Among the veterans of the industry, two cookware brands that have stood the test of time are Calphalon and Cuisinart. While incredibly similar in quality, these brands remain worlds apart from each other in their unique features and benefits they bring to the table.
In this article, you can see our full Calphalon vs Cuisinart cookware showdown as we weigh up the pros, the cons, and everything in between so you can make the best purchase between these two cookware giants more than 50 years in the making!
What is Calphalon?
Calphalon was founded in 1963 by Ronald Kasperzak under Commercial Aluminum Cookware. This would foreshadow the core of the company’s operations and highlight their best-selling cookware products.
Headquartered in Ohio, USA, Calphalon has become a leading manufacturer of premium, high-quality cookware, bakeware, cutlery, and appliances for home cooks worldwide (1).
Known for its high-performance, hard-anodized cookware, Calphalon is loved by both the everyday cook and the professional culinary community. Its wide variety of cooking surfaces, styles, and sizes suit all kinds of users.
What is Cuisinart?
Cuisinart’s story began in 1973 when founder Carl Sontheimer introduced the revolutionary kitchen appliance, the food processor. They are designed for chopping, mincing, grinding, and pureeing just about anything.
The world was stunned by this new invention, and the term “food processor” and “Cuisinart” became interchangeable among the community. Cuisinart has grown its range of products to include cookware sets, and it has since become well-known for its superior performance stainless steel.
How are they different? (focus on different parts of their pans)
The key differences between Calphalon and Cuisinart cookware lie in the materials and craftsmanship each brand strives to emphasize and excel in. Calphalon is known for its range of hard anodized aluminum pots and pans that often feature non-stick coating for enhanced food release properties.
On the other hand, Cuisinart focuses on manufacturing cookware with full multi-clad construction. It highlights features such as durability, scratch resistance, and even heat distribution.
Diving into the details, you’ll find significant differences in cooking surfaces with Calphalon and Cuisinart cookware. For example, a typical Calphalon cookware set would incorporate a non-stick coating that is PTFE and PFOA-free. This means you can cook without metallic taste residue or harmful chemicals making their way to your food.
On the other hand, Cuisinart simply uses stainless steel surfaces that are naturally non-stick. However, ultimately they still require a level of seasoning for the best results.
Now, let’s compare the range of aluminum pans from Calphalon with that of Cuisinart. All of Calphalon’s models come with hard-anodized aluminum construction. In contrast, Cuisinart’s pans may come with a low-cost standard aluminum construction instead.
On the other hand, Cuisinart cookware has the upper hand in delivering a better non-stick experience for most products, as their coating generally lasts longer. With that said, if you go for one of Calphalon’s high-end pans, you will be provided with a triple-layer of premium nonstick coating that maximizes durability and scratch resistance.
How are they similar?
Both Cuisinart and Calphalon offer stainless steel cookware and hard anodized aluminum. So, in that aspect, they are quite similar regarding product offerings. In addition, both brands offer a series of non-stick cookware collections and stainless steel cookware sets.
Calphalon and Cuisinart typically use a similar construction method. Depending on the product or set, they utilize a core aluminum sandwiched between sheets of stainless steel in a tri-ply or 5-ply design.
Other similarities between the Calphalon and Cuisinart collections include their cooking performance. Cuisinart’s cookware is made to optimize heat conductivity and distribute heat evenly across the pan or pot. The same could be said for Cuisinart with their hard anodized aluminum core that maximizes heat transfer throughout the cookware.
In addition, both Calphalon and Cuisinart’s cookware ranges are highly durable. Each includes a series of stainless steel pots and pans made using tri-ply construction. They feature anything from single to multi-clad cookware sets.
What’s better about Calphalon?
The main advantage of Calphalon for its customers is the added accessibility to high-end premium quality cookware for added advantages. For example, the brand offers triple-layered non-stick cookware that promotes durability and long-lasting results for your frying pans’ cooking surface.
In addition, Calphalon offers the 5-ply stainless steel cookware range that promotes heat retention properties and superior strength and sturdiness.
Another advantage of Calphalon cookware over Cuisinart is their greater reputation in stainless steel cookware. Customers have complained about Cuisinart’s pots and pans smudging or developing stains. In contrast, Calphalon has remained fairly satisfactory in that area.
Furthermore, Calphalon collections such as the Calphalon Signature pan come with two extra layers of heat conductive material. This enhances heat transfer from the stove throughout the cookware, allowing for faster heat-up times and better heat distribution.
What’s better about Cuisinart?
Despite its specialization in stainless steel cookware, Cuisinart trumps Calphalon in non-stick features. In addition, they generally offer more durable coatings that last longer.
Of course, Calphalon still wins when considering their premium tri-ply non-stick coated products. Still, the average person looking for an affordable non-stick pan will usually have a better time with Cuisinart.
Regarding affordability, Cuisinart is several notches more affordable than Calphalon. They offer a wider range of products accessible to a broader customer base.
In terms of design, you’ll typically find more color options with your sets if you go with Cuisinart. Some designs are unique in their aesthetics and performance benefits. For instance, Cuisinart offers tri-ply cookware with a beautiful copper exterior. This enhances the heat conductivity and distribution of the pots and pans while offering a fancy look.
Ultimately, Cuisinart offers its customers a variety of design routes to embark upon. You might go for their traditional sets for lovers of a vintage kitchen or for their contemporary products that are made to complement modern interior design.
Who should get Calphalon?
There’s no doubt, Calphalon is the better brand for premium cookware enthusiasts that are willing to pay for the extra mile. The brand suits non-stick, stainless steel, and aluminum fans, as they offer a huge range of cookware sets using various materials and crafting styles.
From the multi-clad cookware sets featuring tri-ply and 5-ply stainless steel cookware to the hard anodized aluminum pans that offer seamless non-stick properties. There are also the tempered glass lids to capture heat and moisture.
Ultimately, Calphalon is a brand that has achieved a “jack of all trades” status while also being a “master” in select areas. Its range of hard anodized aluminum pots and pans emphasizes rust and corrosion resistance to levels comparable to a lifetime of use.
Calphalon offers customers a lifetime manufacturer warranty to complement its long-lasting cookware. In addition, it covers factory defects experienced with your product, including faulty craftsmanship or lacking material quality.
Of course, Calphalon is not only made for those willing to pay the extra buck. They feature a range of affordable Calphalon cookware sets in addition to their premium collections.
For example, the Calphalon Classic collection features a series of well-priced hard-anodized aluminum sets. In addition, a stainless steel collection with polished exteriors and ergonomic stainless steel handles. This makes for an aesthetically pleasing and comfortable cooking device.
Calphalon stainless steel cookware also suits those who truly desire the “stainless” experience. The Calphalon tri-ply collection has continued to satisfy customers in this area. In contrast, Cuisinart has not had a perfect record in this regard.
Who should get Cuisinart?
Right off the bat, Cuisinart is the more affordable cookware choice by several notches, so it immediately appeals to a broader audience, particularly those on a budget. In addition, their hard anodized aluminum range and their stainless steel tri-ply cookware are comparable to that of Calphalon despite being significantly lower in price.
Individuals on a budget who want to reap as much quality as possible with their purchase should seriously look into Cuisinart’s range of top-performing affordable cookware.
Taking a closer look at the feature details, you’ll find that Cuisinart often trumps Calphalon non-stick sets because of its greater consistency with the coating.
For instance, the Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Non-Stick Hard Anodized Collection uses QuanTanium nonstick coating. This reinforces the surface with titanium particles for an exceptionally durable and scratch-resistant cooking area (2).
In addition, nonstick Calphalon pans (other than their triple-layered collection) often go through a period of diminishing returns with their non-stick coating. It has been reported on multiple occasions to wear off somewhere down the line.
Thus, you are better off going for Cuisinart non-stick cookware sets for a well-rounded product that will last longer and maintain its affordability. In addition, the Cuisinart brand backs its customers with a limited lifetime manufacturer warranty for any defects that result from factory defects or poor quality of materials.
Hence, you can purchase with the peace of mind that you are receiving a quality product backed by the company. Plus, it has high user ratings when you purchase Cuisinart cookware sets.
Features
Price
As mentioned numerous times, Cuisinart is the clear winner in terms of affordable products that appeal to a wider audience. However, the price tag does not always equate to long-term savings.
For instance, a 5-ply Calphalon pan would retain heat more effectively, allowing you to cook for long periods even after you’ve turned off the heat source. As a result, you could save quite a bit on gas and electricity bills if you embark on Calphalon’s range of high-end cookware sets.
On the other hand, there are some products where Cuisinart has the upper hand over Calphalon and outperforms its rival in numerous aspects. For example, sets such as the Cuisinart Advantage Collection feature a more durable QuanTanium nonstick coating. This is significantly more durable than some of the coatings used by Calphalon’s more affordable range.
As such, Cuisinart’s ability to contend with Calphalon in several areas and also offer a generally more affordable spread of cookware. In addition, Cuisinart knife sets are also well-priced for how good they are. This makes them the outright winner in terms of price and affordability.
Winner: Cuisinart
Design
The Cuisinart vs. Calphalon debate cannot be complete without discussing the differences in design between the two. While they are fundamentally quite similar, there are some differences between their impact bonded cookware sets in terms of aesthetics and product finishes.
For instance, you’ll find that all of Calphalon’s stainless steel pots and pans are available in a dull matte brushed stainless steel exterior finish. This reportedly contributes to concealing fingerprints and smudges for a consistent look.
In contrast, Cuisinart often features polished finishes with stainless steel lids that give off a more aesthetic look and allow you to conceal heat and moisture to lock in the food’s flavor as you cook. However, appearance is not everything when it comes to design.
Calphalon’s stainless steel range does a better job of adding practicality through its smudge-concealing brushed stainless steel, and transparent tempered glass lids help you to monitor your cooking progress. Thus, despite Cuisinart’s greater range of color options with their products, Calphalon will win on this occasion regarding design.
Winner: Calphalon
Cooking
The cooking performance of both Cuisinart and Calphalon products are mutual because they both conduct heat and distribute it more evenly and effectively than cast iron cookware. You are also more likely to find compatible cookware sets for induction cooktops with either of these brands.
However, you should remember that Cuisinart’s Copper Tri-Ply collection is incompatible with induction.
Regardless, both Calphalon and Cuisinart stainless steel cookware sets are exceptional in fast conducting heat and retaining temperatures for an extended period, even after the heat source has been removed.
The real difference comes in with the non-stick cookware sets, with each brand offering excellent performances at different levels. While Cuisinart uses QuanTanium nonstick coating, which is supposedly 10 times more durable than a regular coating, Calphalon uses a triple-layered non-stick coating in its premium collection.
This can outdo any non-stick cookware set on the market in terms of durability, and Calphalon knife sets are known to be solid.
As such, Cuisinart offers a greater range of high-performance cookware sets. However, if we were to compare the best of the best for each brand against each other, Calphalon is the undisputed winner for its tri-ply non-stick coating and 5-ply stainless steel range.
Winner: Calphalon
Durability
Aluminum and stainless steel are naturally very durable. So, it’s no wonder that both Cuisinart and Calphalon cookware are among the most durable in the cookware industry. Not only that, but both cookware brands offer excellent oven-safe properties that often exceed 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Both brands’ stainless steel cooking surface is durable but will require a bit of seasoning before adding on your food.
The main reason people buy Calphalon cookware is usually for its hard anodized aluminum range. Its 5-ply stainless steel sets that offer enhanced durability through additional layers of aluminum and steel.
Calphalon classic pots in this range tend to last longer than Cuisinart tri-ply stainless steel products, simply because of its extra cladding that allows you to be more reckless with handling it. For that reason, Calphalon is once again the victor, trumping its rival on the cookware market to offer customers greater durability and longer-lasting results.
Winner: Calphalon
Warranty
A limited lifetime warranty backs both Calphalon and Cuisinart cookware sets by the manufacturer that covers its customers for any defects related to the factory processes involved in the crafting of the cookware or for material quality that is not up to scratch.
This means you can return your product at little to no cost if there is an issue in performance, allowing you to purchase with the peace of mind that you don’t have to tolerate a faulty item. Additionally, since both brands offer this return policy via a lifetime warranty, Calphalon and Cuisinart are equal as far as warranty and shipping procedures go.
Winner: Tie
Which one is best and for who?
It’s been a fierce contest between these two giants of the kitchen appliances industry, but alas, a winner must be chosen, and that winner is Calphalon. Now don’t jump to conclusions just yet, because there is still plenty of reason to go with Cuisinart depending on who you are and your goals.
Choosing Calphalon is similar to choosing a 5-star hotel over a 4-star hotel. That is, it may come with plenty of extras for a more comfortable stay, but for some people, they can do without all that.
To sum up this contest, both Cuisinart and Calphalon offer very similar products for the most part, from cladded stainless steel cookware to hard anodized aluminum pans with non-stick coating.
While Calphalon offers specialty items like the 5-ply stainless steel collection or the triple-layered non-stick pans, Cuisinart has a more consistent product offering. In addition, they make better design choices and have more affordable products that may appeal to more people.
The bottom line is, Cuisinart is mostly a better and safer option for the everyday home cook. Still, Calphalon excels when comparing its high-end products, making it the better choice for culinary professionals or highly interested home cooks.
FAQ
Is Calphalon the same as Cuisinart?
Calphalon is a more “high-end” brand than Cuisinart because of its higher quality cookware that is priced significantly more. Additionally, Calphalon is famous for its hard anodized aluminum pots and pans, whereas Cuisinart excels more in the tri-ply stainless steel range.
Is Cuisinart a good kitchen brand?
Cuisinart has been an experienced brand in the business for over 50 years. Cuisinart is a highly reputable brand that home cooks use worldwide. Their products often receive high customer ratings, and you can also enjoy peace of mind with their limited lifetime warranty.
Is Calphalon a good brand for pots?
Calphalon is a high-quality cookware brand that offers a range of pots and pans compatible with an induction cooktop and dishwasher for easier cleaning and maintenance. Their range of pots features stainless steel models with an aluminum core for exceptional heat distribution properties and ergonomic helper handles.
Is Cuisinart high-end?
While Cuisinart cookware is not considered a high-end brand by official terms, its range of high-performing pots and pans do well to contend with real high-end brands such as Calphalon and All-Clad.
This is because Cuisinart is still above average in most aspects. Everything from heat distribution to nonstick properties to ergonomics and aesthetics makes it a solid contender in the cookware market today.
Sources
(1) – https://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/map/USA/ohio_map.htm
(2) – https://www.rsc.org/periodic-table/element/22/titanium
