Calphalon Anodized 12" Everyday Pan

Calphalon is a well-known name among chefs for quality cookware. The quality is consistent, and Calphalon cookware has a lifetime guarantee. For these reasons, Calphalon can also be on the expensive side, but there is no doubt in my mind that it is worth every penny. So if you are looking to buy something usable, you can get cheaper. However, if you are looking for cookware you will use for a lifetime and quite possibly pass onto your children, buy Calphalon.

Even though I do not consider myself a gourmet cook, what I lack in imagination, I more than make up for in consistency. I have consistently turned out delicious dinners for my family for more than thirty years, so I guess that makes me an expert about a few things, including cookware. I have tried all kinds of cookware through the years, but there are only two items in my kitchen I would not trade for anything- the cast iron skillet perfectly seasoned by my grandmother and my Calphalon's Anonized 12" Everyday Pan.

The "everyday pan" is a cross between a wok and a frying pan, and the slightly taller sides give it an advantage, especially in stir-fried dishes. I have been known to get a little wild with my stirring! The everyday pan comes in two sizes, 10" and 12". I believe the 10" in best for single people cooking for one, but it is too small to be practical for two or more. For families, I recommend getting the 12" pan.

This pan comes in four finishes- anodized, stainless, copper, and non-stick. For browning, the anodized finish is the clear winner. Having the right amount of release and the right amount of stick, fried chicken comes out brown and crisp, with plenty of crunchy bits on the bottom to make great gravy. The stainless may be a little easier to clean, according to some people, but it does not brown as well and can scratch easily. The non-stick does not brown at all unless some type of fat is used, like butter or oil. The copper is excellent for cooking but takes a lot of elbow grease to keep from looking tarnished. Therefore, I do not believe the copper is as practical, but if all you want is to have impressive pots hanging up but seldom used, go for the copper.

Calphalon recommends using metal utensils on the anodized, copper, or stainless pans, and silicone utensils on the non-stick to avoid scratching. The anodized goes from the stovetop to the oven, to the broiler, and then looks great on the table. The clear domed lid holds in moist heat, while the brushed stainless handles stay cool on the stovetop.
I use this pan for everything. It is the one pan I reach for every night when I begin dinner. I cook steaks, eggs, stroganoff, spaghetti sauce, roasts, fried rice, stir-fried veggies, and various skillet dinners. The list goes on and on. It really is an all-purpose pan.

Calphalon recommends hand washing, but the pan is really easy to clean. I use soapy water and a Scotch-brite cleaning pad. Putting your Calphalon in the dishwasher can damage the surface and void the lifetime warranty. However, if you take the little extra time to hand wash your pots, they really will last a lifetime.

Calphalon is an excellent gift idea for a wedding or housewarming. I know one bride who asked her husband for Calphalon every year on her anniversary! I usually like to pick out and buy my own, so that I get to see what new products Calphalon has each year. So if you love your Cuisinart small appliances, your Le Creuset stoneware casseroles, and want an excellent cookware, try Calphalon. It is worth every penny. You will not be sorry, and this pan is an excellent first piece to begin building your cookware set.