users enjoy most about this cookware set on Amazon.

Now, keep reading, and we’ll dive into Calphalon’s top cookware offerings.

Calphalon Classic 10-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set 

What do we like about this 10-piece set from Calphalon?

It includes two handy No Boil-Over inserts. Now you can boil large pots of pasta or potatoes without keeping a careful eye on them for signs of bubbling over. This frees up your hands to chop veggies for a salad while your main dish is cooking.

But, that’s not all!

You also get two frying pans, a saute pan, a saucepan, and a stockpot. The frying pans do not include lids, but the other three pots do. 

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All pots and pans are made of nonstick hard-anodized aluminum. They have convenient marks for measuring and spouts for drip-free pouring. The lids are tempered glass, allowing you to keep an eye on what you’re cooking. 

What should you make in your brand-new nonstick cookware?

Check out: The Ultimate Guide to a Healthy Beanie Weenie Casserole.

Read Amazon customer reviews here.

Do you have a ceramic glass cooktop? You may also like reading our article on the Top 15 Best Cookware To Use On A Ceramic Glass Cooktop.

Simply Calphalon 10-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set

It’s hard to beat the Simply Calphalon cookware line when it comes to being budget-friendly. This 10-piece set has a dual-layer of nonstick coating for easy cleaning after preparing your homecooked meals.

If you love cooking but can’t afford the steep prices of All-Clad cookware sets, let Simply Calphalon meet your needs. Its simple elegance is durable and performs well in the kitchen. It’s ideal for consistent results with easy cleanup.

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You’ll love the extra-long silicone handles. They stay cool while cooking, no more burned hands, or digging around for potholders. 

The tempered glass lids are domed, so you can keep an eye on the food inside your pots and pans. Unlike other cookware, these lids are also oven safe up to 450 degrees. 

The hard-anodized exterior resists warping, making them ideal for ceramic glass cooktops. 

Need a new twist on an old classic for dinner? Use your new stockpot and saute pan for this Spaghetti with Fresh Summer Tomato Sauce & Basil.

Note: Wash before using these pots and pans for the first time.

Gain more insight into this awesome set by reading reviews on Amazon.

Calphalon Signature 10-Piece Stainless Steel Set

If you’re searching for a cookware set to last the rest of your days, take a look at this 10-piece set from Calphalon’s Signature line.

Backed by a full lifetime warranty, Calphalon designed their Signature sets for ultimate kitchen endurance. A triple-layer core of aluminum provides even heating with unbeatable temperature control. 

Two layers of stainless steel surround it for a total of five layers of metal. So, not only is this cookware attractive, it’s durable and performs well. 

Sear, brown, saute, boil, or deglaze with the frying pan, saute pan, lidded skillet, covered stockpot, and two different sized saucepans (also with lids). The pans are equipped with long handles, enabling them to stay cool while you’re cooking. No more scrounging for a hot pad after almost burning your hand!

The tempered glass lids are both see-through and oven-safe as well. Easily transition from stovetop to oven to finish off your signature recipes.

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You can indulge your culinary passions with this top-tier Calphalon cookware set. For meal ideas and inspiration, check out our recipe page! You’ll find healthy options for chicken, fish, and veggie dishes.

All-Clad E7649764 Roasting Pan

The ever-so-slightly pricier of the two roasting pans from the table above, All-Clad stands out with their heavy-duty aluminum. Both roasting pans are around the same size, but you’ll notice All-Clad’s is twice the weight.

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This denser roasting pan can handle higher temperatures than the Calphalon choice. Plus, it includes a v-shaped nonstick roasting rack. 

But don’t just take our word for it, look at its key features below.

Click here to buy this pan on Amazon.

Calphalon GR1805P Roasting Pan

Cheaper doesn’t necessarily equal less quality. This hard-anodized roasting pan is from Calphalon’s Classic line. Its medium-gauge aluminum makes for a lighter roasting pan.

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Calphalon’s roasting pan is more affordable than All-Clad’s and boasts a full-lifetime warranty, not a limited one. Though it bears considering that it isn’t rated for temperatures as high as the All-Clad option.

Check out how its ratings are doing over on Amazon.

Not much beats roasted chicken. There might be something for your new roasting pan in our article on A Chicken Breast Recipes List For a PERFECT Event.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, we’ll do our best to answer closely-related cookware questions about both All-Clad and Calphalon.

Questions to Ask Before Buying All-Clad or Calphalon Cookware

Before you make any sort of home investment you should always take time to identify your unique needs. Shopping for cookware is no different. 

Compile data like:

1. What kind of stovetop do I have? 

• Now you can look at what material performs best on your range

2. How much size variety do I need? 

• Think about how many people you normally cook for

3. What foods do I typically make? 

• Consider the needs of your favorite cuisine
• Ex: If you eat a lot of Italian food like pasta, you’ll need a nice big stockpot!

4. Is the cookware safe? 

• Check that it isn’t made from harmful chemicals
• Ex: Watch for things like PTFE or PFOA

5. How does it look and feel? 

• You might want cool-touch or ergonomic handles for your own comfort and safety
• You don’t want it to clash with your kitchen decor!

6. Where will I store it?

• Some cookware is big and bulky
• Some pots and pans can’t be stacked without scratching

Once you have your list, you’ll be ready to shop until you drop...cash on your dream cookware that is!

You might also enjoy reading: How To Tell The One Big Difference Between A Pot Vs A Pan?

Is All-Clad Really the Best? If Not, What is Better Than All-Clad?

There’s no arguing that All-Clad cookware is durable and made to last. This makes it one of the best choices when shopping for pots and pans.

However, if you’re looking for affordable, budget-friendly cookware — you may not want to bite the bullet on their cookware sets! 

Instead, you could try collecting a piece or two at a time. A well-made stockpot here, a high-quality frying pan there. 

Or, skip All-Clad cookware altogether and check out other brands like Circulon, T-Fal, and Calphalon. 

Should I Season My All-Clad Stainless Steel Pans?

Generally, you shouldn’t have to season stainless steel pans. You should prep your new All-Clad cookware for use by thoroughly washing and drying it first though.

For tips to get better nonstick results from your stainless steel pots and pans — keep reading!

How Do I Prevent Food From Sticking to All-Clad Stainless Steel Pans?

Here are some tips on how to get the most out of your stainless steel cooking experience:

1. Always allow your pan to preheat.
2. Use a little cooking oil, enough to cover the bottom surface. (Butter or margarine are good, too.)
3. Bring meats to room temperature before placing them in the pan.
4. Stick to low to medium heat. High temperatures will make food more likely to stick or even burn.
5. Check that the cookware is level on the burner.
6. Only add salt once water is boiling/food is cooking.

We hope these tips lead to frustration-free cooking on your shiny new stainless steel pans!

Is Calphalon the Best Cookware?

Calphalon is an excellent choice for your pot and pan needs, they generally run a bit cheaper than All-Clad cookware sets. 

Calphalon backs up most of their products with lifetime warranties but always check before buying as some lines have changed to only 10-year warranties. 

If you’re looking for a mix of longevity and affordability, Calphalon may be the best cookware for you!

What Are the Different Levels of Calphalon?

For nonstick, Calphalon offers a few lines in medium-gauge hard-anodized aluminum and a few more expensive lines in heavy-gauge hard-anodized aluminum. 

For stainless steel, Calphalon has several sets that are medium-gauge and impact-bonded. The more expensive lines are heavy-gauge 3-ply construction. Then the Signature line is a mighty heavy-gauge 5-ply.

Let’s dig in deeper.

Which Calphalon Line is Best?

This answer depends on your needs, honestly.

Best for those on a budget? Probably the Simply Calphalon line.

Best for long-lasting nonstick power? If the budget isn’t in the picture, check out the Signature line. 

For a mix of both affordable and durable, check out the Classic or Contemporary lines.

We’ll compare a few of their lines more closely together below.

What's the Difference Between Calphalon Classic and Contemporary?

Both the Calphalon Classic and Calphalon Contemporary are classified as nonstick. The main difference lies in the durability of that nonstick coating.

The Classic line has a dual-layer of PTFE coating while the Contemporary line boasts a triple-layer. Also, the Classic is medium hard-anodized but the Contemporary is heavy-gauge aluminum. 

So, Which is Better Calphalon Classic or Contemporary?

While both are high-quality nonstick products, you’ll get a bit more bang for your buck out of the Calphalon Contemporary cookware. 

The triple-layer of PTFE nonstick coating over heavy-gauge hard-anodized aluminum makes for a stronger, longer-lasting product.

What is the Difference Between Simply Calphalon and Calphalon Signature?

As the name suggests, Simply Calphalon is the least expensive of the Calphalon cookware lines.

Calphalon Signature is a more recent and higher-end line. They claim this nonstick cookware is so tough that it’s metal utensil safe! 

Take a look at this 2-Quart Saucepan.

Conclusion

Anytime you are comparing two or more manufacturers, it’s best to first address your own individual cookware needs. 

When looking at your needs, ask yourself:

1. How much food do I need to prepare?
2. What are my favorite foods to make?
3. How much am I willing to spend?
4. How much time do I have for cleaning pots and pans?
5. Where am I going to store my new cookware set?

In answering those questions, you may find that All-Clad really is the best for you and your family. Or you’ll decide Calphalon is the best cookware for your kitchen.

When you’ve made your decision, leave us a comment below on which you chose and why. Or let us know what the first thing you’re going to prepare in your new cookware is!