The search for the best pots and pans has been a long one for us. We have found (the hard way) that brand and cost of cookware sets do matter when subjected to daily use and user error. Well, hopefully our bad string of pot-issues is now over. We received a brand new 12-piece set of Cuisinart MultiClad Pro cookware and I couldn’t be happier. Here’s why…
Cookware to Survive Newbie Use
When Frans and I got married, we put a nice set of pots on our wedding registry and one of my aunt’s bought them for us. They were a seriously nice set that was sure to last years. However, due to circumstances and a surprise pregnancy, we ended up having to move overseas just one year later. Since we wouldn’t be able to ship them, that set ended up going to my mom and she still has them today.
Until we settled into our own place, my sister-in-law and her husband allowed us to live with them for a short while. While cooking some rice one day, I accidentally burned it really bad in one of their pans (yeah, not such a good idea). Obviously, rice was something I knew how to make and never had a problem before. Perhaps it was the difference in pan type or the heat of the stove but, either way, the result was a charred interior base that refused to be cleaned off. No matter how much elbow grease I used or what solutions of cleaner I tried, nothing worked.
So what happened? I told my sister-in-law that I would replace it. She said it wasn’t necessary and ended up buying a new set from work and ended up giving the (now incomplete) set to us. Did I mention that she HID the new set from us until we left so I couldn’t get to them? Let’s just say that’s not the best way to tighter ties with in-laws…
Hiccups to Finding the Best Pots and Pans
Cookware issues seemed to go away for a while. Well, at least until we moved back to the States four years later. We seemed to go through pans like crazy as the inexpensive non-stick ones would wear through so quickly. We finally decided to get a somewhat decent set of stainless steel cookware and was able to score a really sweet deal on them. Not long after, we had some people over. As we were cooking, I walked out of the kitchen for a bit. When I came back in, I noticed that one of my friends was cutting a quesadilla she just cooked with a paring knife while still in the pan.
Somewhat alarmed and holding back my “WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE YOU DOING WITH MY NEW PANS?!” look, I mentioned that using that knife might scratch the pan. We all make mistakes so if the situation ended there, it wouldn’t have been a problem.
She calmly assured me that it would be fine. It wasn’t. Now I had dashed lines etched across my sauté pan. My friend felt so bad and said she’d get us a new one. When I told her it was a part of a set I just bought and that is cost us $150, she went silent. I’ve been stuck with that pan for the past six years and am reminded of the incident every time I use it.
Everything gets stuck to that set though and I actually hate cooking with them as nothing seems to heat evenly. We tried to get another non-stick set. Of those, we had to toss one pot when it fell off the counter and was badly misshaped, so much so that the top no longer fit. We also have to be careful to not turn the heat too high, which causes other difficulties.
I’m so tired of cycling through cookware. Somehow it seems that others are able to keep using their same sets for decades and still maintain them in pristine condition. Then there are those that can actually pass down items to another generation! Please tell me I’m not the only one that has gone through cookware like disposable paper plates.
Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Cookware Review
Now you know why I’m so excited about the MultiClad Pro cookware. These pots and pans are heavy duty! They feel solidly built and distribute the heat extremely well. Cleaning has been a breeze so far. Check out this before and after when we used the 8-qt stockpot to make marshmallow rice cereal bars. The sticky mess came off with just a bit of warm water, dishwashing liquid, and minimal sponge work.
It’s fantastic that the MultiClad Pro pots and pans are made to handle practically all stovetop types/heating elements (induction, halogen, glass ceramic, gas, and electric) in case we move or get a new stove in the future. The line is freezer-safe, dishwasher-safe, oven-safe up to 500°, and has a lifetime warranty. There’s also a slew of matching pieces to add to the set as your cooking needs and expertise grow. My favorite feature? The included lids also fit the skillets 🙂
Due to the stainless steel material, sometimes we do notice water “rainbow” spots if we don’t dry the pots right away or an uneven finish from whatever was cooked in them them. A little Bar Keeper’s Friend and water wipes any slight imperfections away though. We are careful to not use metal utensils so as to scratch the surface but our electric stovetop has caused some light scratches on the underside of the pots. While I hate to see it, it’s just part of regular wear and tear.
This time, I’m determined to make these pans last. I’m washing everything by hand and taking care to not stack them metal to metal. If you have any suggestions on how to prevent scratches or how to remove difficult burned-on food, please share in the comments below. I need all the help I can get!
11 comments
I swear Cuisinart makes the best pots.. The quality is above amazing.
In the beginning, I worry about all the scratches and whatnot, but I lighten up over time and just chalk it up to “patina”. 😉
Oh wow, that must have been fun to see every time you used the pan. I’m glad you got a new set though.
I need new cookware. I have to admit, I am rough on cookware. :/
That is fantastic cookware set!
What a beautiful set! I’m currently looking for a set for my kitchen so I’ll definitely be checking these out!
This looks like some nice cookware. I never use metal utensils on any of my pots or pans to keep them in good shape.
Good cookware is definitely hard to find and I feel it really falls in that infamous “you get what you pay for” category. Right now we have the higher end Calphalon line where each piece is sold separately and costs a pretty penny.
If you have the space – it is worth to invest in a hanging pot rack. This will keep your pans from having to be stacked – which will scratch them. It looks cool too. Also, always always wash pots and pans by hand. Never add water to a hot pot/pan – let them cool down first and then soak if needed. Finally – check warranty – using cooking sprays may void some warranties.
We have a number of Cuisinart MultiClad pots, etc, and we’ve been generally happy with them, with this exception: Both our 12 inch skillet and 3 1/2 quart saute pan have developed bulges in their bottoms to the extent that they wobble when placed on a flat surface. We have a gas stove so this is no problem, but on an open coil electric, or cast iron hob burner, or an induction range it might pose a problem.
I’ve contacted Cuisinart about this and so far it looks as though I might have to ship the pans to them AT MY EXPENSE for their “evaluation.” I’ve already sent an email with photos showing the bulge, at the suggestion of one of their representatives, but so far the emails, three of them, apparently haven’t been received. I find this strange; the emails were sent via hot mail and gmail.
Needless to say, I am not a happy camper. These pieces haven’t been abused or “run dry,” and given the cost I feel that their customer service is poor.
Has anyone had any positive experiences with Cuisinart customer service re MultiClad pans?
Oh no! I’m sorry to hear that. Ours have been fine with daily use. We probably wouldn’t notice any wobbling anyway since our coil electric has always been crooked. I haven’t had any experience with the customer service yet but, when I have issues with products, calling seems to be best way to resolve things.
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