If you don’t have time to read the entire article, the Tfal Ultimate Hard Anodized 17 Piece Cookware Set is a perfect choice for a quality, comprehensive cookware set for your home. If a 12-piece set is more your speed, I’d recommend the Rachael Ray Cucina Cookware Set.
For years, I struggled to find the perfect cookware set for my kitchen. Everywhere I looked, I saw pots and pans that met some but not all of my needs. Stainless steel cookware proved hard to clean. Cast iron comes with a complex care routine. But had I known about the Tfal Ultimate Hard Anodized cookware set earlier, I could have saved myself a lot of time and effort. So, I thought I’d offer you a Tfal ceramic cookware review.
What to Consider Before Buying a Nonstick Cookware Set
There is a lot to consider when buying any kitchen tool or appliance. Nonstick cookware is no different.
For a while, chefs looked down on nonstick cookware. They focused on the main disadvantages of these products, not the advantages.
The main complaints are that the nonstick ceramic coating gets damaged easily and doesn’t hold up under extreme temperatures. Some go as far as to claim that the nonstick surface is harmful to human health.
Despite these claims, there are clear advantages to nonstick cookware as well. Likewise, I have noticed great improvements in them in recent years.
The main benefit of nonstick cookware is convenience. It is simply easier to cook with and clean after use. Compared to other options, they also prove to be far more affordable.
Non-stick coatings also make it less likely that your food will stick or burn, the need for cooking oil. This makes cooking easy for the novice and the experienced chef alike.
Still, some chefs swear by more traditional cookware options. Materials like cast iron are extremely durable and tolerate high heat, whether on the stovetop or in the oven. Stainless steel cookware conducts and distributes heat well and is extremely durable.
These cookware options are great for experienced chefs who care about making the highest quality dishes and are willing to do more cleaning and care to achieve that. Although most home cooks also care about quality, in the real world, convenience and efficiency are also important. When considering nonstick cookware, ask yourself these questions:
- Do you want an easy cooking experience?
- Do you want to ensure food does not stick to your cookware?
- Do you want a quick and easy cleanup process?
If you answered yes to those questions, nonstick is the way to go.
Tfal Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set
This Tfal Ultimate Nonstick Cookware Set is a comprehensive 17-piece collection. The volume of items in the set gives a cook plenty of options as they prepare their meals. The set includes the following:
- 5 qt. Dutch oven with lid
- 3 qt. Saucepan with lid
- 2 qt. Saucepan with lid
- 1 qt. Saucepan with lid
- 3 ½ qt. deep saute pan with lid
- 11 ½ in. Frypan with lid
- 10 in. Frypan
- 8 in. Frypan
- 10 ¼ in. Square griddle
- One egg wonder pan
- 3 qt. Steamer insert
Each piece is great for everyday use and has a non-toxic, nonstick coating that makes them safe and a pleasure to use. They are also reasonably durable compared to other nonstick sets.
In general, this set is a fantastic option for amateur cooks who need to build their kitchen tool set. The Tfal collection will get you started with a well-rounded set of essential cookware. Wondering where you’ll put all of your new pots and pans? Check out our guide, How to Organize Your Kitchen Like a Pro.
Pros
Cons
Features and Benefits of the Tfal Cookware Set
This set comes with plenty of features and associated benefits. Understanding these benefits is important when choosing the right cookware.
Several Essential Cookware Pieces
There is a common frustration that plenty of other cooks and I experience. The issue comes from having a recipe in mind but not having the right size pot or pan to create it.
With this Tfal cookware set, this is no longer a problem. It includes multiple frying pans, saucepans, and other helpful pieces. This set is a great way for beginner chefs to add fundamental cooking pieces to their kitchen. It also lets them experiment with different sizes to see what works best.
Having options like this opens up more cooking possibilities. With this Tfal set, your meal options will no longer be limited by your cookware. Instead, you will be ready to take on any recipe you choose.
Long-Lasting Nonstick Coating
The defining feature of this Tfal cookware set is that it is nonstick. A unique, nonstick coating covers the surface of each piece in the set.
Functionally, this coating lets food slide easily on the surface of your pot or pan. This leads to less stuck-on food that is hard to remove. Nonstick coatings like these simplify your cooking experience.
Some are wary to use nonstick cookware for fear of toxins. But with this set, toxins are not an issue. The special titanium-reinforced coating is lead, cadmium, and PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid) free. That means that you can be confident that your cookware is not harming your health.
Non-Warping Material
Cheap materials come at a lower price but don’t tend to last as long. With nonstick pans, one common issue is warping.
When placed in cold water immediately after cooking, a pan can warp. The extreme temperature change can affect the integrity of a pan’s material. A warped pan does not sit flat and becomes much harder to use.
The Tfal set uses anti-warping materials. With such materials, each piece is more likely to maintain its shape over the years.
Even Heating
Cast iron proponents claim that their pans have the evenest heat. But the Tfal nonstick cookware set is giving them some competition.
Tfal makes cookware pieces that heat evenly. With even heat, you can be sure that your food is cooking evenly as well. This is especially important when searing meats.
Heat Indicator
How can you know that your pan has heated evenly? With the Tfal nonstick cookware set there is no guessing.
Each piece comes with a heat indicator. This red circle is visible in the middle part of each piece. The circle will glow when the pan is evenly heated.
This kind of feedback can help you cook more effectively and boost the longevity of your cookware. Without this indicator, you run the risk of overheating your pan. When a pan overheats with no food in it, its lifespan is reduced.
Ergonomic Handles
Though not the first factor to come to mind, the way you hold a pan dramatically affects your experience in using it. Each piece in the Tfal nonstick cookware set has a riveted handle.
This brings a level of stability to these products. A silicone covering on each handle adds comfort. Overall, the handles are sturdy and fit comfortably in your hand. This subtle detail can go a long way towards your cooking enjoyment.
Vented Lids
Some recipes call for trapping heat and moisture in your pot or pan. In this case, a quality lid becomes a critical component.
The pieces in this Tfal cookware set come with vented, tempered glass lids. The lids trap heat effectively while the vents keep moisture at just the right level for perfect results.
The fact that these lids are glass is also a benefit, as you can monitor your cooking even when your food is covered.
Adaptability to Stovetop and Oven
Adaptability is another key aspect of a cookware set. Any chef knows that some recipes call for putting pans in the oven, as well as, on the stovetop.
Nonstick detractors are quick to point out that many nonstick products can’t support this heat source change. This is not the case for the Tfal set.
This cookware is suitable for any stovetop other than induction stovetops (for induction cookware read Best Induction Cookware). It can also go in the oven at temperatures up to 400°F, further adding to your flexibility as you cook.
Dishwasher Safe
After cooking is complete, you need to make sure you can adequately clean your cookware. Cleaning and care are two of the most influential factors in the lifespan of nonstick cookware.
The Tfal nonstick cookware set simplifies the cleaning process. While I always suggest it is best to clean by hand with a nylon sponge or paper towel, Tfal claims this cookware is dishwasher safe. After a busy day, it’s nice to know that you can skip the washing and scrubbing. Just put everything in the dishwasher and relax.
Lifetime Warranty
You can be confident in your purchase of a Tfal nonstick cookware set. This product comes with a limited lifetime warranty. So, if you have any issues with your set, just contact the manufacturer. There is a good chance they will provide a replacement, just don’t forget to keep the box and paperwork.
What Others Have Said About the Tfal Cookware Set
As a prospective buyer, it is natural to want to know more than just a list of features. You’re likely more concerned with what others think about using the product.
Fortunately, the Tfal cookware set has a solid track record among owners of the product. These people have cooked many meals with these sets, sometimes for years.
Here is what some of these experienced owners had to say about the Tfal cookware set:
“This is the best nonstick cookware you are going to find under the $700 price point and maybe even at all.” – A. Dorman
“Great product overall. I am very happy with the quality and so far the nonstick feature is working phenomenally.” – Bralyee10
“I love these pans. I’ve had them now for 6 months, use them almost daily, and they look like they just came out of the box.” – Andy Z
In most cases, the Tfal cookware set is said to be affordable, reliable, and long-lasting. Owners indicate that proper care is what makes this cookware set perform well over the years.
Alternatives to the Tfal Cookware Set
The Tfal nonstick cookware set is a great option for the average cook. But don’t feel that they’re are the only game in town. The fact is, there are plenty of great alternatives to the Tfal set. Here are three of my favorites.
Rachael Ray Cucina Nonstick Cookware Set
The Racheal Ray Cucina Nonstick Cookware Set is one of the most popular on the market. This set has a porcelain exterior that makes it’s surface tough and attractive. This set also comes at a reasonable price. Here is how this set looks against the featured Tfal set:
- Porcelain gives improved scratch resistance
- Comes in a variety of colors
- Similar oven capabilities
- Fewer pieces (12 vs 17)
Check out this sturdy cookware set here.
Circulon Acclaim Hard-Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set
This cookware set comes at a higher price because it uses top-of-the-line materials. These include a PFOA-free coating and shatter-proof glass. Both of these features increase both price and safety when cooking. Here is a breakdown of the Circulon Acclaim Cookware set compared to the Tfal set:
- Similar construction to Tfal
- Advanced nonstick material is safe for metal utensils
- Fewer pieces (13 vs 17) for the money
Want a nonstick cookware set with the highest quality materials, check it out here.
Tfal Signature Nonstick Dishwasher Safe Cookware Set
This alternative Tfal set is similar to the featured Tfal set but with fewer pieces at a lower price. It might make a great starter set for people on a budget.
One minor downside, this set can’t tolerate the same level of heat. The featured set tolerates oven temperatures up to 400°F. This set only goes to 350°F. Here is an overview of this Tfal set versus the featured one:
- Few pieces (12 vs 17) at a lower price
- Lower heat rating
- Includes 3 utensils but far fewer pots/pans.
If you want nonstick cookware set at a budget price, give this product a try.
Conclusion
Nonstick cookware lets you cook with ease while avoiding stubborn messes. Nonstick pots, pans, skillets, and more also offer versatility as you can put them on the stovetop or in the oven.
This stylish Tfal Ultimate Hard Anodized Cookware Set offers you these great benefits at an affordable price. It also comes with plenty of pieces to support different kinds of recipes. Regardless of what you cook, this set ensures that your food won’t end up stuck to the cooking surface. A pleasure to use, attractive, and at an affordable price make this cookware a winner. One of my favorites.
To take a look at this product and learn more about it, click here.
