Cuisinart Mcp-12N Multiclad Pro Cookware Set: A Comprehensive Review

The Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro Cookware Set is a 12-piece stainless steel cookware set inspired by the great French kitchens. The set includes saucepans with covers, a sauté pan with a helper handle and cover, a stockpot with cover, skillets, and a steamer insert with cover. The cookware set features a professional triple-ply construction with a core of pure aluminum and a brushed stainless exterior. It also features Heat Surround Technology, allowing for even heat distribution along the bottom and sidewalls of the cookware. The Cool Grip handle is made of solid stainless steel and stays cool on the stovetop. The tight-fitting covers seal in moisture and nutrients for healthier and more flavorful results. The cookware set is safe for use on the stovetop, in the oven, or under the broiler, and is also compatible with induction cooktops.

Pros and cons

Pros

• The cookware set is made of stainless steel, which means it will last a long time if cared for properly.
• The cookware heats up evenly and quickly, making cooking more predictable.
• The tapered rim makes pouring easier and almost drip-free.
• The cookware is oven safe up to 500 or 550 degrees Fahrenheit.
• The handles are made of stainless steel and stay cool on the stovetop.
• The tight-fitting lids seal in moisture and nutrients, resulting in healthier and more flavorful food.
• The cookware is dishwasher-safe and easy to clean.
• The set includes a variety of pots and pans of different sizes, making it suitable for various cooking tasks.
• The aluminum core provides even heat distribution along the bottom and sidewalls of the cookware.
• The brushed stainless exterior gives the cookware a contemporary and elegant look.

Cons

• The cookware can get stained, but this can be removed with proper cleaning products.
• The cookware needs to be preheated properly and not overheated to avoid stuck or burned food.
• Parts of the cookware have a high mirror polish, which can be difficult to keep looking new due to scratches and swirl marks.
• The cookware could be sensitive to temperature shock, but this is a common issue with most cookware.
• The lids are not see-through, making it difficult to monitor the food without removing the lid.
• The rivets on the inside of the pan can trap food and be annoying to clean.
• The cookware may not be as sturdy as some higher-end brands.

Customer reviews

The Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro Cookware Set has received generally positive reviews from customers, with many praising the set's durability, heat distribution, and value for money. Here is a more detailed breakdown of the reviews:

Quality

The cookware set has been praised for its quality, with some customers describing it as "brilliantly designed", "beautiful", and "a work of art". The exterior mirror finishes have also been noted as being particularly stunning and long-lasting. Some reviewers have also mentioned that the set looks better visually than other similar products on the market.

Heat Distribution

One of the standout features of the Cuisinart MCP-12N set is its even heat distribution. Many customers have commented that the pans heat up quickly and evenly, with the stainless steel retaining heat very well. This makes it possible to cook at lower temperatures, and water for pasta boils much faster. The handles also stay cool during cooking, which is a plus.

Value for Money

The value for money that this cookware set offers has been highlighted by numerous customers. Some have called it a "great investment", and many agree that the quality is excellent and the set will last for many years. When compared to similar products, especially the All-Clad range, the Cuisinart MCP-12N is considered a more affordable option that offers comparable quality and performance.

Ease of Cooking

The Cuisinart MCP-12N set has been described as a "real joy to cook with", with customers pleased with how well their food turns out. The tapered rims make pouring easier and reduce spills. The lids fit tightly, sealing in moisture and nutrients for healthier and more flavorful results. However, some customers have noted that the lids are not see-through, which can make it difficult to monitor the cooking process without lifting the lid and releasing heat.

Weight

The weight of the cookware set has been mentioned by several customers, who describe the pieces as "very heavy", "thick", and "solid". This gives the set a feeling of durability and quality. However, some have noted that the weight could be an issue for those with joint problems or weaker wrists.

Ease of Cleaning

Opinions are mixed when it comes to the ease of cleaning the Cuisinart MCP-12N set. Some customers have said that the pans "clean up beautifully", while others have complained that food sticks and is difficult to remove. It is worth noting that the manufacturer provides care and cleaning instructions, and some customers have found that following these instructions helps to keep the set in good condition.

Durability

The durability of the set has been questioned by a few customers, with some mentioning that the pans are "not quite as sturdy as the All-Clad" and that they have received a defective piece straight out of the box. However, the majority of reviewers have praised the durability, with some saying that the set will last a lifetime with proper care.

Stickiness

Stickiness is another area where opinions are divided. Some customers have had no issues with food sticking, while others have complained that everything sticks, especially eggs and starchy foods like potatoes. It is worth noting that proper preheating, use of oil or butter, and maintaining the right temperature are key to preventing sticking, and some customers have shared specific techniques to achieve non-stick results with this set.

Overall, the Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro Cookware Set has been well-received by customers, with the majority of reviews highlighting the set's quality, heat distribution, and value. While there are some minor drawbacks, many customers feel that the benefits outweigh the negatives, and they would recommend the set to others.

Construction and design

The Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro Cookware Set is a 12-piece set that includes:

• 1.5-quart saucepan with cover
• 3-quart saucepan with cover
• 3.5-quart sauté pan with helper handle and cover
• 8-quart stockpot with cover
• 8" skillet
• 10" skillet
• 20cm steamer insert with cover

The cookware set features a professional triple-ply construction with a core of pure aluminium and a brushed stainless exterior. The brushed stainless exterior gives the cookware set a contemporary look. The cookware set also features Heat Surround Technology, which allows for even heat distribution along the bottom and sidewalls of the cookware. The Cool Grip handle is made of solid stainless steel and riveted to stay cool on the stovetop. The rims are tapered for a drip-free pouring experience.

The MCP-12N set is safe for use on the stovetop, in the oven, or under the broiler. The cookware set is also suitable for use with induction cooktops. The lids are tight-fitting and made of stainless steel, sealing in food's natural juices and nutrients for healthier and more flavourful results. The cookware set is dishwasher-safe.

Heat distribution

The Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro Cookware Set is designed with even heat distribution in mind. The cookware set features an aluminium core sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel, which allows heat to spread quickly and evenly across the bottom and sides of the pans. This is further facilitated by the cookware's Heat Surround Technology.

The MCP-12N set is also designed with tapered edges, which makes pouring easy and dripless. The lids are designed to seat down into the pots, creating a great seal and reducing spills.

The MCP-12N set includes:

• Two open skillets, 8-inch and 10-inch
• Two saucepans, 1.5-quart and 3-quart with lids
• One straight-sided sauté pan, 3-1/2 quart with lid
• Stock pot, 8-quart with lid
• Steamer insert for stock pot with lid

Reviews of the MCP-12N set are generally positive, with many customers praising the cookware's heat distribution. One review states that the "pans heat evenly and retain heat in the entire pot/pan; cooking the food on all sides". Another review mentions that the cookware set "cooks faster than previous cookware at higher heat, and water for pasta boils much faster".

However, some reviews do mention that the cookware set can be difficult to clean, with food sticking to the bottom of the pans even at lower temperatures.

Ease of cleaning

The Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro Cookware Set is designed with convenience and ease of use in mind. The cookware set is dishwasher-safe, with some reviewers noting that a simple wash with soap and water or a light scrub is enough to clean the cookware. Some reviewers also recommend using Bar Keepers Friend or a similar cleanser to remove any tough, stuck-on food or stains.

The MCP-12N set is made of stainless steel, which is a poor conductor of heat but resists corrosion. The cookware's stainless steel exterior is brushed, while the interior has a mirror finish. The mirror finish on the inside of the pots and pans ensures even heat distribution and prevents food from sticking. This makes the cookware set easier to clean, as there are no striations or brush textures that can capture food, causing it to burn and discolour the cooking surface.

The MCP-12N set includes a variety of pieces, such as skillets, saucepans, a sauté pan, a stockpot, and a steamer insert, all of which have tapered edges for easy pouring and drip-free cooking. The lids are designed to fit snugly, sealing in moisture and nutrients for healthier and more flavourful results. The handles of the cookware are made of stainless steel and stay cool on the stovetop, providing a comfortable and controlled grip.

Overall, the Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro Cookware Set receives positive reviews for its ease of cleaning, with some reviewers noting that it is "easy to clean with a brush and detergent" and that "a small sprinkle [of Bar Keepers Friend cleanser] and some patient light scrubbing is all it takes to return everything back to like-new condition."

Frequently asked questions