Comments on: T-Fal Elegance Stainless-Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set

By: P. Doughty

P. Doughty — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 21:35:54 +0000

I have tried many expensive cookware sets over the years and had to return them. I bought the large fry pan at another store and it worked out great. I then went to Amazon.com and found the entire set for under $100 and free shipping. I keep the burner on medium and no sticking. The cleanup is so easy and fast. Be sure to use a little cooking oil as to be expected with this type of pan. I was looking for quality that would last and these are that quality. Thanks again Amazon.com!
Rating: 5 / 5

By: ChickaChickaBoomBoom

ChickaChickaBoomBoom — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 19:05:34 +0000

After looking at several sets in this dollar range I kept comming back to this set of stainless steel. The fit and finish was the best in this dollar range and I found the pans to be plenty sturdy. The handles are nice and riveted well, I havent ever had a set of stainless steel before so I cant give you a reference in the cooking dept. I went ahead and bought the 12 inch skillet and the 3 qt pot (which are extra) and dropped close to $160.00. Still the best deal in this price range.
Rating: 4 / 5

By: C. A. Mcpherson

C. A. Mcpherson — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 16:50:50 +0000

I hesitated before I purchased this set because some of the reviews were not favorable. Some of the reviews were a total 5, so I wondered how there could be such a huge gap between the purchaser's reviews. A little homework answered the question.

This is a beautiful set, and if handled ACCORDING TO THE DIRECTIONS, should stay in beautiful shape. One of the reviewers stated that her cookware turned blue after being put into the dishwasher. The directions distinctly state that this is a normal condition for stainless steel and can be remedied by wiping lemon juice or vinegar over the pot/pan. It works; just as stated.

Another reviewer stated that her pan warped. This happens when the heat is too high. Instructions fully state that one should not use this cookware on HIGH. It does not take much heat to allow the food to cook. There is an aluminum disk inserted in the bottom to conduct the heat. Aluminum DOES warp and melt under extremely high conditions.

One reviewer stated that the steel could be bent with her fingers. Perhaps she had a defective piece, as there is NO WAY I could do such a thing. I hand quilt everyday and am a professional seamstress. I have a lot of strength in my fingers; but still, it is an impossibility to bend this steel. Granted, the cookware is not a professional HEAVY weight, but it is a cookware that is bit weighty, but easy to handle, and light enough to produce quick heat.

Last night I fried salmon patties, and the pan cleaned up nicely. I used a little BonAmi, which is similar to Bartender's Secret, which is recommended by the manufacturer. I have cooked chili, boiled pasta, steamed veggies...all to success and my cookware looks new.

Although I cook everyday, I did not want to continue with my non-stick cookware. I thought it would be a good idea to purchase a reasonably priced stainless set to get used to cooking with stainless; eventually moving up to a more pricey set if necessary. At this point, I do not think I will need to move up to a more pricey set, but will purchase additional pieces of the T-fal Elegance, including the chicken fryer and the 3 qt. pot/lid. I did already purchase the 12.5 saute pan and it is very useful.

I love this set and think the price does not speak for it's excellence. It is a LOT of value for the money. Rating: 5 / 5

By: D. L. Choquette

D. L. Choquette — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 15:00:13 +0000

I wanted to get away from aluminum and coated cookware and decided to give this a try. My concern was that it would burn and stick and be difficult to clean as was inexpensive stainless cookware I have tried in the past. I saw it at my local WalMart and was impressed with it’s quality and weight. Also their price was $36 higher! I have been surprised at how little sticking happens and have had no burning to the bottom or hard to clean experiences. The heat transfer is so efficient I can cook at lower temperatures. I can see how this set will last me the rest of my life.
Rating: 5 / 5

By: potlicker

potlicker — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 14:05:33 +0000

I like this set. It is very good quality for the price. I bought it because it is induction usable–it does not say that in the ad, but I had seen this in a store and bought a single pan to test.

The lids are very nice fitting, with a hole in them. I wish the lids fit the pans too, but they do not.

This is not super thick steel for many reasons. Reasons include heavy weight, a pan that will not cool down (especially critical for induction), handles stay cool if thinner, and cost. I do not find any of the items flimsy at all. It is somewhat thin feeling but very amply sturdy. It does not bend on me at all–even trying. I did not try a hammer on it, but do not find a reason to.

I think this is a good deal for what you get.
Rating: 4 / 5