Do you ever find yourself stuck between two products? One product looks as though it will serve all of your needs, but the other product has additional features that could help you out a lot! We have all been there. Today we’re discussing Cuisinart pots and pans review.
Many homemakers and households struggle to find the perfect cookware set for their kitchen and families. This article is for the following: those who love Cuisinart, those who need a reliable cookware set, and those who have a decision to make.
Cuisinart Background
For those who do not know, Cuisinart is a cookware company that manufactures many things. Cuisinart is typically known for its kitchen appliances. After witnessing a food processor-like appliance showing in France, Carl Sontheimer decided to create something similar for America.
In 1973, Carl Sontheimer first introduced the food processor to America. The food processor was exhibited at the National Housewares Exposition in Chicago. After displaying their food processor to America, Cuisinart began its kitchen and culinary journey.
After many years of producing successful kitchen appliances, gadgets, and cookware, Cuisinart decided to embrace the trend of ceramics. It was in 2008 that Cuisinart introduced its first line of eco-friendly cookware.
The Cuisinart GG-12 GreenGourmet Hard-Anodized Nonstick 12-piece Cookware Set and the Cuisinart Advantage Ceramica XT Cookware Set are two more popular ceramic cookware sets by Cuisinart. These two sets are similar yet with distinct differences.
Keep reading to learn which Cuisinart Ceramic Cookware Set is for you! Lets dig in to the Cuisinart pots and pans review.
Cuisinart GG-12 GreenGourmet Hard-Anodized Nonstick 12-Piece Cookware Set
Cookware Pieces
The Cuisinart GG-12 GreenGourmet Hard-Anodized Nonstick 12-Piece Cookware consists of twelve pieces. The following cookware pieces are included in this Cuisinart set:
- 8-inch Skillet
- 10-inch Deep Fry with Lid
- 5-quart Saucepan with Lid
- 5-quart Saucepan with Lid
- 3-quart Everyday Pan with Lid
- 6-quart Dutch Oven with Lid
- Steamer Insert
The Basics – Is Cuisinart Hard Anodized cookware PFOA free?
The Cuisinart GG-12 GreenGourmet Hard-Anodized Nonstick 12-Piece Cookware is made with a ceramic-based, non-stick glaze. The ceramic material is what gives this set its “eco-friendly” title. Ceramic is more eco-friendly because of its production and ingredients.
Manufacturing ceramic cookware requires less energy and resources. Many companies use ceramic material for their cookware because it is better for the environment.
Ceramics are also more eco-friendly because of their materials. Other non-ceramic cookware pieces contain unnatural ingredients. Teflon, at one point, was a hazardous pan to use. The properties that make Teflon non-stick can be carcinogenic.
When heated to a certain temperature, these non-ceramic pans released dangerous fumes into the air. There were many illnesses and serious diseases that were linked back to this cookware material.
By using ceramic cookware, companies relinquish liability for serious sickness. The Cuisinart GG-12 GreenGourmet Hard-Anodized Nonstick 12-Piece Cookware Set is free of the following materials:
- PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid)
- PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene)
- Lead
- Cadmium
The ceramic interior of the Cuisinart GG-12 GreenGourmet Hard-Anodized Nonstick 12-Piece Cookware Set provides more than just peace of mind, it also provides a non-stick surface and a heat conductor.
The interior of the Cuisinart GG-12 GreenGourmet Hard-Anodized Nonstick 12-Piece Cookware Set is non-stick because of the ceramic material. The non-stick coating means fewer fats and oils while cooking, which is a bonus for those looking to cut out calories.
The ceramic surface is also a great conductor of heat; the Cuisinart ceramic pots and pans heat up quickly and effectively. The pots and pans of this set also distribute the heat evenly throughout the cookware. According to Cuisinart, the Cuisinart GG-12 GreenGourmet Cookware Set takes less energy to reach high temperatures.
Those who do not enjoy hand washing dishes, may not benefit from this cookware set. Due to the ceramic material, the items in the Cuisinart GG-12 GreenGourmet Cookware Set are not dishwasher-safe. Customers are instructed to hand wash with warm water and soft scrubbing agents.
Additional Features
There is more to the Cuisinart GG-12 GreenGourmet Hard-Anodized Nonstick 12-Piece Cookware Set than just the basics. This 12 piece ceramic cookware set is manufactured with recycled products.
Handles for these Cuisinart pots and pans are made from 70% recycled stainless steel. Riveted to the cookware in a T-formation, these stainless steel handles are guaranteed to stay cool while you are cooking.
The handles allow customers to use their pots and pans in the oven. This Cuisinart ceramic cookware is oven safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and it is also broiler safe.
Reviews
If you buy your Cuisinart GG-12 GreenGourmet Hard-Anodized Nonstick 12-Piece Cookware Set from Amazon, you will see a multitude of reviews. This Cuisinart set has an average review of 4.6 / 5 with 986 reviewers.
The following statements are 5-star reviews from satisfied customers:
“This set has the basics, and you can find what is included in the product description. I like how quickly they heat, the lids (solid and fit multiple items), and the easy-to-hold handles. A good pan certainly makes a difference in the food you are eating. I definitely recommend this product.”
“I can’t say enough good things about these pans. They’re sturdy, they look nice. They distribute heat well and they clean like a dream. It’s cookware so it’s going to get scratched but I’ve done my best to avoid that and they look great.”
“These pans get VERY evenly on our radiant stovetop. All pans feature a considerable lip, to ensure contents are easily poured into the intended container, and not down the side of the pan. The handles are quite sturdy. The lids are great. The handles stay rather cool. Pans are sized such that you can easily avoid stacking them inside each other, risking damage to the coating. I suggest using a soft lu-er such as felt, if stacking is unavoidable.”
Most customers find their enjoyment out of their cookware set; however, they each have something in common. Many customers commented on the heating capabilities, cleaning and sturdiness.
According to the five-star reviews, the Cuisinart GG-12 GreenGourmet Hard-Anodized Nonstick 12-Piece Cookware Set heats quickly and evenly. Quick and uniform heating is a must for those who spend copious amounts of time in the kitchen and for those who need to whip something up with little thought.
Similarly, many five-star reviews speak of high-quality design functions. High-quality design functions refer to sturdy handles, versatile lids, and a lip around the pots and pans. The distinguished lip makes pouring sauces, grease, and meals easier. The sturdy handles allow customers to grip confidently and maneuver their cookware smoothly.
Despite many five-star reviews, the Cuisinart GG-12 GreenGourmet Hard-Anodized Nonstick 12-Piece Cookware Set has multiple one-star reviews as well. The following statements are one-star reviews from customers:
“Don’t buy this cookware unless you read ALL product information. Only had this a little over a month and the outside of the pans look awful! Yes I put it in the dishwasher….who makes cookware that you can’t put in the dishwasher!? Cuisinart….that’s who. Cooks great, just remember, don’t put it in the dishwasher, you just wash by hand. I paid a lot of money for something that looks ruined.”
“I never used the pans in the oven, never put them in the dishwasher, only hand washed them with sponges, only used silicone utensils, etc. And in the first few weeks, the nonstick was great. I could cook eggs with no coating what so ever. After a couple of months, however, that completely went away, and now everything sticks.”
“Within weeks the small fry pan was no longer non-stick and became very hard to clean. Cuisinart provided a replacement. The same thing happened. I purchased separately a large fry pan. The same thing happened with that one. It became difficult to clean. I am so disappointed.”
The biggest downside, according to the reviews, is the handwashing and dishwasher capabilities. This Cuisinart set requires customers to handwash their items. The high temperature of the stovetop and the dishwasher can harm ceramic cookware. High temperatures damage the non-stick surface making it hard to clean and cook.
Cuisinart Advantage Ceramica XT Cookware Set
Cookware Pieces
The second set we will look at in this Cuisinart pots and pans review is the Cuisinart Advantage Ceramica XT Cookware Set. It has a total of eleven pieces of cookware. The following items are included in the Cuisinart Advantage Ceramica XT Cookware Set:
- 5-quart Sauce Pan with Lid
- 3-quart Sauce Pan with Lid
- 6-quart Stockpot with Lid
- 8 -inch Skillet
- 10-inch Skillet
- 18-centimeter Steamer Insert
The Basics – What is Cuisinart Ceramica made of?
The Cuisinart Advantage Ceramica XT Cookware Set is created with a ceramic and titanium-reinforced non-stick glaze. Is Cuisinart ceramic cookware safe? Similar to the Cuisinart GG-12 GreenGourmet Hard-Anodized Nonstick 12-Piece Cookware Set, this ceramic cookware is free of the following toxins:
- PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene)
- PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid)
- PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid)
- Lead
- Cadmium
Cuisinart assures its customers that this unique blend of ceramics and titanium will prevent staining and discoloration. Not only will there be no staining and discoloration, but the surface also makes for easy cooking.
The combination of ceramics and titanium enhances the non-stick feature of this 11-piece cookware set. While the exterior coating is designed to strengthen the non-stickiness quality of the pots and pans, the interior is also helpful.
The Cuisinart Advantage Ceramica XT Cookware Set is made with an aluminum core. Aluminum is known for its heating capabilities, durability, and lightweight. The aluminum core allows these Cuisinart pots and pans to heat up at a fast pace.
Additional Features
Outside of the basic features, the Cuisinart Advantage Ceramica XT Cookware Set has many added features that benefit novice and professional chefs everywhere.
The handles on these Cuisinart pots and pans have silicone wrapping for the customer’s safety. The silicone handles to prevent burning and injury. These silicone handles stay cool as customers are cooking.
Even with silicone handles, customers will be happy to know that the Cuisinart Advantage Ceramica XT Cookware Set is oven-safe up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, the tempered glass is also oven-safe. Tempered glass is much safer to use in the kitchen than other glass. Tempered glass is manufactured to reduce the chance of injury.
Reviews
This is a Cuisinart pots and pans review after all. Lets look at some real reviews. According to Amazon, the Cuisinart Advantage Ceramica XT Cookware Set has an average review of 4.6/5 with 2,699 reviewers. The following statements are 5-star reviews for these Cuisinart pots and pans:
“Best set of pots and pans! The ceramic coating makes it very easy to clean. They look amazing. I highly recommend.”
“This is the only set of pots and pans I ever owned that are friendly with an electric stove. They heat up quickly but also cool very well when the heat is reduced. That for me was the deal clincher. You don’t have to worry about things burning and definitely not sticking. Clean up is a breeze with anything you cooked. The handles are strong and comfortable. The lids are excellent. The whole set is excellent, a great value for the money. If you like to cook you will love these”
“This set looks great hanging from our ceiling pot hanger but better than the decorative angle, these pots and pans cook very well and the clean up is super easy. I just wish some manufacturer would figure out a way to keep the scrambled eggs from sticking in the depression made by the handle rivets. But I must admit that even that little inconvenience is more easily cleaned with this set over others I have tried. Definitely a thumbs up.”
Most of the positive reviews focus on easy clean-up and stylish design. Many customers love the way that the Cuisinart Advantage Ceramica XT Cookware Set looks in their kitchen. Several customers purposely display their Cuisinart because they enjoy their pleasing appearance.
The combination of ceramics and titanium also proves to be helpful after the cooking is finished. Many customers enjoy how easy the clean-up is with this Cuisinart set.
The following statements are from dissatisfied customers with a one-star review for the Cuisinart Advantage Ceramica XT Cookware Set:
“These are supposed to be nonstick? No matter what we cook – eggs, chicken, cod, or flounder – whether we use a little butter or nothing (never a cooking oil spray) the food sticks to the pan. We purchased these six months ago, tried to give them the benefit of the doubt, but they consistently require fairly vigorous scrubbing to clean them because they are not nonstick.”
I had previously had a set of Cuisinart brand stainless steel pots and pans. They were wonderful. I bought this non stick set to add to my collection. Unfortunately these are the worst pots and pans I’ve ever purchased. Even on the stoves lowest setting you cannot scramble or fry and eggs (1 example) without a horrible sticky mess that you have to scrape off. I unfortunately do not recommend this item.”
“Everything I’ve tried cooking with sticks to these pots (tried with and without cooking spray/butter/olive oil). I cook with only plastic/wooden utensils to prevent scratches that may make food more likely to stick. This set stains so easily. On several occasions, I have spent an hour or more trying to rub off with my finger (as to not damage the “nonstick” coating) the stains from regular cooking (as we speak I’m trying to soak the bigger pan to get it clean).”
The biggest downside of the Cuisinart Advantage Ceramica XT Cookware Set is the nonstick coating and its versatility. While Cuisinart claims that this product is exceptional slick cookware, some customers do not agree. When it comes to ceramics, users must rely on low to medium heat settings for cooking. When cooking on high heat, the non-stickiness may go away.
Similarities and Differences
Similarities
The Cuisinart GG-12 GreenGourmet Hard-Anodized Nonstick 12-Piece Cookware Set and the Cuisinart Advantage Ceramica XT Cookware Set do their best to be environmentally friendly.
Cuisinart strives to use recycled packaging and ceramics for an environmental impact. They also use recycled stainless steel for their products. Both Cuisinart Sets do not include harmful toxins in their ceramic cookware.
Many of the basic features remain the same when comparing these two Cuisinart Cookware Sets. Both sets use ceramics, and they both include saucepans, skillets, added lids/covers, and steamer inserts.
Differences
The Cuisinart GG-12 GreenGourmet Hard-Anodized Nonstick 12-Piece Cookware Set and the Cuisinart Advantage Ceramica XT Cookware Set have many basic features in common; however, they differ in other ways.
The Cuisinart GG-12 GreenGourmet Hard-Anodized Nonstick 12-Piece Cookware Set offers only one color: gray/stainless steel. The Cuisinart Advantage Ceramica XT Cookware Set offers two colors: gray and red.
The heating capabilities also differ. The Cuisinart GG-12 GreenGourmet Hard-Anodized Nonstick 12-Piece Cookware Set is oven-safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and the Cuisinart Advantage Ceramica XT Cookware Set is only oven-safe up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Each cookware set has distinct cookware pieces. The Cuisinart GG-12 GreenGourmet Hard-Anodized Nonstick 12-Piece Cookware Set has a dutch oven and deep-frying skillet. And the Cuisinart Advantage Ceramica XT Cookware Set has the drip-free pouring feature on all of its pots and pans.
In Summary
It can honestly be written that Cuisinart continues to produce new cookware for every family’s kitchen. They dedicate themselves to innovation and culinary education. And although we only took a look at two sets in this Cuisinart pots and pans review, we like them all.
The Cuisinart GG-12 GreenGourmet Hard-Anodized Nonstick 12-Piece Cookware Set is ideal for those that require a dutch oven, deep frying pan, or a higher oven-safe temperature.
The Cuisinart Advantage Ceramica XT Cookware Set is more applicable for those who are looking for stylish options, multiple saucepans, and a durable aluminum core.
Whether you are seeking to buy a non-stick cookware set or a durable cookware set, Cuisinart strives to meet your needs.
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