Ella Walter
Calphalon pans are made of hard-anodized aluminum, which is known for its durability and resistance to warping. However, some users have reported issues with warping, which can be caused by rapid and uneven temperature changes, known as thermal shock. To prevent your Calphalon pans from warping, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and care. This includes allowing the pan to preheat before use, avoiding high heat unless necessary, and always letting the pan cool completely before washing. Additionally, choosing a thicker pan can help prevent warping, as thinner pans are more susceptible to warping due to their lower mass. While Calphalon stands behind their products with warranties, proper use and care can help ensure your pans remain in good condition for years to come.
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What You'll Learn
Use medium heat to preheat pans
To prevent your Calphalon pans from warping, it is important to preheat them at a suitable temperature. Pans can warp when they are exposed to high heat without being given time to preheat, as this causes them to expand unevenly. This is known as thermal shock.
Calphalon advises that you only use high heat for boiling water. For cooking meals that require browning or searing at high temperatures, bring the meat to room temperature first to minimise the temperature difference.
When preheating your pans, it is best to use medium heat. Medium to high heat is usually hot enough, especially if you are using well-constructed pans. This will allow your pan to heat up gradually and reduce the risk of warping.
By following these instructions, you can help prevent your Calphalon pans from warping and ensure more even heating during cooking.
If you are using a new pan for the first time, it is important to hand-wash it with warm, soapy water and dry it thoroughly before placing it on the stove. Calphalon recommends using a liquid dishwashing detergent and a non-abrasive sponge or soft-bristle brush for this initial cleaning step.
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Avoid high heat unless boiling water
Calphalon advises that you only use high heat for boiling water. Pans are susceptible to warping when exposed to high heat. A room-temperature pan placed on a burner set to high heat can cause the pan to expand too quickly in some areas while remaining unchanged in others. This uneven expansion creates stress in the pan, causing it to warp.
To prevent warping, it is recommended to preheat the pan using medium heat before adding butter or oil. This is especially effective if you are using well-constructed pans, which are designed to conduct and retain heat efficiently. For cooking methods that require high heat, such as browning or searing, bring the meat to room temperature before placing it in the pan. This minimises the temperature difference between the pan and the meat, reducing the risk of warping.
Calphalon's hard-anodized aluminum cookware is designed to resist warping. However, even with high-quality cookware, it is essential to follow proper usage and care instructions to prevent warping. Always allow the pan to preheat gradually and avoid extreme temperature changes.
Additionally, it is important to note that some Calphalon pans, such as the Teflon-coated ones, may have a shorter lifespan before warping occurs. This is due to the non-stick coating, which can start to stick after a year or so, even with proper care. Therefore, it is recommended to hand-wash Calphalon cookware with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge, following the specific care instructions provided by the manufacturer.
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Allow pans to cool before washing
Allowing your pans to cool before washing is a crucial step in preventing warping. Calphalon recommends that you always let your cookware cool down completely before cleaning it. This is because placing a hot pan in cold water can cause thermal shock, leading to warping. Thermal shock occurs when a room-temperature pan is subjected to high heat, causing it to expand unevenly and warp. Therefore, it is important to give your pan time to preheat before cooking. Using medium to high heat is usually sufficient, especially when using well-constructed pans like Calphalon.
Additionally, it is advised to hand-wash your Calphalon cookware with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge or a non-abrasive brush. While some Calphalon products are dishwasher-safe, handwashing is recommended to preserve the luster of stainless steel and protect the non-stick surface of other materials. Always avoid using abrasive detergents, steel wool, or iron sponges, as these can damage the non-stick coating.
If you are using a Calphalon pan in the oven, be cautious as the handles will become very hot. Always use a potholder or oven mitt to prevent burns when removing the pan from the oven. Calphalon also advises against using aerosol cooking sprays as they contain chemical propellants that are difficult to remove. Instead, use an oil mister or dab oil on a paper towel to wipe the interior of the pan.
By following these care instructions, you can help prevent your Calphalon pans from warping and maintain their durability and performance. Remember, allowing your pans to cool completely before washing is essential to avoid thermal shock and warping.
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Avoid thermal shock by not plunging hot pans in cold water
Calphalon recommends that you avoid using aerosol cooking sprays with their pans as they contain a chemical propellant that is difficult to remove. Instead, use an oil mister with olive or vegetable oil, or dab a bit of oil on a paper towel and carefully wipe the interior of the pan. Always allow your Calphalon pan to cool fully before cleaning. Never place a hot pan in cold water, which can cause thermal shock and warp it. This is because the stress of the temperature change causes the pan to expand unevenly and warp.
Calphalon also advises that you only use high heat for boiling water. For meals that require browning or searing on high heat, bring the meat to room temperature before placing it in the pan to minimize the difference in temperature. Before first use, hand-wash your Calphalon cookware with warm, sudsy water and dry thoroughly. After cooking, allow the pan to cool completely before washing and avoid abrasive detergents, steel wool, or iron sponges, which can damage the non-stick surface.
To restore the shine to stainless steel Calphalon pans, you may use Bar Keeper’s Friend® cleanser (or other polish made especially for stainless steel) and a non-abrasive sponge or soft-bristle brush. Stainless steel cookware can be stacked for storage, but it’s best to place a paper towel, napkin, or trivet as additional protection against unwanted scratches.
In general, almost all pans made by high-quality brands like Calphalon are 2.5 mm thick or greater. It’s the cheap, no-name brands that you find in department stores that are most likely to warp.
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Choose thicker, heavier pans
Thicker and heavier pans are less susceptible to warping. The thickness of a pan is measured in gauges, and a lower gauge indicates a thicker pan. For example, an 18-gauge baking sheet is approximately 1.2 mm thick, while a heavy-duty commercial-quality 12-gauge baking sheet is around 2.6 mm thick. A thick pan will be significantly heavier than a thin one.
Calphalon recommends that you only use high heat for boiling water. For cooking methods that require high heat, such as browning or searing, bring the food to room temperature before placing it in the pan to minimise the temperature difference. This will help prevent warping caused by thermal shock.
Cast iron pans, for example, are heavy and do not warp. They are cheap, non-stick when treated properly, and last a long time. Carbon steel pans are another good alternative, as they are lighter than cast iron but offer the same benefits.
When purchasing a new pan, the thickness is not always listed, so you may need to contact the manufacturer. Pans made by high-quality brands like Calphalon are typically 2.5 mm thick or greater, while cheap, no-name brands are more likely to warp.
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Frequently asked questions
Calphalon recommends preheating your pans using the setting you intend to use when cooking, before adding butter or oil. Never place a hot pan in cold water, which can cause thermal shock and warp it.
A room-temperature pan put on a burner set to high heat can cause the pan to expand too quickly in some areas while remaining unchanged in others. When this happens, the stress of the temperature change causes the pan to expand unevenly and warp.
You can try to hammer it back into position, or use a wood block and mallet to flatten it. Alternatively, contact Calphalon to see if your pan is still under warranty.
