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Purchased as a wedding gift from the William H. Thanksgiving Parade store. The dear bride requested the $100 cheaper Non-Copper set. Coming from an All-Clad house, which we've been happily using for nearly 15 years, I thoroughly thumbed through all the reviews I could find (many here on Amazon) before satisfying myself that this Anolon cookware is a good value.
However, this copper version intrigued me, and I took the opportunity to compare the two sets in-store. I ultimately elected to spend the extra money on this set, and not just because of the copper.
Because I'm not the ultimate user of this cookware, this review is intended to point out the differences between the two sets.
The copper, of course, is the primary difference. A copper disc, or plate, is sandwiched between two layers of aluminum (just at the base), with an exterior of stainless steel for conductive cook tops.As best I can determine, the copper does not continue up the sides.
The copper has excellent heat spreading properties, but when held side-byside with a non-copper version of the same pan, I couldn't detect a difference in heft.
However, there is a nice difference in the pan handles. While the standard set features handles with silicon grips, which I fear are potential wear items, the hollow, light weight, comfortable, polished ALL METAL handles of the copper set are wonderful, cleanable, and reminiscent of my own All-Clad gear.
I believe it's the lack of silicone grips that raises the max oven temp to 500°F, a full 100° higher than the non-copper set. This is valuable when you need it, but certainly speaks loudly about the added durability of the copper set.
The copper version features exterior flush rivets where the handles join the pan, with no rivet head inside on the cooking surface, versus squared-off rivet heads on the standard version, with button heads inside. You'll appreciate this feature if you like keeping the cookware looking spic and span,as the flush rivets are easier to clean and won't protect stains.
Another big difference is the stainless steel lids, versus the glass covers of the less expensive set. Again, stainless wins for cleaning, durability, and will certainly survive numerous drops to the floor.
The 11-piece sets are nearly identical. The one difference I noted was in the 12" skillet: the standard set advertises a "deep" skillet. However, side by side, I realized that both skillets are within a few millimeters of the same height. The copper skillet has sloped sides, while the skillet with the non-copper set is squared off, with vertical sides -giving the visual impression that it is deeper. The real difference is the copper version has a smaller pan base; both are 12 inches at the rim. Whether or not this was a cost saving move, I can only speculate. There is a difference in usage (sloped vs. vertical sides), but my impression is the copper would have handled the larger diameter base better due to its superior heat spreading qualities.
ALL of the pots and pans in both sets feature the non-stick coating, something I question only because of the extra care required not to scratch it. But by all accounts, the Anolon coating is durable and long term users are happy with it, so I simply accept that as a standard feature.
Once this set was paired up with a complimentary "bonus" 3-piece set from the aforementioned store, plus some commonly available coupons, this became a very good purchase for a dedicated cook. And even though the non-copper version is respectable in every measure, the copper set offers enough added value to make it worth the step up in price.
Had the bride elected to return these for credit towards an All-Clad set, I certainly wouldn't have been put off (not based on my preference, but on my satisfactory long-term use). But the new couple expressed their delight after a few months of using this set.
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I just finished cleaning up after our risotto dinner! What a joy!! This is amazing cookware and so easy to clean! The temperature stayed even during the cooking and I didn't have to soak my pan to remove the risotto!And it's beautiful!!
I LOVE this set!!
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I believe is a great product, however i urge cautiousness to using the metal utensils as suggested it can handle. I simply stacked the pots inside one another and a small scratch appeared. otherwise excellent non-stick abilities and even cooking.Honest reviews on Anolon Nouvelle Copper Hard Anodized Nonstick 11-Piece Cookware Set
After purchasing this set 6 months ago I am very happy. Holding up fine, easy to clean, and the copper layer is well worth the minor price increase. I love to cook but had used our old set forever and forgot how nice things can be. The copper makes for a very evenly distributed heating surface. It becomes very obvious when I am doing something like a roux for soup/stew and can really control the heat applied and have it hit all areas evenly so no burning. It is a nice feature that they hide the rivets that attach the handle to the pans. It makes cleaning that much easier. They label these pans as metal utensil safe but I am not taking any chances. I expect to be using these pans 10 years from now.Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Anolon Nouvelle Copper Hard Anodized Nonstick 11-Piece Cookware Set
These are quite beautiful to look upon, making them perfect for my pan rack. As many others have stated, the lids and handles are metal, and therefore conduct heat. I have not had any issues with this, since I always use a burner of the correct size and I test the handle before I grab it with my whole hand. If it is too hot, use a hot pad.I've used each piece at least once since I've had these, and I am incredibly pleased. They heat evenly, the nonstick is superb. I no longer have to scrape a layer of overcooked food from the pan when I cook egg dishes, or anything else, for that matter.
I've tossed my old, crappy, scratched Walmart nonstick to the four winds, and I'm not looking back.
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