Paula Deen rose to fame when her cooking shows introduced us to her contagious southern charm and larger-than-life hair. Infamous for her use of sugar and butter when cooking comfort food, she helped millions of people learn how to make a home-cooked meal. Since her beginnings on The Food Network, she has written cookbooks, guest-starred in countless programs, and became an international food celebrity. That’s why her line of country-style cookware with a classic charm has become so popular. Here is our Paula Deen cookware review.
Paula Deen Hybrid Cookware Sets Review
Paula Deen Signature Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set
What’s Included
- 1 qt covered saucepan
- 2 qt covered saucepan
- 6 qt covered stockpot
- 2.75 qt covered saute pan
- 8-Inch skillet
- 10-Inch skillet
- 5 pc measuring spoon
Colors Available
Aqua, Blueberry, Butter, Coral, Lavender, and Red.
All colors come with a speckled design that evokes a charming country feeling. The design wraps around the exterior of each pot and pan.
Pros
- Colorful, charming designs
- Oven safe (up to 350 F)
- Stain-resistant porcelain
- Non-stick coating
- Comfortable handles
Cons
- Prone to scratching
- Can’t be used on induction heating
Overall Paula Deen Signature Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set Review
A beautifully designed 15 piece porcelain-enameled cookware set, the Signature set’s speckled paint and ‘bubble’ design evoke a charming cottage feeling. As pots and pans with porcelain enamel over an aluminum core, they perform similarly to other aluminum cookware. Aluminum has excellent thermal conductivity, meaning it heats up quickly. It’s also lightweight and easy to use. The pots and pans all have soft handles that will only heat up in the oven, not on the stovetop. Finally, the lids are shatter-resistant, meaning a drop or two will probably be ok.
I’m a big fan of non-stick coating, as it just makes cooking so much easier for your average home cook. Be warned though, as these pots and pans are technically hand wash only, and only safe to 350 F in the oven. This isn’t your most heavy-duty kitchenware set and you should go into buying it with that in mind.
The only big downside is that the pans will get scratched up over time. Also, the porcelain paint might chip with prolonged use. So if you’re planning on consistent use for years, it might be better to consider the Family cookware set, which is more durable and will last longer. The only trouble is that it has an entirely different look and feel from the Signature set.
Paula Deen Family 14-Piece Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware
What’s Included (bulleted)
- 2 qt sauce pot with lid
- 5” fry pan
- 8” fry pan
- 9.5” fry pan
- 5 qt stockpot with lid
- 11” fry pan with lid
- Meat and steam rack
- 4 nylon utensils.
Colors Available
Butter Yellow, Ruby Red, Savannah Blue, Sea Glass, Stainless.
The colors are solid throughout but don’t wrap around the whole pot or pan. Each piece of cookware also has a country design embossed on them.
Pros
- Vibrant colors
- Induction safe
- Oven safe up to 450 F
- Dishwasher safe
- Stay-cool silicone handles
- Dual-pour spouts
Cons
- The non-stick coating will wear out over time
- Not as charming as the Signature Set
Overall Paula Deen Family 14-Piece Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware Review
Both this set and the signature set are made from aluminum, but where the signature set goes for a country charm and an all-around speckled porcelain finish, the family set is focused on utility. Its induction safe, oven safe up to 450 F, dishwasher safe, and its silicone handles can handle more heat.
The bottoms of the pots and pans also expose the aluminum, where porcelain enamel can crack, chip, or get blackened. This makes it easy to clean in comparison, especially between the dishwasher and its greater resistance.
The lids on a pot or pan from this collection can really lock in heat, spreading it quickly and evenly. As a set of kitchen cookware, it’s easy to clean and has great utility. I only wish I liked the design more, as it doesn’t quite embody the charm of a southern kitchen in the way the signature set does.
About Paula Deen Cookware
History of Paula Deen Cookware
To start things off on this Paula Deen pots and pans review, let’s take a look at the history of the queen of southern cooking herself.
Paula Deen got her start on The Food Network with her 2002 show, Paula’s Home Cooking (1). 2006 and 2008 brought her even more fame with Paula’s Party and Paula’s Best Dishes. Magazine deals, cookbook deals, and more followed. Paula was riding high.
Her nonstick cookware set lines came shortly after this initial success, inspired by her rustic roots and the charms of southern cooking. Her southern roots and country fare inspire the overall look and feel of her cookware line.
However, in June 2013, Paula Deen got into a racial controversy when she admitted to using the N-slur in a legal deposition. As a result of this unacceptable language, both she and her brother were sued. She apologized on social media for her actions but lost her contracts with The Food Network in the ensuing backlash as critics threatened to boycott the network.
Paula Deen now stars on her own channel on Roku. She writes cookbooks and has started making lighter and healthier recipes after being criticized for years for the overuse of sugar and butter in her earlier recipes. Now, she tries to make delicious food without relying on over-indulgence.
Below is an unbiased review of Paula Deen’s cookware.
Design
The Paula Deen Signature cookware line is available with a variety of vibrantly colored, speckled porcelain finishes. The bottoms of her pots and pans in this line have the same finish and are fitted with transparent glass lids. Clever use of copper and other accent materials on the lid handles adds lovely touches to the look. All the pots have a charming ‘bubble’ shape, which for my taste, is better than the dull, straight-up-and-down shape of most cookware you can find. The overall effect is a charming, country-rustic set with a bit of a modern twist.
Her Family line has a much more practical design but still maintains country-style motifs around the painted edges. Its design allows for more heat resistance, induction heating, makes it dishwasher safe, and even has dual pouring spouts. However, this comes at the cost of its charm, as it looks and feels more like standard cookware than the Signature collection.
Materials Used
The pots and pans are made from heavy-duty aluminum construction, which is both light and durable. Steel construction is stronger but also heavier and more expensive. For most home cooks, aluminum is an excellent material to look for in pots and pans as it conducts heat quickly and evenly. However, it does tend to get blackened and scratched more easily than steel. The glass lids are shatter-resistant will a solid design.
All the Paula Deen cookware we are reviewing has a non-stick coating applied. It’s industry standard and holds up to other store-bought brands. Remember to use non-damaging utensils when cooking with non-stick pots and pans and try to be gentle with the coating. It will come off eventually, but you can make it last longer depending on how you handle your cooking.
Handles
The handles are very comfortable and easy to use. The silicone handles of the Family line can take higher levels of heat, but both tend to stay cool when using the stovetop. Heavy-duty rivets keep all handles in place in both sets.
The handles on the glass lids are also great, and especially on the Signature set add to the overall country aesthetic.
Related review: Ayesha Curry Cookware Review
How Does Paula Deen Cookware Compare to Other Cookware?
Paula Deen vs Rachael Ray
Rachael Ray’s Cucina Hard-Anodized collection is durable, oven safe up to 400 F, dishwasher safe, and prevents staining. It’s quite a practical set. However, its overall design is more practical than anything, lacking the charm of Paula Deen’s Signature Set. The color is only an accent in Ray’s collection and the general design of it looks like sets you can find anywhere else.
In practical terms, Rachael Ray’s set is comparable to Paula Deen’s Family collection of cookware. So it really comes down to your preference between the two. They are similar in price and functionality, as both have silicone handles, non-stick coatings, and similar other features.
Paula Deen’s cookware is similarly stain resistant, can also lock in heat, and overall comes with a similar selection of pots and pans. Learn more about her cookware in our Rachael Ray Cookware Review.
Paula Deen Cookware FAQ
Where is Paula Deen Cookware made?
Paula Deen Cookware is made in overseas factories in China and Thailand.
What is the Paula Deen Cookware warranty?
Defective items are covered under a lifetime limited warranty. This does not cover accidents or damages from using the cookware. You can read the warranty on the amazon webpage for each.
Is Paula Deen Cookware dishwasher safe?
It depends. The Signature Set is hand wash only, whereas the Family Collection is dishwasher safe.
Is Paula Deen Cookware oven-safe?
Yes, the Signature Set is oven-safe to 350 F, including the lids. The Family Collection is oven-safe up to 450 F.
Is Paula Deen Cookware safe?
Yes, although there have been some recent worries about Teflon. Teflon is still industry standard, but you can look at the information that has come out and make your own decision.
Is Paula Deen Cookware good?
Like with all non-stick sets, scratches and scrapes are inevitable. However, the aluminum is lightweight and easy to use, and the heat induction is fair. Paula Deen’s cookware is a decent mid-range set with a charming design.
Are Paula Deen pans healthy? Does Paula Deen contain PTFE?
Yes. Paula Deen’s cookware has Teflon, which is the brand name for PTFE. PTFE is considered non-toxic. Paula Deen’s cookware uses PTFE, which is industry standard.
Does Paula Deen have Teflon?
Yes. Teflon is what creates the non-stick coating on Paula Deen cookware. Teflon has recently undergone some controversy, which you can look into if you are worried about its use.
Why Should You Buy Paula Deen Cookware?
Paula Deen’s Signature Set is charming, rustic, and available for a reasonable price. Both sets are quality, easy to use, and non-stick, making them great for the at-home chef looking to follow Paula Deen’s recipes. However, go for the Family Collection if you are looking for something with more longevity, durability, and ease of use. Personally, I love the look and design of the Signature Set, and if you want to love the look and feel of your cookware at the sacrifice of a little utility, I think it’s the way to go.
Is Paula Deen Cookware worth it?
Yes, it’s worth it. These are tried and true sets with great reviews that you can purchase on Amazon. At-home cooks have loved these sets for years now, so what are you waiting for?
Bottom Line: Should You Buy Paula Deen Cookware?
Yes, you should consider purchasing Paula Deen’s cookware. The charm of Paula Deen’s pots and pans set will impress your guests and make you feel happier as you cook, which is what it’s all about. If you need more functionality, purchase for her family collection and get a set that will last you and your family years to come.
Source:
1 – https://www.foodnetwork.com/
