Discount Circulon Infinite Hard Anodized Nonstick 4-1/2-Quart Extra Deep All

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List Price: $75.00
Sale Price: $39.99
Today's Bonus: 47% Off

It is hard to beat an induction cooktop in terms of precise temperature control BUT anodized aluminum pots and pans do not work at all on induction. They make steel adapter plates to place under aluminum pots and pans, but those units get very hot and you lose most of the precision control of the pots and pans due to the less than ideal thermal connection from the pot to the metal plate.

These pots and pans are reasonably thick anodized aluminum with an integral stainless steel plate on the bottom. Since the plate is fused to the aluminum, there is very good thermal contact and the full benefit of induction can be realized. The great thermal conduction of aluminum is also provided.

The surface is non-stick but it is too new to determine how long it will last.

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I had many Calphalon pots and pans that were eventually replaced by All-Clad pots and pans, but I really had nothing that had the same functionality as this pan. I wanted something that I could make risotto and polenta in, and that might serve as a small wok. I have lusted after the All-Clad sauciers for a time, but just didn't think I would use them enough to justify their well-over $100 price.

I bought this pot at a substantial discount (about $31 versus a $75 list price). When it arrived, I was a bit surprised at how light it was. I also bought the twin frying pan set, and the 12-inch pan has a very thick plate on the bottom, which makes it a comparable weight to an All-Clad pan of similar size. The 10-inch pan and this pot seem a bit lighter than equivalent All-Clad products. This initially caused some concern. Others have pointed out that the pot lacks the helper handle. The photos that are provided carefully crop off the helper handle, but the rivets that attach it are still evident in the photos and are absent on the product that shipped. (Amazon, would it really be that difficult to get a high school intern to take or scan a picture of the actual pot? Really? It is not that I was expecting or wanted rivets, just that after so many comments you could perhaps address the matter.) I don't know if the handle was on an earlier version of the pot and removed to reduce the cost. Perhaps manufacturing it in Thailand also reduced costs. At least in this case the product seems well made, and the cost savings result in an affordable fairly priced product.

The first few cooking attempts have been very successful. The curved corners at the bottom are very useful for dishes like risotto and polenta (and would probably be useful if you were making oatmeal for a small army) that require frequent or continuous stirring. I can imagine a number of other dishes that would benefit. The handle of the Infinite version of this pot is very thoughtfully designed. The cutouts where the handle joins the body of the pot limit the amount of metal through which heat can flow, and for stovetop cooking the handles do not get excessively hot. Although I have not used the pot in the oven, the ability to expose the handles to temperatures as high as 500°F is a bonus, and an advantage compared to the newer (Elite?) line, which has more modest temperature capabilities.

Despite warnings in other reviews for other products from this line that the nonstick was not very long-lived and that one could not use olive oil, this has not been my short-term experience with any of this line of cookware, and is actually inconsistent with the instructions that came with the product. Olive oil is fine, and it is what I most often cook with. Clean-up is a breeze. I will update this review if things change. For most things that I have cooked, the weight of the food was not sufficient to make me wish for a helper handle. For someone who is of smaller frame, I could see that the lack of a helper handle might become an issue if you prepare a full pot of something. I have prepared curries and risottos that have filled the pot and it does get a bit heavy in that case.

If there is any additional disappointment, and it is relatively small, it is that there is no lid. Again, it was not an issue of expecting one. I have enough other cookware that I can probably find a lid that fits, but it would be nice if Amazon/Circulon linked the pan to a specific lid directly in their ad for the product. It might increase the flexibility of the pot and allow use for braising and other cooking methods for which a tight-fitting lid/cover would be necessary. It is not obvious that there is a lid specifically designed for this pot, or at least my limited search for one was unsuccessful.

Overall, for what I paid I think it is a very decent value and the pot functions quite well. If I were just starting out equipping a kitchen, or wanted to buy a friend or child who is moving into their first apartment some decent cookware, this line would be on my list. Would I prefer an All-Clad? Maybe, although my experience with All-Clad is that their nonstick coating peels. Would I prefer Mauviel? Yes, but not the $300 price tag or the handwashing. So I strongly recommend the all-purpose pot as long as the reservations that I have listed aren't things that will bother you or affect your intended uses.

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This pan is great. It's big enough to use for many things like stir fry, making soups, boiling or making other one pan dishes. The size is almost 11" across at the top and 5" deep. I just bought an induction cook-top and really love it. I have an 8" Circulon Infinite fry pan and frying eggs and bacon for breakfast is fast and easy.

The quality of these pans are excellent compared to so-called name brands. The handles are heavy and solid chrome and the induction base is aluminum clad over steel. They are well worth the price and you can use them with any type of stove.

Between this pan and an 8" Infinite skillet I cook everything from fried eggs to stir fry to making gumbo. I cook everything now on my induction cooktop. It is superfast and doesn't heat up the kitchen.

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I recently purchased a burton deluxe induction stove for cooking at work on occasion. I needed somthing to saute onions in for the burgers we were doing. Initially I tried my steel pans, ok I guess. Then I tried this and loved it! It heated evenly, carmelized my onions well and cleaned up super easy. Ok, it does not have a second handle. But its deep, so you have no mess and its small enough so it only needs one. I liked it so much I bought another. It's just the right size for stir frys.

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I bought this to use specifically on my induction cook top and it does the job beautifully! Heats very evenly and can do so many things! I've used this to make soups, one pot meals for my wife and I as well as sautéing meats and vegetables. I just made scrambled eggs with sautéed onion and cheese and not only did they come out great but with just a plastic spoon I was able to get every single morsel out of the pot. Clean up with this is never more than wiping out with a damp cloth. Great investment!!