In-Depth Review: Emeril's 15-Piece Cookware Set – A Chef's Dream Come True?

The Emeril Lagasse 15-piece stainless steel cookware set has received mixed reviews. While some customers praised the set for its durability and value for money, others complained about the quality of the product and issues with customer service.

The set has received an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon, with some customers claiming that it is the best cookware set on the market at its price point. However, there are also several negative reviews, with some customers reporting that the set they received was not the original Emeril cookware and that it scratched and stained easily.

Other reviews for Emeril cookware sets and products on ConsumerAffairs are also mixed, with some customers reporting issues with non-stick coatings, shattered lids, and poor customer service.

Overall, while some customers seem to be satisfied with their purchase of the Emeril Lagasse 15-piece stainless steel cookware set, others have had negative experiences, highlighting the importance of thorough research before purchasing.

Ease of cleaning

The ease of cleaning the Emeril 15-piece stainless steel cookware set is a mixed bag, with some customers praising the set's durability and ease of cleaning, while others complain of staining and difficulty removing grease stains.

One customer review mentions that the set is easily seasoned so that many foods do not stick, and that it is made of stainless steel, which they find easy to clean. They also mention that the set has glass lids which allow for easy monitoring of the cooking process.

Another reviewer states that they have had their set for four years now and that the pans are stainless steel, but easily seasoned so that many foods do not stick. They also mention that the lids are glass, which makes it easy to keep an eye on the cooking process.

However, other customers have had less positive experiences with the ease of cleaning the Emeril 15-piece stainless steel cookware set. One reviewer mentions that the stir fry pans especially get grease stains very easily that just do not come off, even with a gritty cleansing powder. They go on to say that the set looked many years old after the first use.

Another reviewer mentions that they have had their set for over 10 years and that the skillets are now "hard to clean" as the non-stick coating has worn off.

Overall, while some customers find the Emeril 15-piece stainless steel cookware set easy to clean and maintain, others have experienced difficulties with staining and removing grease. While stainless steel is generally easy to clean, it is important to note that proper care and maintenance are necessary to prevent staining and other issues.

Value for money

The Emeril Lagasse 15-piece stainless steel cookware set has received mixed reviews regarding its value for money. While some customers have praised the set for its durability and performance, calling it a "great value for the price", others have expressed disappointment, claiming that the product is not worth the price and that there are better alternatives available in the market.

Some positive reviews highlight the steel's longevity, with one review stating that "the steel he uses basically lasts forever". The set is also praised for its size range, which is considered perfect for a small family. Additionally, some customers have mentioned that the pieces are easy to season, preventing food from sticking. The glass lids, which allow for monitoring the cooking process, are also appreciated by some users.

On the other hand, several negative reviews point out issues with the smaller frying pans, describing them as unbalanced and prone to tipping over. The copper detailing around the bottom of the pans is also criticised for being difficult to maintain, as copper stains easily with water. Some reviews mention that the handles on the stock pot get quite hot, requiring caution during handling.

A few customers have compared the Emeril set to other brands, such as All-Clad and Calphalon, stating that while the Emeril set may be more affordable, it falls short in terms of quality and sturdiness. One review mentions that the Emeril set is a "nice alternative for a lower budget", but it is not worth the full price.

Overall, the Emeril Lagasse 15-piece stainless steel cookware set seems to offer decent value for money, especially for those on a budget. However, for those seeking higher-end cookware, alternative brands might be a better option.

Longevity

The longevity of the Emeril 15-piece cookware set is a key consideration for customers, with some praising its durability and long-lasting steel, while others express concerns about its quality over time.

Several reviews highlight the set's durability, with one customer stating that they have used it daily for four years with no issues. The steel is described as "basically lasting forever", and some customers have reported continued satisfaction with the product even after years of use.

However, there are also reviews that suggest quality issues with the set over time. Some customers have reported problems with the non-stick coating wearing off, sticking, and discolouration when exposed to high heat. There are also reports of pans becoming unbalanced, handles heating up, and lids dumping condensation back into the pan.

While some customers have expressed disappointment with the set's longevity, others have found it to be a good value for the price, especially when compared to more expensive alternatives. It is worth noting that the set's longevity may depend on proper care and maintenance, as some customers have mentioned that following guidelines for cooking with stainless steel and using non-metal utensils can prolong the life of the cookware.

Safety

One of the most common complaints is the set's propensity to discolour and stain, especially when exposed to high heat. While some reviewers claim that this discolouration is temporary, others have noted that the stains can be difficult to remove, even with rigorous scrubbing. Additionally, the set's copper detailing is prone to staining and requires frequent polishing to maintain its appearance.

Several reviewers have also raised concerns about the stability of the smaller frying pans, which they claim are unbalanced and prone to tipping over, potentially causing spills or accidents. The handles of these pans have also been criticised for being too heavy or poorly designed, making it difficult to control the pan and increasing the risk of burns or spills.

Furthermore, a few reviewers have reported more serious issues, such as the bottom of a pan falling off during use, lids shattering, and pans exploding, resulting in dangerous spills. These incidents highlight the potential safety hazards associated with the set.

On the other hand, positive reviews mention even heat distribution, sturdy construction, and ease of cleaning, all of which contribute to a safer cooking experience. Some reviewers also praise the glass lids, which allow for easy monitoring of the cooking process without lifting the lid and releasing heat or moisture.

Overall, while the Emeril Lagasse 15-piece stainless steel cookware set has received mixed reviews regarding its safety, it is important to weigh the risks against the benefits and take necessary precautions when using any cookware to ensure a safe cooking experience.

Suitability for cooking style

The suitability of the Emeril 15-piece cookware set for different cooking styles depends on several factors, including the type of stove, cooking techniques, and desired level of convenience. Here are some considerations:

Suitability for Different Stoves

The Emeril 15-piece cookware set is suitable for induction stoves, as mentioned in one review on Amazon. This is advantageous for those who use induction cooking, ensuring even heating and efficient energy transfer.

Cooking Techniques and Heat Management

The cookware set is suitable for those who tend to use high heat settings while cooking, as mentioned in one review. The pans are designed to heat evenly, preventing burner matching rings from forming. However, the set may not be ideal for those who swirl their food while cooking with high flames, as the sides of the pots and pans can get very hot, resulting in a sizzling sound when the contents touch them.

The set is also suitable for frying, as the pans have a lip that allows for easy pouring and transferring of contents without dribbling. However, some reviews mention issues with the lids, which can collect condensation and dump it back into the pan when removed, which could be a problem if frying.

Ease of Cleaning

The Emeril set is easy to clean and maintain, according to several reviews. The stainless steel construction ensures that the cookware is durable and can withstand rigorous use without destruction. However, some reviews mention issues with discolouration and staining at extremely high temperatures, but this is usually temporary.

Overall Cooking Experience

The cookware set is praised by many for its durability, even heating, and ease of use. Some reviews mention that the set offers the best cooking experience they have ever had, with food easily lifting off the pans. The glass lids are also a plus, allowing cooks to monitor the cooking process without removing the lid.

In summary, the Emeril 15-piece cookware set is a suitable choice for a range of cooking styles, offering durability, even heating, and convenience. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind, such as the potential for discolouration at high temperatures and issues with condensation collection in the lids.

Frequently asked questions