Rachael Ray Hard Anodized II Nonstick Dishwasher Safe 10-Piece Cookware Set, Orange

Updated review, it ended up disappointing us
UPDATED: See new note at end of the original review.

ORIGINAL REVIEW: This is my first experience with Rachael Ray cookware. When I removed the cookware from the set, I first noticed how light weight it was. I then noticed the attractive orange handles and the beautiful clear lids. It's not high end cookware, but it would be welcome in many or most homes.

I used the skillet to saute tofu and it browned nicely even at a medium heat level. I didn't use any oil in the pan and just let the tofu do its thing. I have also sauteed vegetables using just a touch of water without added oil and it also worked out beautifully.

I heated some almond milk for chai and forgot about it. That could have resulted in quite a mess with some other types of cookware, but it cleaned up quickly and still looked brand new.

What I liked:
* The design is very modern and attractive.
* The glass lids have a sturdy rim that is designed so food will not be...
An excellent, very serviceable set, with a few caveats to consider
WHAT IS IN THE SET
1Qt Saucepan Plus a Tempered Glass Lid
2Qt Saucepan Plus a Tempered Glass Lid
3Qt Sauté pan Plus a Tempered Glass Lid (The lid for this pan also fits the 10 inch Skillet)
6Qt Stockpot Plus a Tempered Glass Lid
8.5-Inch Skillet
10-Inch Skillet
All these items are made from anodized aluminum, with non-stick inner surfaces (discussed later) and have rubber handles.

WHAT I LIKED
This is a very attractive set, with a lot of attractive features. The orange handles go well with the black anodized surfaces and the black non-stick coatings. The handles are riveted on and appear to be quite well attached, and there is a lifetime warrantee if the handles loosen. There are metallic insert holes in the handles so the pans can be hung up and these metallic areas and metallic rivets and non-coated areas of the handles make a nice contrast with the other parts of the pots and pans. The tempered glass lids appear to be...
A very nice set but it could be a little heavier for my tastes
I would like to start this review by acknowledging the fact that I do have fairly expensive tastes when it comes to cookware and favor heavy cooper or stainless steel pots and pans, mostly those made in France. However, since my passion for cooking (and kitchenware) is well known to my friends and family I am often called upon to offer suggestions to others seeking their first set of "grown-up" cookware. When I got the chance to try out this Rachael Ray set I was excited and overall, I have been pleased with it.

The Rachael Ray 10 piece set is very attractive with it's stylish lines and colorful handles. It's hard anodized nonstick surface is far more advanced than those that I used when I was younger that had the tendency to scratch, chip, or peel off. Still, I would not recommend using metal utensils with any nonstick cookware. Except for the two skillets each piece came with a well fitting see-through lid and one of them will fit the larger skillet as well. The 8"...
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Mauviel M'Heritage M250C 6501.21 3-1/2-Quart Saucepan with Lid, Cast Iron Handle

Mauviel - Shiny Finish Hard to Keep Clean, but Evenly Heats
COMPARISON BETWEEN FALK AND MAUVIEL:
Falk and Mauviel are the top two copper cookware competitors, and both manufacture 2.5mm thick copper cookware (but Mauviel does manufacture some lines of cookware with much less copper; see my notes below). Falk only sells directly to the public via their US distributor's website (you can search the web, and find their direct sales online at their website).

I purchased a 1.3qt Mauviel saucepan with lid and a Falk Sauciere 1.4qt with a lid. This was not a scientific test, nor was it a comparison of equals - the sauciere is 7" (almost 7.5") in diameter, and the Mauviel saucepan is deeper and narrower, with a 5.5" diameter. I filled each with 3 cups of cold water, and timed their boil on low heat (warning - high heat will discolor the copper!) on a large gas Jenn-Air cooktop (propane gas). With lids on (but checking frequently after the first 10 minutes), the Falk boiled at 14 minutes and the Mauviel at 14 minutes 30 seconds -...
Best Cookware I've ever worked out with.
I have had several of the Mauviel pans for about 6 months and I am amazed at how nice they are to use. Even heat perfect every time. I was surprised at how easy they are to clean (hand wash obviously) I have no compulsion to shine my copper cookware but I understand the other reviewers preference. Dont mess about with cheap stuff if you like to cook go with the best.
Beautiful piece of workmanship
Solid, extremely well made, top of the line item. Can't be beat, but too pricey to have many of these around. Very heavy, so not suitable for someone with insufficient strength to hoist such a pan round the kitchen.
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Sitram Profiserie Braisier, 24.8-quart

Sitram 8.6 qt Profiserie Braiser
This braiser pot from Sitram is a very good performer. The aluminum disc bottom conducts and holds heat very well. Allows me to work at lower gas settings. The flame gets nowhere near the sides of the pot which is great because it's not fully clad. It your dish turns out lousy it won't be this pot's fault.

There may be better deals available as it's a little pricey and doesn't include the lid. It's a very solid performer in the kitchen though.


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M'heritage Cuprinox Saucepan with Lid Size: 1.9-qt.

Mauviel or Falk Culinair? See below!
First off, Amazon has incorrectly listed this pot as "1.2 quarts"- when the pot arrived, the Mauviel original box and stickers state that it is "1.2 LITERS, 1.3 Quarts."

COMPARISON TEST BETWEEN FALK AND MAUVIEL:
Falk and Mauviel are the top two copper cookware competitors, and both manufacturer 2.5mm thick copper cookware (but Mauviel does manufacturer some lines of cookware with much less copper; see my notes below). Falk only sells directly to the public (you can search the web, and find their direct sales online at their website). I purchased this 1.3qt Mauviel saucepan with lid and a Falk Sauciere 1.4qt with a lid. This was not a scientific test, nor was it a comparison of equals - the sauciere is 7" (almost 7.5") in diameter, and the Mauviel saucepan is deeper and narrower, with a 5.5" diameter. I filled each with 3 cups of cold water, and timed their boil on low heat (high heat will discolor the copper!) on a large gas Jenn-Air cooktop (propane gas). With lids...

I am in love with this pan!
This pan is perfect in every way.

I bought it to cook for two, especially to cook rice and grits in small portions, and it is the best pan I have ever used for this. You do have to learn to adjust your heat properly. I have to turn my burner down below low after it boils.

Polishing it is not a problem at all. I just sprinkle on some Copper Glo, polish, rinse, and dry. Very easy. (You do have to wash it by hand, though.)

AND, it's so beautiful, it just gives me a thrill to look at it and handle it.

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Mauviel M'cook 5613.28 11 Inch Round Frying Pan with Cast Iron Handle

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Mauviel M'Cook cookware
This cookware is pretty awesome. Is very consistent in its performance and beautiful to handle. I was looking for high end cookware and spoke to a number of "foodies and chefs" and they all recommended this line. I could not afford the copper plus the upkeep seems to be a bit intensive but this SS line is great. No hotspots, all pieces are oven safe and easy to clean if you use as directed. I cook 4-6 days a week and am a budding gourmet cook, not a chef. Have been extremely happy with this line. KH Wilmington, DE


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Demeyere Atlantis 5.3 Quart Deep Stockpot with Lid

Just what I wanted.
This pot is made with heavy guage stainless. The welded handles are secure. Heats evenly and quickly; cooks at low temps with minimal water, just as the instruction booklet said. It's as pretty as it is functional.

Perfect Stock Pot and Steamer set!
We use this pot regularly to bake beans, as well as to steam meals using the stackable steamer insert (two of them) that can be purchases separately. This line of cookware is the very best I've ever used. It cooks evenly and easily cleans up. It is heavy, yet that's the only downside for all that functionality!



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BOURGEAT COPPER CASSEROLE WITHOUT LID 7 7/8"

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Bourgeat Casserole 7.75" pan
I have owned this pan for about 4 years and it is the most used pan in our kitchen.

It has been used to cook many of the meals it is designed for and others such as risottos. I've discovered it can cook other foods that some say you can't in such a pan. Yes folks, I have cooked a great fillet steak and a tuna steak in this fabulous work horse! Just quietly ;-) it will also do a good stir fry if you are careful.

As a casserole, it is so good, I don't bother using my Le Creuset anymore. In fact, I hardly use the oven to cook stews or casseroles thanks to this pan, it's that good.

Cooking with copper is like driving a car, it responds to changes on the cook stove heat like a car does to the accelerator.

Cleaning up is easy and handling thanks to it's two handles, is a breeze.

If I was forced to use just one pan, this would be my choice.

Highly recommended!


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