T Fal vs Calphalon: Who Makes Better Cookware?

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When it comes to great cookware, a few brands stand head and shoulders above the competition. Two top tier competitors are T-Fal and Calphalon.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into a comparison of T-Fal Vs Calphalon as brands. Trying to answer the question of “which is better — T Fal or Calphalon?” We’ll also take a look at a few specific pieces of cookware to help you make the most informed purchase (i.e. get the most bang for your buck!). 

It gets better.

Read through until the end, for a FAQ section to answer any and all remaining questions.


In a Rush?

If you’re short on time, check out our handy comparison table of the leading nonstick and stainless steel sets by both brands below.


Calphalon VS T-Fal Nonstick Cookware Sets Comparison Table

Preview
Calphalon 15-Piece Pots and Pans Set, Stackable Nonstick Kitchen Cookware with Stay-Cool Stainless Steel Handles, Black
T-fal B167SA64 Cookware Set, 10-Piece, Black
Title
Calphalon 15-Piece Pots and Pans Set, Stackable Nonstick Kitchen Cookware with Stay-Cool Stainless Steel Handles, Black
T-fal B167SA64 Cookware Set, 10-Piece, Black
# of pieces
15
10
Lids
Tempered glass
Vented glass
Handles
Stainless steel
Ergonomic stay-cool
Material
Hard-anodized aluminum
Heavy-gauge aluminum
Reviews
-
-
Preview
Calphalon 15-Piece Pots and Pans Set, Stackable Nonstick Kitchen Cookware with Stay-Cool Stainless Steel Handles, Black
Title
Calphalon 15-Piece Pots and Pans Set, Stackable Nonstick Kitchen Cookware with Stay-Cool Stainless Steel Handles, Black
# of pieces
15
Lids
Tempered glass
Handles
Stainless steel
Material
Hard-anodized aluminum
Reviews
-
Preview
T-fal B167SA64 Cookware Set, 10-Piece, Black
Title
T-fal B167SA64 Cookware Set, 10-Piece, Black
# of pieces
10
Lids
Vented glass
Handles
Ergonomic stay-cool
Material
Heavy-gauge aluminum
Reviews
-


T-Fal VS Calphalon Stainless Steel Cookware Sets Comparison Table

Preview
T-fal Ultimate Stainless Steel and Copper Cookware Set 13 PIece Induction Pots and Pans, Dishwasher Safe Silver
Title
T-fal C836SD Ultimate Cookware Set
# of pieces
13
Reviews
-
Lids
Tempered glass vented lids
Handles
Ergonomic riveted stainless steel
Material
Stainless steel plus copper bottom
Prime
-
Preview
T-fal Ultimate Stainless Steel and Copper Cookware Set 13 PIece Induction Pots and Pans, Dishwasher Safe Silver
Title
T-fal C836SD Ultimate Cookware Set
# of pieces
13
Reviews
-
Lids
Tempered glass vented lids
Handles
Ergonomic riveted stainless steel
Material
Stainless steel plus copper bottom
Prime
-


Nonstick or Stainless Steel?

Choosing the right material cookware for your specific kitchen is key. For instance, if you have a fancy new ceramic glass cooktop you will want to prioritize flat-bottomed pots and pans that won’t damage the surface. 

Nonstick remains a popular choice because it saves so much time during kitchen cleanup. On the other hand, stainless steel looks nicer in your home and lasts much longer.

Take a look at your personal needs and cooking habits before deciding which is best for you. Consider color and style, size of set, material of cookware, and warranty info before you buy.

Another thing to consider? Your budget! Read our Buyer’s Guide for How To Buy the Best Cookware Set for Your Money for more tips and reviews. 

Now: let’s get into the details!


Calphalon VS T-Fal Nonstick Cookware

Both brands offer a wide selection of nonstick cookware. Calphalon has at least nine cookware sets to choose from its nonstick line. While T-Fal has them beat with eleven. They both offer lots of color options so you can find something that looks like it was made just for you!

The largest difference you may observe between T-Fal and Calphalon cookware sets is the price. 

Let’s dive into a few of the top-reviewed sets from Amazon.


T-Fal C561SC Advanced Nonstick

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This 12-piece cookware set includes 2 frying pans, 2 saucepans, a deep saute, a dutch oven, and accessories.

That’s right! A solid spoon plus a slotted spatula are included when you buy. It’s great when utensils come with your pots and pans because then you can be confident they won’t damage the cooking surface.

What we like most about the T-Fal C561SC Titanium Nonstick cookware set? 

Pros

  • Affordable price for a large set
  • Oven safe up to 350 degrees
  • Thermo-spot heat indicator
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Lifetime limited warranty

Cons

  • Some customers have reported the pans are very slippery on the bottom and move around a bit too much on your burners (if you have a smooth stovetop)

Check out what else people are saying in their reviews on Amazon here.


T-Fal E765SH Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick

T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set 17 Piece Oven Safe 400F, Lid Safe 350F Pots and Pans, Dishwasher Safe Black

View on Amazon

Hard anodized cookware is awesome because of how very durable it is. This 17-piece from T-Fal is hard titanium reinforced, scratch-resistant, and toxin-free. 

The set includes 2 frying pans plus a griddle, 3 differently-sized saucepans with lids, a deep saute, and a dutch oven. It also comes with a steamer insert and a single-egg frying pan! You can make almost any dish with this versatile cookware set

Pros

  • Corrosion-resistant
  • Won’t react with food
  • Oven safe up to 400 degrees (lids only to 350)
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Lifetime limited warranty

Cons

  • Even though they are dishwasher safe, it’s recommended to hand wash to preserve longevity of your pots and pans

Look at it yourself here


Calphalon 2029626 Premier Hard Anodized Nonstick

Calphalon 11-Piece Pots and Pans Set, Nonstick Kitchen Cookware with Stay-Cool Handles, Dishwasher and Metal Utensil Safe, Black

View on Amazon

If you’re wondering what the difference is between this and the Calphalon Classic (besides the price tag, of course), we’ll tell you right now!

The Calphalon Premier Hard Anodized Nonstick cookware set boasts 40% longer lasting release vs. the Calphalon Classic. 

The 11 piece set includes a large 12-inch frying pan with lid, a 10-inch fry pan (no lid), 2 saucepans with lids, a stockpot plus lid, and a covered saute pan.

Pros

  • Nonstick interior is metal utensil safe
  • Exterior is nonstick too
  • Oven safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Safe for electric, gas, or glass top stoves

Cons

  • Handle with care when storing to avoid scratching

Read more reviews on Amazon.


T-Fal B037SE64 Excite ProGlide Nonstick

T-fal Excite ProGlide Nonstick Thermo-Spot Heat Indicator Dishwasher Oven Safe Cookware Set, 14-Piece, Blue

View on Amazon


This is the best option if you’re on a tight budget. You get 14 unique pieces in this cookware set from nonstick experts T-Fal. 

Included: 2 saucepans with lids and a handy detachable strainer. 2 open fry pans with pour spots, and a set of 5 measuring spoons. 

Pros

  • Thermo-spot heat indicator
  • Available in several fun colors
  • Oven safe up to 350 degrees
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Very affordable price

Cons

  • Handle with care when storing to avoid scratching

Check price on Amazon.


Calphalon Classic Nonstick Hard Anodized

Calphalon Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized 14-Piece Cookware Set, Grey

View on Amazon


Like the name suggests, this cookware set is classy. These grey colored pots and pans have clearly-indicated fill lines, pour spots, and those handy straining covers. Making your time in the kitchen both easy and breezy. 

The 14 pieces are comprised of 2 fry pans, 3 saucepans with lids, a stockpot with lid, and 2 saute pans (also with lids!). All pots and pans in the set made of hard anodized aluminum.

Pros

  • Very durable
  • Long handles that stay cool
  • Oven safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Can be used on gas, ceramic, electric, or halogen cooktops

Cons

  • More expensive
  • Not broiler use safe
  • Only use wooden, nylon, plastic, or other coated utensils

Check price on Amazon.


T-Fal VS Calphalon Stainless Steel

Let’s take a closer look now at three leading stainless steel cookware sets from each brand. 

T- Fal Performa Pro, Ultimate Copper Bottom, & Tri-Ply Multiclad VS Calphalon Classic, Signature, and Tri-Ply

You might be wondering: What’s the difference between all this cookware?

We’ve compiled an easy-to-read comparison chart to help answer that!

Preview
T-fal Performa Stainless Steel Cookware Set 12 Piece Induction Oven Broiler Safe 500F Pots and Pans, Dishwasher Safe Silver
T-fal Ultimate Stainless Steel and Copper Cookware Set 13 PIece Induction Pots and Pans, Dishwasher Safe Silver
Calphalon 10-Piece Pots and Pans Set, Stainless Steel Kitchen Cookware with Stay-Cool Handles, Dishwasher Safe, Silver
Calphalon Tri-Ply Stainless Steel 13-Piece Cookware Set
Brand
T-Fal
T-Fal
Calphalon
Calphalon
Model
Performa Pro
Ultimate Copper Bottom
Signature
Tri-Ply
# of pieces
12
13
10
13
Handles
Riveted stainless steel
Sturdy, riveted stainless steel (ergonomically designed)
Long, brushed stainless steel
Long, brushed stay-cool
Warranty
Lifetime limited
Lifetime limited
Full lifetime
Full lifetime warranty
Rating
-
-
-
-
Prime
-
-
Price
$122.30
-
$420.00
-
Preview
T-fal Performa Stainless Steel Cookware Set 12 Piece Induction Oven Broiler Safe 500F Pots and Pans, Dishwasher Safe Silver
Brand
T-Fal
Model
Performa Pro
# of pieces
12
Handles
Riveted stainless steel
Warranty
Lifetime limited
Rating
-
Prime
Price
$122.30
Preview
T-fal Ultimate Stainless Steel and Copper Cookware Set 13 PIece Induction Pots and Pans, Dishwasher Safe Silver
Brand
T-Fal
Model
Ultimate Copper Bottom
# of pieces
13
Handles
Sturdy, riveted stainless steel (ergonomically designed)
Warranty
Lifetime limited
Rating
-
Prime
-
Price
-
Preview
Calphalon 10-Piece Pots and Pans Set, Stainless Steel Kitchen Cookware with Stay-Cool Handles, Dishwasher Safe, Silver
Brand
Calphalon
Model
Signature
# of pieces
10
Handles
Long, brushed stainless steel
Warranty
Full lifetime
Rating
-
Prime
Price
$420.00
Preview
Calphalon Tri-Ply Stainless Steel 13-Piece Cookware Set
Brand
Calphalon
Model
Tri-Ply
# of pieces
13
Handles
Long, brushed stay-cool
Warranty
Full lifetime warranty
Rating
-
Prime
-
Price
-


FAQs

Q: What’s better T-Fal or Calphalon?

A: These brands are at the top of the game for good reason. It really depends on your style preferences and budget to say which is best for you. We personally like T-Fal for nonstick and prefer Calphalon for stainless steel cookware. T-Fal is better for budget. Calphalon is better for lifelong peace of mind.


Q: Is Nonstick cookware dangerous?

A: Most modern nonstick cookware is now perfectly safe to use. Always check what you’re buying to be sure it is PFOA, lead, and cadmium free. However, you should still replace any nonstick cookware if the coating becomes damaged.


Q: How long does stainless steel cookware typically last?

A: Unless it becomes damaged, stainless steel cookware can potentially last you, well, forever. That’s why most stainless steel cookware sets come with lifetime warranties (often limited, but the most expensive sets should come with full warranties). 


Q: Can you use aerosol sprays on nonstick pots and pans?

A: You should never use aerosol cooking sprays on your nonstick cookware. Over time, a buildup from the sprays will affect the nonstick coating of your pots and pans. Resulting in food sticking to the pans, which nobody wants!


Results

We set out to answer the big question of “between Calphalon and T-Fal, which cookware is best?” Our conclusion is: Calphalon is better if you want to spend more and enjoy your cookware for longer. T-Fal is better if you need something to fit your budget now, not looking to make an investment for the future. We like T-Fal best for nonstick, and Calphalon best for stainless steel. 

Hopefully, we provided a ton of insight into the world of both nonstick and stainless steel cookware. Now you can confidently set out to buy yourself a nice new set of pots and pans to last you for years to come. 

For more in-depth reviews on cookware and other popular kitchen appliances head to over to BetterFood. You can even find recipe inspiration there as well!

Last update on 2024-03-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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