Pan Exterior Construction

• Anodized aluminum, stainless steel, enamel and copper represent the four different exteriors of Calphalon cookware. Many chefs prefer hard-anodized aluminum for its unparalleled heat conductivity and durability. For a more stylish presentation, the Simply Calphalon Enamel line features black porcelain enamel coating over medium-gauge hard-anodized aluminum construction. The brushed exterior of stainless-steel cookware looks sleek on the stove top while ably resisting dents, dings and corrosion. Calphalon's Tri-Ply Copper line also shines while its copper exteriors help enhance heat conductivity.
  
  

Pan Interior Construction

• Calphalon pan interiors are either nonstick finishes or stainless-steel construction. Hassle-free to clean, nonstick interiors do not require excessive oil to prevent food from sticking. However, nonstick finishes often wear away and they are scratched easily by metal utensils. Calphalon's hard-anodized aluminum and enamel lines, along with the CS Nonstick line contain nonstick interiors.
  
  While stainless-steel interiors necessitate oil lubrication, they fare well with all kinds of utensils and are nonreactive. Calphalon's three stainless-steel cookware lines and their copper line all feature an aluminum core beneath the stainless-steel cooking surface to combat low heat conductivity and uneven distribution.
  
  

Lids and Handles

• To transport the pans, all Calphalon cookware features stainless-steel handles with an ergonomically-friendly contoured design. Silicone sleeves on the Simply Calphalon cookware lines' handles protect hands from heat while padding for a comfortable grip. Although the other Calphalon lines have no such sleeves, their cast stainless-steel construction stays cool to the touch.
  
  Calphalon constructs the domed lids for most cookware lines out of tempered glass with stainless-steel bands to lock in moisture. The Tri-Ply Copper line's lids are crafted in stainless steel. Lids typically come with saucepans, saute pans, Dutch ovens and stockpots.
  
  

Limitations and Care

• All current Calphalon cookware adapts for oven use; however, the maximum temperature varies from line to line. The nonstick, enamel and stainless-steel Simply Calphalon lines are oven-safe only to 400 degrees. The other two stainless-steel lines handle oven temperatures up to 500 degrees and are safe for the broiler. All other cookware lines are oven-safe to 450 degrees.
  
  All three stainless-steel cookware lines are dishwasher-safe, as are the Unison Nonstick and Calphalon CS Nonstick lines. The remaining cookware lines require hand washing.