Are Anolon cookware sets any good? Find out with our Anolon cookware reviews!
The Anolon cookware brand is known for the terrific cookware performance, outstanding durability, and reasonable prices. Picking the specific cookware from the brand can be a problem, though, since you have so many options to choose from.
It’s best if you go with a prepackaged set, but even then you’ll have lots of choices. You may want to start your search for an Anolon set with our list of great options:
Top Anolon Cookware Reviews 2021
1. Anolon Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set- 11 Piece, Graphite
We went with the Graphite color as it’s a hue that both men and women can appreciate. Besides, when it gets dirty the dirt isn’t all that obvious.
However, we didn’t go with this set because of its color. It’s extremely popular, as most of the buyers have found that it offers great value for their money.
More specifically, they cite the set’s efficient heat distribution, low maintenance requirements, and topnotch material quality.
Items
The set includes:
- 3-quart covered sauté
- 12-inch covered deep skillet (with Helper Handle)
- 8-inch French skillet
- 8-quart covered stockpot
- 3-quart covered saucepan
- 5-quart covered saucepan
This counts as an 11-piece set even with just 6 pieces, since the 5 glass lids count as separate pieces.
What We Like About It:
- The hard-anodized build really offers even heat distribution, which cooks the food properly.
- This hard-anodized build also contributes to the durability of the set, as the construction is 2x as hard as stainless steel.
- This also has 3 layers of nonstick. It works absolutely well on the interior, which means it releases food easily while the cleanup for that section is no trouble. But the nonstick is actually on the exterior as well, so the food can’t stick anywhere. The nonstick will last, and it’s tough enough to even handle metal utensils.
- There’s a special design for the Suregrip handles that makes them better than most of the handles on other cookware. It uses dual rivets in the attachment, so it won’t detach. The bulk and shape make each handle comfortable to hold. They don’t even get hot, so there’s no need for the pot holders.
- These come with glass lids, so you can check the inside of the pots and pans without lifting the lids. They fit in well enough to keep in the heat and moisture. These are shatter-resistant, too.
- The pots and pans can go in the oven up to a temperature of 400 degrees.
Of course, if you want the cookware set to last then you must wash each piece by hand. The nonstick requires it. In fact, even if Anolon says it’s okay to use metal utensils, it may be best if you don’t really do that too often.
If you check the price, then you may notice that getting the same pieces from premium brands can cost you at least twice (or even three times) the price of this one. Yet this Anolon’s performance can easily rival those more expensive sets.
Take care of this properly, and it will last you for years to come.
2. Anolon Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set- 11 Piece, Bronze
This is pretty much the same as the earlier set on this list, with the same benefits. The differences are mainly about a few different pieces, plus it’s in bronze.
The set includes:
- 3-quart covered sauté
- 12-inch grill pan
- 10-inch French skillet
- 8-inch French skillet
- 8-quart covered stockpot
- 3-quart covered saucepan
- 5-quart covered saucepan
You still get the even distribution, 3 layers of premium nonstick, the glass lids, and SureGrip handles. You can still stick these in the oven up to 400 degrees F, and you’re still asked to wash them all by hand.
The vast majority of Anolon bronze cookware reviews written by customers laud this product, with comments of how it lasts for years with proper care.
3. Anolon Nouvelle Stainless Steel Cookware Set- 10 Piece
There’s something to be said for stainless steel cookware. It’s proven technology, and it fits in great with your industrial-themed apartment. But it also offers certain advantages that you don’t get with the other sets.
One of these benefits is that it’s induction-compatible. That’s not true of the other sets here, unless it’s specified. It can be quite frustrating to find yourself limited in your cookware choices when you have an induction stove. But at least now you have Anolon giving you an excellent set to work with.
Also, this dishwasher safe. That’s one of the main advantages of the stainless-steel surface. You don’t have to worry about your dishwasher detergent ruining the cookware finish.
You can also stick this in the oven, and you enjoy a higher temperature limit with 500 degrees F. This also comes with a lifetime warranty.
Your set includes:
- 3-quart sauté pan with lid
- 5-inch frying pan
- 8-inch frying pan
- 5-quart stockpot with lid
- 5-quart saucepan with lid
- 25-quart saucepan with lid
The base here has a copper core, for better heat control and overall cooking performance. After that, you have 2 layers of aluminum then 2 more layers of magnetic stainless steel. Plenty of customers attest to how quickly they react to your stove fire, and how the cookware really distributes the heat evenly.
Additional benefits involve the stylish handles, attached via 2 flat rivets. The stainless steel lids are also deep-seated for efficient trapping of heat and moisture.
The lids aren’t transparent, though. That means you’ll have to lift the lids to check the state of the food you’re cooking. That can release the food and moisture, but for many people it’s not really a big deal.
This does come with a lifetime warranty, which shows how Anolon is confident about the durability of this set.
4. Anolon Nouvelle Copper Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set- 11 Piece, Dark Gray
With the dark gray color, you may have noticed how we went with gender-neutral colors that men often like. Not that we don’t like bright green cookware, but these colors do fit masculine psyches better. Also, the grime doesn’t show too much.
But that’s not really the main reason why we like this set. This has been used by professional chefs in their restaurants, which demonstrates its superior traits. Plenty of customer-written Anolon Nouvelle copper cookware reviews also confirm how good this really is.
The set here includes:
- 12-inch covered skillet
- 5-inch skillet
- 8-quart covered stockpot
- 3-quart covered sauté with Helper Handle
- 3-quart covered saucepan
- 5-quart covered saucepan
Design
This has 5 layers of metal, starting with the full layer of copper at the core. This is set between 2 layers of aluminum. Then you get 2 more layers of stainless steel, and this layer makes the cookware compatible with induction stoves. The overall design is twice as hard as the stainless steel set, because of the hard anodized build.
Then you get 2 layers of the Dupont “Autograph” nonstick. This is durable enough that the interior won’t be bothered by metal utensils. However, it may still be a good idea to avoid metal utensils until they’re absolutely necessary.
You also get stainless steel lids, and this has its own set of pros and cons. They look nice, and they really lock in the heat and moisture inside. They’re also able to go with the cookware in ovens with temperatures of up to 500 degrees. It’s just that you can’t see inside.
Ease of Use
Since this has been tested in restaurants, you can really trust this in regards to its cooking performance and durability.
The premium nonstick works better than expected, with terrific food release and more convenient cleanup. You do realize that with the nonstick, you cannot use the dishwasher. You’ll have to go by hand washing.
With the stainless steel cap, you can also use this with induction stovetops. That’s a big deal if you use induction, because you’re limited in your cookware options. It can be annoying to find so many fine cookware sets unfit for induction.
The handles are comfy to hold, plus they use flush rivets. Everything looks fine, including the handles in the lids.
Summary
This has many things going for it. The cooking performance is terrific, and you may even want to tone down the heat. That’s how efficient it is.
The nonstick really keeps the food from sticking, which is a relief for many. Handwashing is easy as well.
This makes cooking a much easier process, and it looks nice to boot.
On the other hand, you may want to use potholders for the handles. The stainless-steel handles can get very hot sometimes. You may find it annoying that you’re unable to use the dishwasher to clean this.
In fact, you really ought to read the maintenance directions carefully, and you must follow the instructions to the letter. Only then can you be sure that this will last a long while.
5. Anolon Nouvelle Copper Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set- 11 Piece, Sable
Your set has the following components:
- 12-inch skillet
- 5-inch skillet
- 8-quart covered stockpot
- 3-quart covered sauté with Helper Handle
- 3-quart covered saucepan
- 5-quart covered saucepan
The set components look similar, don’t they? That’s because it’s virtually the same as the ones in the Anolon Nouvelle Copper Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set, 11 Piece, Dark Gray.
But there are key differences.
First, this is dishwasher-safe. That’s a big deal for some folks, who don’t want to bother with handwashing. Still, we really encourage you to just wash these things by hand even if they’re supposedly dishwasher-safe. This even has flush rivets so the food won’t build up in these spots.
Another difference here is that this time you get 3 layers of nonstick. This nonstick design so even reinforced with sapphire, so no food sticks. It really is that effective. Whatever you cook, it just won’t stick.
This nonstick surface is even safe with metal utensils, although again we discourage the use of metal utensils with nonstick. Why risk it?
Finally, this works with induction stoves, too. You’re able to stick this in the oven with the temperature up to 500 degrees.
Any Potential Issues?
The handles are comfy to hold, but they’re still made of metal. You may want to use potholders to be on the safe side.
Also, this set comes with stainless steel lids. While they look nice, you can’t see inside without lifting the lids.
Summary
All in all, this offers an efficient cookware set that makes everything so easy. Cooking is easy, since the food won’t stick at all, and you get quick and even heat. Cleanup is a snap as well, since theoretically you can just stick this in the dishwasher.
FAQs
Which is better: Anolon or Calphalon?
That’s a matter of opinion. They’re both premium brands of cookware, and they specialize in hard anodized cookware that works as an alternative to Teflon nonstick coating. Their performance levels are very similar.
However, Calphalon has more dishwasher-safe cookware items and they’re able to handle higher temperatures.
On the other hand, Anolon cookware can deal better with metal utensils.
What is the best Anolon cookware?
Again, “the best” depends on the customer. What’s good for one may not be suitable for another.
Is Anolon anodized cookware safe?
Yes. Anodized cookware is actually different from cookware with a nonstick coating.
Which is better hard anodized or ceramic cookware?
Again, it’s a matter of opinion. Some people like ceramic cookware for light use, and enameled ceramic cookware can certainly look terrific.
However, most professional cooks and chefs would choose hard anodized over ceramic cookware. A hard-anodized cookware set is stronger and more durable.
Who makes Anolon cookware?
Anolon’s parent company is California-based Meyer Corporation, but in turn the Meyer Corporation’s parent firm is Hong Kong-based Meyer Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
Is Anolon safe for health?
Yes, and that’s been confirmed by regulatory agencies. It has no cadmium, no lead, and no PFOA.
Is Anolon the same as Teflon?
Anolon is a brand of cookware, and Teflon is a type of nonstick coating made by DuPont.
However, Anolon does have Teflon nonstick on some of their cookware.
How do you care for an Anolon pan?
If it’s not dishwasher-safe, then you can start cleaning it by first mixing a solution with warm water and about 3 tablespoons of mild dish soap. Use a nylon pad or sponge with this solution to clean the Anolon pan, then use warm water to rinse it. Use a soft dry towel to dry it so there are no water spots.
If you have tough stains, use a paste of water with baking soda. Use a nylon pad to apply the paste to the stains. Let it stay there for half an hour, then wash it off with warm soapy water. Rinse thoroughly with warm water, then dry with a towel.
Can Anolon cookware go in the oven?
Many of them can go in the oven. In fact, all 5 on our list of options can go in the oven.
Can I put my Anolon pans in the dishwasher?
That depends on the pan. If the cookware has hard anodized aluminum, you have to wash it by hand.
Is Anolon cookware PTFE free?
No, but the PTFE isn’t dangerous as long as you don’t go over 570 degrees F.
Is Anolon advanced umber dishwasher safe?
No. Instructions say to wash it by hand.
Final Verdict
These aren’t the only options you have, since you can go with other materials and sets. Check out the Anolon advanced umber cookware reviews as well.
With so many options, the first thing we want you to remember is that you need to read and follow the directions that come with your set. This is absolutely essential, as the do’s and don’ts contained in these manuals can help you make sure your cookware lasts a long time. If not, then you end up with ruined finishes and other problems.
Whether the set is dishwasher-safe or not, we also encourage you to start handwashing your cookware. It’s not really that hard or time-consuming, and it shows the proper respect for your cookware (and for your investment). More often than not, using dishwasher detergent can ruin the look of your stylish cookware.
Also, even if the set is supposedly safe with metal utensils, avoid these metal utensils if you can. Seriously, do you really have to use metal if you have safer alternatives?
Go for the induction-compatible sets if you have an induction stove. This is an obvious tip, but let’s state it for the record.
All in all, Anolon deserves its superior reputation. Sure, it can be a bit finicky, and you can damage the cookware easily if you don’t take care of them. But if you follow the directions, you’re in for a treat. These cookware sets can give you fantastic performance without charging you a premium price.
Lots of Anolon cookware reviews comment on how these cookware sets can make cooking fun. It’s time for you to have fun, too!
