In the world of cookware, Calphalon and Cuisinart both brands have a good reputation and look fairly identical. It’s the reason for confusion when we replace or upgrade the cookware and need to decide between the two brands.
From a price standpoint, Cuisinart offers more budget-friendly cookware. But hey! It’s not always about the price; we need to compare various aspects such as the material, quality, construction, and durability before deciding to buy the best non-stick pots and pans.
On the outlook, they are nearly identical, but they do have differences. So, without further ado, let’s compare the non-stick cookware of Cuisinart Vs. Calphalon. You can also check our recommendations for the best 12 inch non-stick frying pan.
Cuisinart Non-Stick Cookware | Calphalon Non-Stick Cookware |
In This Article
Cuisinart Vs. Calphalon Non Stick Cookware Comparison
The main difference between Cuisinart and Calphalon is that Calphalon specializes in all hard-anodized non-stick pans, whereas Cuisinart has both standard aluminum and hard-anodized aluminum lineups. Calphalon is also expensive compared to Cuisinart.
Construction
Calphalon uses hard-anodized aluminum in all its non-stick products’ construction, and understandably so, it’s the pioneer of hard-anodized technology usage in non-stick cookware.
Cuisinart also uses hard anodized aluminum in its construction, but some of the lower-end Cuisinart non-stick models use untreated aluminum in their products.
Non-Stick Coating
As for the non-stick coating, the Calphalon uses three or dual layers of PTFE coating (PFOA free), Cuisinart doesn’t mention the number of non-stick coated layers, but their product line uses Quantanium non-stick coating made by Whitford. Their hard anodized dishwasher safe pan has Eterna coating by Whitford which is said to be the world’s longest-lasting coating.
Both brands also make toxic-free non-stick pans with ceramic coating. However, the ceramic-coated non-stick cookware without Teflon isn’t as long-lasting as other pans.
Comparison of Non-Stick Collection
Calphalon has 7 non-stick collections with PTFE (Teflon coating). Some of these collections have a double-layered non-stick coating; others have a triple non-stick coating. Apart from these PTFE-coated non-stick collections, Calphalon also manufactures Ceramic cookware.
Cuisinart also has various collections with a difference in the coating, heat endurance, and aluminum used in their inner core. It also offers Ceramic non-stick pans.
Let’s simplify collections of both brands by charts.
Cuisinart Collection
Cuisinart | Non-Stick Coating | Oven safe temperature | Handle | Dishwasher safe |
Advantage (link to Amazon) |
Cuisinart exclusive nonstick finish | 350°F | Silicone Handles | Yes |
Ceramica XT | Ceramica XT nonstick with titanium reinforced interior | 350 °F | Silicone Handles | No |
Chef’s Classic (hard Anodized) | Quantanium non-stick | 500 °F Glass lids are safe up to 350 °F |
Stainless steel | No |
SmartNest | Cuisinart Exclusive Non-stick | Not safe | Silicone handles | Yes |
Professional Series (stainless steel + non-stick) | No mention
(Impact bonded) |
500 °F | Stainless steel | Yes |
Contour Hard Anodized | Reinforced non-stick cooking | 500 °F | Stainless steel | No |
GreenGourmat (hard Anodized) | Cuisinart Ceramica™ nonstick | 400 °F | Stainless steel | No |
Calphalon Collection
Let’s have a look at Calphalon’s non-stick collection.
Calphalon | No. of Teflon-coated layers | Oven-safe temperature | Handle | Dishwasher safe |
Signature | Three layers coating (PTFE) | 500°F | Stainless Steel | Yes |
Premier | Three layers coating (PTFE) | 450°F | Stainless Steel | Yes |
Elite | Three layers coating PTFE) | 500°F | Stainless Steel | Yes |
Contemporary | Three layers (PTFE) | 450°F | Stainless Steel | Yes |
Classic | Two layers (PTFE) | 450°F | Stainless Steel | No |
Simply Calphalon | Two layers (PTFE) | 400°F | Silicone | No |
Select | Two layers | 400°F | Silicone | Yes |
Calphalon Classic Ceramic | Oil Infused Ceramic Coating | 450°F | Stainless Steel | No |
Calphalon Select Ceramic | Oil Infused Ceramic | 400°F | Bakelite | No |
Design
Calphalon’s design has a classy touch with a no-nonsense and simple look. Their stainless steel handles are brushed to hide the scratches and fingerprints like its stainless steel collection. Its ceramic non-stick collections have greyish interiors, whereas other collections have dark interiors.
The most distinguishing feature is that the Classic Collection has measuring marks so you don’t have to measure by cups with this collection. The collection also features pouring spouts and straining lids.
Cuisinart’s design style varies by collection. For example, advantage non-stick cookware has a red exterior. Ceramica XT has a grey interior, whereas Chef’s Classic has a classic style slick black non-stick interior.
Another difference is that Calphalon uses tempered lids in all its collections, and Cuisinart uses tampered lids in only a few collections.
Cooking Performance
As far as cooking performance is concerned, both cookware offer slick non-stick. Both brands follow the non-stick guidelines for their longevity, regardless of their construction and material.
But since Calphalon uses hard-anodized aluminum, it has the edge over low-cost Cuisinart, which utilizes untreated Aluminium in the core. Calphalon is more resistant to warping and rusting than Cuisinart.
Both brands have a few dishwasher-safe collections, such as Calphaon Premier, Calphalon Signature, Cuisinart Advantage, Cuisinart Professional, etc. But some collections of both brands are not dishwasher safe. (See Chart above for details).
Both brands have even heat distribution. In terms of oven safety, both brands have collections that can endure 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Low cost or those pans with silicone/bakelite handles have low oven temperature endurance. You can also check our top picks for the best oven safe non stick pans.
Durability
Calphalon collections with three coated layers are more long-lasting. The Calphalon Signature collection has shown better results in durability, scratch resistance. And their low-cost collections with a dual or single layer of PTFE coating are more prone to scratches and degradation.
In Cuisinart, Chef’s Classic has shown better results. However, the non-stick coating of both brands wears off with time.
Both brands’ ceramic collection is less durable, and the food starts sticking sooner than their PTFE-coated non-stick pans.
However, Calphalon is the winner with its high-end three-layered coating, which can last years, their low-cost models with dual and single coating have less durability.
Production Place
Calphalon’s non-stick collection is manufactured in the U.S.A. and China. Calphalon sources its products from Germany and other countries. It’s difficult to determine which collection is made in the U.S.A. The better way is to confirm from their helpline.
Cuisinart has managed to keep the product cost low by moving the manufacturing process to China except for their French tri-ply collection which is made in France.
Cuisinart Vs. Calphalon: Which Brand is The Winner?
Both brands offer good-quality non-stick pots and pans. However, if you have a budget constraint, you can choose Cuisinart. Calphalon doesn’t offer induction-compatible non-stick cookware. So, if you have an induction hob, you can select the Cuisinart induction compatible collection.
However, in terms of durability and performance, Calphalon is better. Their high-end collections, such as the Calphalon Signature and Calphalon Elite, are at par with All-Clad’s non-stick pots and pans. In the end, the final choice depends on your need, budget, and personal preference.