Giada De Laurentiis' Cookware Set: A Comprehensive Review

The Giada De Laurentiis 10-piece Professional Series Tri-Ply Clad Cookware Set is a stainless steel set that includes two skillets, four pots, and four lids. The set retails for $199.99, but it can sometimes be purchased on sale for a lower price. The professional series is made with higher quality materials and construction than the standard series, which feels cheap in comparison. The skillets are on the smaller side and lack a 12-inch option, which is a commonly used size. The pots, on the other hand, are high quality and come in a variety of sizes. Overall, the Giada De Laurentiis 10-piece cookware set is a good value for the price, but there are some drawbacks to consider, such as the lack of a large skillet and the extra work required to maintain the stainless steel finish.

The set is good value for money

The Giada De Laurentiis 10-piece Professional Series Tri-Ply Clad Cookware Set is a good value for money. The set includes two skillets, four pots, and four lids, providing a variety of options for different cooking needs. The pots and pans are made of high-quality materials, with solid bottoms for better heat retention and distribution, and strong sides. The handles are well-insulated, allowing for easy handling even when the pots are hot. While the skillets are on the smaller side and may not be suitable for larger dishes, the set offers a good range of sizes for the pots, ensuring you have the right pot for your needs.

The set is a great option for those starting out or looking to upgrade their current cookware. While it may not have all the features of more expensive sets, such as a larger frying pan, it offers excellent value for money. The quality of the set is reflected in the reviews, with many customers praising the cookware's performance, ease of cleaning, and durability.

The Giada set is a good investment, offering a balance of quality, performance, and affordability. It is a great choice for those seeking a professional-level cooking experience without breaking the bank.

Overall, the Giada De Laurentiis 10-piece Professional Series Tri-Ply Clad Cookware Set offers a good combination of features, performance, and value for money. It is a durable, well-designed set that will suit both beginners and more experienced cooks looking for a reliable and affordable cookware option.

The pots are heavy and thick

The Giada De Laurentiis 10-piece Professional Series Tri-Ply Clad Cookware Set includes four pots in 5-quart, 3-quart, 2-quart, and 1-quart sizes. The pots are described as "heavy and thick, with solid bottoms for better heat retention and distribution and strong sides." The handles are "well-insulated," meaning that even when the pot is very hot, it can be grabbed and moved without the need for a towel. However, the handles of the 5-quart pot are "relatively tiny" and can become "molten hot VERY quickly."

The set is made of stainless steel and is not treated to be non-stick. This means that cooking with the pots requires the use of oil or butter each time, even when cooking chicken. The lack of a non-stick surface also makes cleaning more challenging, as deep soaking is required to remove stuck-on oil, grease, and fat. Despite this, one reviewer states that the pots are "extremely well made and feel like a professional set."

The Giada De Laurentiis 10-piece set is available at Target and retails for $199.99, although it has been on sale for $149.99 in the past.

The skillets are too small

The skillets in the Giada De Laurentiis 10-piece cookware set are too small. The set includes two skillets: one 8-inch and one 9.5-inch skillet. A 12-inch skillet is the most used piece of cookware in the kitchen, and the lack of one in this set is a notable downside. The 10-inch skillet included in the standard set would have been preferable over the 9.5-inch skillet, which is an awkward size. It is not big enough to handle many main dishes, but it is too large for quick frying, as it leaves a lot of wasted space.

The skillets also have fairly shallow sidewalls, meaning that any dish that requires large amounts of liquid to fry or stew must be moved to a pot. However, the skillets do have a nice thickness and a sturdy, well-built design. They are also heavy in the hand and made of excellent materials, with a copper core that improves heat distribution and maintenance.

While the skillets are the 'dogs' of the set, the pots are fantastic. The set includes four pots: 5-quart, 3-quart, 2-quart, and 1-quart. The variety of sizes means you will almost always have the pot that you need. The quality of the pots is amazing; they are all very heavy and thick, with solid bottoms for better heat retention and distribution, and strong sides. The handles are well-insulated, so even a molten-hot pot can be grabbed and moved without a towel. The only downside is that the lids are also stainless steel, meaning they have to be removed to inspect the food.

Overall, the positives of this set outweigh the negatives. While the skillets are too small, the pots are excellent, and the set is extremely well-made and feels high-end and solid.

The handles get very hot

The Giada De Laurentiis 10-piece Professional Series Tri-Ply Clad Cookware Set has received mixed reviews regarding its handles. While some users have complained that the handles get very hot, others have found that they stay cool even during prolonged use. It seems that the issue of hot handles may be dependent on various factors such as the type of stove, the temperature setting, and the duration of use.

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One of the most common complaints about the Giada cookware set is that the handles get very hot during use. This can be a safety hazard, as it requires the use of potholders or gloves to handle the cookware safely. This issue seems to be prevalent even when cooking on low to medium heat settings. It is important to note that this problem is not unique to Giada cookware, as some users of other stainless steel cookware brands have also experienced the same issue.

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The handles of the Giada cookware set are made of stainless steel, which is a conductive material. This means that the handles can heat up along with the rest of the pan when exposed to a heat source. While the handles may not get as hot as the pan itself, they can still become hot enough to cause discomfort or even burns if touched directly. This is a common issue with metal handles, and it is recommended to use potholders or oven mitts when handling hot cookware to avoid injury.

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While the hot handles can be a safety concern, some users have found ways to mitigate the issue. For example, one user recommends using gloves or potholders as a simple solution to handle the hot cookware safely. Additionally, choosing cookware with alternative handle materials, such as silicone or wood, can help reduce heat conduction and keep the handles cooler. However, it is important to ensure that these materials are heat-resistant and safe for use with your type of stove.

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It is worth noting that not all users have experienced the issue of hot handles with the Giada cookware set. Some reviewers have specifically mentioned that the handles of their Giada cookware remain cool even during prolonged use. This discrepancy in experiences could be due to various factors such as the stove type, heat settings, and duration of use. Additionally, the design of the handles may play a role, as some users have found that the handles of other cookware sets are more comfortable and stay cooler.

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Overall, while the Giada cookware set has received praise for its stylish design and even heat distribution, the hot handles can be a significant drawback for some users. It is essential to prioritize safety when handling hot cookware, and the use of potholders or oven mitts is always recommended. For those particularly concerned about hot handles, opting for cookware with alternative handle materials or designs that promote better heat dissipation may be a more suitable choice.

The set is hard to clean

The Giada De Laurentiis 10-piece cookware set has received mixed reviews when it comes to ease of cleaning. While some customers claim that the set is "easy to clean" and "comes out looking like new every time you wash it", others have found that the stainless steel design makes the set difficult to clean, with food often getting stuck to the pans. One reviewer notes that "deep soaking is a must to get stuck-on oil, grease, and fat off the surfaces." Another reviewer mentions that they have to use a power tool to remove food that sticks to the bottom of the pans, suggesting that the set may be more difficult to clean than traditional cookware.

The design of the set may also contribute to the cleaning challenges. The skillets, for example, have fairly shallow sidewalls, which can make it difficult to contain food and liquids during cooking. As a result, customers may find themselves dealing with spills and messes that require additional cleaning. Additionally, the lids of the pots are also made of stainless steel, which means they need to be removed to inspect the food, potentially adding to the cleanup process.

To maintain the quality and appearance of the Giada De Laurentiis 10-piece cookware set, customers are advised to use Bar Keeper's Friend or a similar stainless steel cleaner. While the set can be cleaned in the dishwasher, hand washing is recommended to ensure the longevity of the cookware.

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