If you love cooking with ceramic-coated cookware, Calphalon is your brand. There are so many choices, and this can make it difficult to decide which is best. So, let’s talk about Calphalon Elite vs Premier!
- Included with set: 8-inch fry pan, 10-inch fry pan, 2.5-quart sauce pan with cover, 3.5-quart sauce pan with cover, 3-quart saute pan with cover, 6-quart stock pot with cover
- Stacks smaller and nests in any order, saving up to 30% more space
- Built to last, with 40% longer-lasting nonstick (vs. Calphalon Classic)
- Metal-utensil-safe, with a durable, 3-layer, hard-anodized aluminum interior
- Flat tempered glass covers save space when stacked
- Effortless Nonstick Interior: 1.5x more durable than Calphalon Classic, guarantees effortless food release
- Quality Construction: Heavy-gauge hard-anodized aluminum heats evenly ensuring precision cooking
- Oven-Safe: Safe to use in oven up to 500 degrees F for versatile heating and cooking
- Safe Usage: Metal-utensil-safe, PFOA-free, with a durable 3-layer nonstick interior
- Stay-Cool Handles: Stainless steel handles remain cool on the stovetop for safer handling
While both of their non-stick sets are comparable in price and performance, there are a few things you should consider when choosing between the Calphalon Elite and Calphalon Premier lines of cookware. We’ll go over what makes each set so similar and unique, so you can make an informed decision on which set to buy.
A Brief About the Calphalon Brand
Calphalon is a high-quality brand of cookware. The company was founded in the United States in 1995 and is currently owned by Newell Brands.
Calphalon cookware is made out of aluminum with an anodized coating, which makes it non-stick and easy to clean. Their cookware includes pots, pans, woks, grills, sauté pans, and more. They also sell special utensils for cooking such as tongs and spatulas that are made from silicone. The utensils have soft edges, so they won’t scratch your pots or pans when you’re using them!
What is Calphalon Elite?
Calphalon Elite cookware is a line of stainless steel cookware made by the renowned cookware company Calphalon. The cookware was created to be used with all types of stoves and ovens, including induction.
Calphalon Elite is made in China, which is actually a bonus! China has stringent quality control standards for food and cooking equipment, so you can rest assured that your Calphalon Elite cookware is safe to use.
The Calphalon Elite line includes pots and pans in different sizes, woks, griddles, bakeware, and more. Some of these pieces are dishwasher safe, but some cannot be put in the dishwasher. If you’re looking for high-quality stainless steel cooking tools at an affordable price point, then Calphalon Elite should definitely be on your radar!
What is Calphalon Premier?
Calphalon Premier is a line of stainless steel cookware that’s made in the USA. The company was founded in 1995 and has two manufacturing facilities in Ohio, with a third opening later.
Calphalon Premier is designed to provide the flavor, durability, and ease of use of professional-grade cookware at an affordable price point. The brand specializes in nonstick cookware, which they say heats up quickly and evenly compared to traditional metal pans. It also helps make cleaning easier because food doesn’t stick as much to the surface as it does with regular cookware.
This line has been designed specifically for use on electric stoves because it includes an induction base that allows it to work with any kind of heating element without causing damage to either surface or food product being cooked within it.
Comparison Between Calphalon Elite vs Premier
Construction:
The first thing to look at when comparing cookware sets is their construction. You want high-quality materials that will last you a lifetime and can withstand high heat, so you can use them for years without having to replace them. Calphalon Premier has a hard-anodized aluminum interior with stainless steel exterior and riveted handles, while Calphalon Elite has an aluminum core with DuPont Autograph nonstick coating on the exterior.
Materials:
Calphalon Elite’s material is more durable than Calphalon Premier’s material because it is made from an aluminum core with DuPont Autograph nonstick coating on the exterior. From a weight to strength ratio, aluminum is stronger than stainless steel, and since it will not rust or chip like stainless steel does over time. This means that your pans will last longer and won’t need as much maintenance as those made with stainless steel do!
Surface:
The second difference between these two sets of cookware is the surface. The Calphalon Premier set has a non-stick surface, while the Calphalon Elite does not. A non-stick surface makes it easier to clean dishes because food won’t stick to the pan, making cleaning more difficult. However, over time this might wear out and tear off, requiring you to replace your cookware earlier than expected. Also, metal utensils can scratch the nonstick coating if used too roughly on pans with this type of coating so keep that in mind when cooking with metal spoons or knives if you choose this type of set!
Lids:
Both skillets come with lids that are oven safe up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, but the Elite’s lid has a glass window so you can see what’s going on inside your pan without opening it up (great for when you’re checking on food without letting out heat). The Premier’s lid is solid so that it can be used as a frying pan or griddle (the glass window allows steam to escape so that food comes out crispy on both sides).
Durability:
Both lines are made from hard-anodized aluminum, which is fairly durable and non-reactive with acidic foods like tomatoes or citrus juice (though not as durable as stainless steel). However, the Premier line uses a thicker bottom layer of aluminum than does the Elite line. This helps to distribute heat evenly throughout all parts of your pan so nothing burns on one side while remaining cold on another.
Oven Safe Temperature:
Calphalon Premier is oven safe up to 450 degrees F, while Calphalon Elite can withstand oven heat of up to 500 degrees F. It’s important to note that this does not mean that you can use your Calphalon Premier pans in the broiler – they will warp if exposed to high heat from above or too close. Calphalon Elite, on the other hand, is safe for use in your broiler, though it’s recommended to use silicone or oven mitts when doing so. After all, these handy tools will protect both you and your pans.
Cleaning and Care:
Both Calphalon Elite vs Premier are dishwasher safe. Since these appliances have a stainless-steel interior and an aluminum exterior, cleaning is usually fairly easy. However, the nonstick surface is better suited for handwashing gently to ensure to damage to the coating!
Size and Weight:
The size of each piece within both sets is similar when compared to other brands like Cuisinart or KitchenAid but they differ slightly when compared to each other.
Each set weighs about 5 pounds which makes them lightweight enough for someone who wants something portable yet sturdy enough to last long-term use if cared for properly (i.e., cleaning by hand).
Performance:
When it comes to performance, there’s no comparison between these two collections. Calphalon Elite has been trusted by professional chefs for years because of its durability and heat retention that’s perfect for searing meat or cooking at high temperatures with less chance of burning. It can also be used in the oven up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius).
Meanwhile, Calphalon Premier is perfect for those who love cooking with gas or electric stoves but need a pan that can withstand extreme heat. This line has an extra-thick aluminum core that’s resistant to warping even when heated up over 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius).
Handles:
The handles on the Calphalon Elite are stainless steel, while the handles on the Calphalon Premier are made from cast aluminum. On both lines they are riveted to the pan surface, which makes them more durable than if they were attached with screws. The handles also have an ergonomic design so they’re comfortable to hold and easy to grip.
Both of these materials are durable and heat-resistant, but stainless steel is more durable than cast aluminum. The handle material is something to consider if you plan on using your pots and pans regularly and want them to last a long time.
Exterior:
They both feature stainless steel exteriors and durable nonstick interiors.
The main difference between the two collections is in their exterior design. The Calphalon Elite line features a sleek, minimalist look with squared-off edges and a simple handle design. In comparison, the Calphalon Premier collection has a more elaborate shape with rounded corners and a more ornate handle design. They’re both beautiful pieces—we just think it depends on whether you want something sleek and modern or something with more personality!
Price:
The Calphalon Elite line is the more expensive collection. It has a brushed stainless steel exterior and an interior that resists scratches and stains, which makes it great for everyday use. The pans are made from hard-anodized aluminum, and they have a nonstick interior finish that makes them easy to clean.
The Calphalon Premier line is less expensive than the Calphalon Elite line, but it still has a lot to offer. These pans are made from hard-anodized aluminum with a stainless steel exterior coating. They have a nonstick interior finish that makes them easy to clean, just like the Calphalon Elite line.
What is the Non-Stick Coating on Calphalon?
The non-stick coating on Calphalon is a proprietary ceramic coating that prevents food from sticking to the pan. The non-stick coating on Calphalon cookware is applied to the exterior of the pan with a special machine, which then heats the surface so that the polymer can bond with it. This process ensures that there are no gaps between the coating and the pan itself.
The Calphalon Elite line has an additional layer of stainless steel that protects the ceramic layer from scratches and corrosion. This provides extra protection against rusting or pitting, helping your pans last longer.
Are the Calphalon Pans Bad for Your Health?
Calphalon is a brand of cookware that has been used by professional chefs for decades. It can be found in many kitchens throughout the world. However, some people are concerned about the safety of Calphalon cookware, especially when it comes to cooking with non-stick surfaces.
There’s no reason to be though! Calphalon Premier and Calphalon Elite nonstick pans are some of the safest nonstick cookware you can buy. They’re made with an FDA-approved coating that’s free from PFOA, PFOS, and PTFE (a.k.a. Teflon). That means that the chemicals that come off these pans during use are not harmful to your health.
If we talk about what makes a nonstick pan safe in general: it’s all about the heat!
Never use a nonstick pan over high heat. When you do that, the coating starts to break down and release those harmful chemicals into your food—which is why it’s so important to always use low or medium heat when cooking with nonstick cookware.
How Long do Calphalon Elite and Calphalon Premier Appliances Last?
Calphalon Elite and Calphalon Premier Cookware are built to last.
Calphalon Elite is made with hard-anodized aluminum that distributes heat evenly, and the nonstick surface makes it easy to clean. This cookware is also oven-safe up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can use it in the oven and on the stovetop.
Calphalon Premier has anodized aluminum construction that distributes heat evenly and heats quickly. It’s dishwasher safe, but hand washing is recommended for optimal results.
Final Thoughts:
When it comes to buying cookware, there are a lot of options out there. If you’re looking for a quality set that will last you for years to come, the Calphalon Elite vs Premier Sets are two of the best on the market.
As you can see, there are several similarities between Calphalon Elite vs Premier. They share a lot of the same features but they do differ in some ways as well. These differences may help you decide which one is better for your needs and preferences when shopping for nonstick pans. No matter which one you choose, though, both are excellent choices if you’re looking for new pots and pans.
