Calphalon Tri-Ply Stainless-Steel 8-Quart Stockpot with Glass Lid
by Calphalon
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Product Summary
Manufacturer: CalphalonBrand: Calphalon
Release Date: 2005-06-15
Model: L8608GP
Color: stainless steel
Product features:
- Stainless-steel 8-quart stockpot with encapsulated aluminum core for even heating
- Ergonomic Cool V handles offer a safe, comfortable grip during stovetop cooking
- Tempered glass domed lid reinforced with stainless-steel rim
- Dishwasher-safe; oven- and broiler-safe up to 700 degrees F; lid oven-safe to 450 degrees F
- Measures approximately 11 by 11 by 7 inches; lifetime warranty
- Calphalon Tri-Ply Stainless Collector's Edition 10-Inch Stir Fry Pan
- Calphalon Tri-Ply Stainless 12-Inch Nonstick Omelet Pan
- Calphalon Stainless Ladle
- Calphalon Tri-Ply Stainless 4-1/2-Quart Saucepan with Glass Lid
- Calphalon Tri-Ply Stainless 3-Quart Sauté Pan with Glass Lid
Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Calphalon Tri-Ply Stainless-Steel 8-Quart Stockpot with Glass Lid
Customer Review: Not Like The Old Made-In-USA Tri-Ply
Summary: 3 Stars
I have a set of Calphalon tri-ply cookware that I purchased in 1996 when I got married. It was all made in USA back then, which was the biggest reason I felt I could trust it. For some reason, Calphalon's web site incorrectly states that tri-ply was introduced later. That's not true. The line was later re-engineered to use less metal and for lower quality standards in order for manufacturing to be outsourced to China. Look on the packaging for tri-ply products in your local Macy's, Williams-Sonoma, or other store that carries it. It's now made in China.
One very noticeable difference is that the old lids have thick handles. The thinnest part of the cross-section of the top center of the old lid handles is about 3/8" thick. The same cross-section of the new lid handles is 3/16" thick at most. In addition, the seam at the spot weld where the metal rim is joined to itself is very smooth and unnoticeable unless you specifically look for it. On the new lids, the same spot weld joint is offset about 1/64" and is obvious to the casual observer. You might think 1/64" is small, but when you consider that the same joint on the old lids is aligned to within less than 4/1000" (less than the thickness of an average human hair), it's way off.
Another difference I've noticed is that the pots and pans feel lighter that than the old stuff. This means that there is less metal, which translates into less even heat for cooking, and a greater chance of warping.
For some very stupid reason, when the tri-ply cookware was re-engineered for Chinese manufacturing, someone got the "bright" idea to change the shape of the pan and lid rims. That way, if I buy additional pieces of tri-ply for my kitchen, the pans and lids are incompatible with my existing tri-ply collection. The Chinese are becoming increasingly wealthy. The day will come; maybe in another 10-20 years; when manufacturing will get re-outsourced to Africa. The Chinese are already doing this themselves. At that time, you can trust Calphalon to re-engineer the tri-ply line again for even less metal and lower quality. You can be sure that it won't be compatible with what was made in USA or China either. Caveat emptor.
If I were starting out all over again on purchasing a cookware set I plan for my grandchildren to inherit, I would look for an American or European manufacturer that continues to make products that are compatible with what they manufactured at least 50 years ago and still produce in the original country of origin. You never know when you might wish to add to your collection or replace something that got damaged, was lost during a move, or never got returned by someone who borrowed it.
I was about to spend over $500 on additions to my Calphalon tri-ply set, including a 12" wok with covered lid, stock pot, pasta insert, a 3QT chef's pan, a set of every size of shallow sauce pan, and more. I already have every size of regular sauce pan, skillet, and saute pan, plus a lot more. The in-between size of the shallow sauce pans would have been a perfect addition. Since the lids and pans are incompatible with what I already have, I just bought a 1QT sauce pan (there is no lid in its size) for $30, and called it good. I can live with my existing collection, so that's what I'll do instead.
By the way, I wrote twice to Calphalon regarding the incompatible lids, and all they did was send me automated responses asking me if my issue was resolved. They never did address the issue.
The only reason I gave Calphalon a full three stars is because it's on a par with pretty much everything else getting cranked out of China these days. Let's hope and pray that there is no lead or mercury in the metal. In the USA, lead is commonly used in alloys to enhance machinability, but not for anything that may come into contact with food or would be put on or in a human, like jewelry, surgical tools, and cookware. Outside the USA, mercury could also be used for the same purpose. The Chinese have already demonstrated that they have no problem putting melamine in infant formula and lead-based paint in childrens' toys. Don't put it past them to use a stainless steel alloy that has lead or mercury in it. For those who don't know, stainless steel is an alloy.
Description of Calphalon Tri-Ply Stainless-Steel 8-Quart Stockpot with Glass Lid
The perfect pot for soups, pasta and stocks. The Calphalon Triply Stainless Steel 8qt Stockpot mixes the elegance and beauty of stainless steel with a core of highly conductive aluminum for superior results. The domed glass lid makes it easy to monitor your foods without disturbing them as well as returns moisture to your foods.Stockpots
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