Test Kitchen's Pots And Pans: Brand Secrets

America's Test Kitchen has reviewed a wide range of pots and pans, and while they advise buying individual pans to suit your needs, they have also reviewed cookware sets. Their reviews cover a range of budgets and include budget-friendly options. They recommend the Goldilocks cookware set as their new Best Buy, replacing the Tramontina set that has been discontinued. They also recommend the Le Creuset 7¼ Quart Round Dutch Oven, which is pricey but substantial, evenly distributes heat, and is exceptionally resistant to damage. For a more affordable option, they suggest the Lodge 12 Cast Iron Skillet, which has a nubbly texture that quickly gains seasoning and is very versatile.

Le Creuset 7¼ Quart Round Dutch Oven

America's Test Kitchen has reviewed the Le Creuset 7¼ Quart Round Dutch Oven, naming it their "Best Dutch Oven". The product is described as "substantial enough to hold and distribute heat evenly without being unbearably heavy". The light-coloured interior, combined with low, straight sides, allows for good visibility and easy monitoring of browning and thermometer position. The broad cooking surface saves time by allowing more food to be cooked at once. The lid is also smooth and easy to clean. Although the product is expensive, it is "exceptionally resistant to damage".

The Le Creuset 7.25-quart Round Dutch Oven is made from enameled cast iron, which delivers superior heat distribution and retention. The light-coloured smooth interior enamel makes it easy to monitor the cooking process. The tight-fitting lid is designed to circulate steam and return moisture to the food. The ergonomic knobs and handles make the oven easy to lift. The product is lightweight, safe for dishwasher and metal utensils, and compatible with all cooktops and oven-safe up to 500 °F.

Le Creuset has been recognised since 1925 for its strength and durability. Each piece is cast individually in sand moulds and then hand-inspected by French artisans, representing a rich heritage and tradition of lasting, authentic design. The brand offers a range of materials and categories, providing the right tool for any job in the kitchen.

Lodge 12 Cast Iron Skillet

America's Test Kitchen has a few recommendations for cast-iron skillets, one of which is the Lodge 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet. While this skillet started with a rougher surface than some artisan pans, its gently nubbly texture quickly improved with seasoning. By the end of testing, it released food and cleaned up perfectly. Weighing in at around 8 pounds, it's on the heavier side, but that weight helps with heat retention and browning. Its roomy surface and high sides make it a versatile and affordable performer that will last forever.

Lodge skillets are made from cast iron, which is a type of metal that is known for its durability and heat retention. Cast iron skillets are also relatively inexpensive and easy to find. They can be used on the stovetop, in the oven, or even over a campfire.

Lodge skillets come in a variety of sizes, from small 6-inch pans to large 15-inch pans. The 12-inch skillet is a popular size that is perfect for cooking a variety of meals. It's big enough to cook multiple burgers, steaks, or chicken breasts at once, but not so large that it's cumbersome to store.

In addition to the classic skillet, Lodge also offers a variety of other cast-iron products, including a chef collection skillet, a cast-iron grill pan, and a 12-inch skillet with a handle holder. They also provide a range of recipes on their website that are specifically designed for their skillets, such as cast iron seared standing rib roast, one-pan blackened shrimp and pesto penne pasta, and skillet strawberry cobbler.

All-Clad D3 Stainless 12″ Fry Pan

The All-Clad D3 Stainless 12″ Fry Pan is a premium stainless steel fry pan with a lid. It features a durable and versatile tri-ply construction for even heat distribution and retention, making it perfect for various cooking techniques. The D3 tri-ply is fully bonded to the rim for professional performance and durability, with a high-quality 18/10 stainless steel surface that sears to perfection and is ideal for deglazing pan sauces.

The D3 has a professionally polished stainless steel finish and classic, double-riveted stainless steel handles to ensure a secure grip. It is trusted by generations of chefs and backed by All-Clad's Limited Lifetime Warranty. The cookware is oven and broiler safe up to 600°F and compatible with any stovetop, including induction. Handwashing is recommended.

The All-Clad D3 Stainless 12″ Fry Pan is ideal for browning, sautéing, and searing. To achieve the best results, it is recommended to start with food at room temperature and ensure that it is dry before cooking to prevent splattering. The pan should be preheated on low to moderate heat, and enough oil should be added to cover the surface. Food can be added once the oil is hot, and it should sizzle when added to the pan.

To maintain the All-Clad D3 Stainless 12″ Fry Pan, it is important to wash it before the first use and clean it thoroughly between uses. Handwashing with a soap and sponge is recommended. For burnt food, the surface can be sprinkled with baking soda and water, brought to a boil, and loosened with a wooden spoon. For tough stains, a nonabrasive, non-chlorine cleanser can be used. Discoloration can be removed using white vinegar, and cloudy white hard water spots can be removed by boiling a 1:1 white vinegar and water solution.

The All-Clad D3 Stainless 12″ Fry Pan has received positive reviews from customers, who praise its performance, heat distribution, size, and quality. However, there are mixed opinions on its value, stickiness, color, and handle comfort. Overall, the All-Clad D3 Stainless 12″ Fry Pan is a trusted and reliable choice for any kitchen.

Cook N Home Stainless Steel Stockpot

If you're looking for a stockpot that's both lightweight and durable, the Cook N Home Stainless Steel Stockpot is a great option. It's made of mirror-polished 18/10 stainless steel, which is not only attractive but also highly resistant to deformation. This stockpot also features an aluminum disc bottom that ensures even heat distribution, so you don't have to worry about hot spots or uneven cooking.

One of the standout features of the Cook N Home Stainless Steel Stockpot is its comfort and ease of use. The pot and lid are both designed with rubbery grips, making them easy to carry and maneuver, even when full. The tempered glass lid also comes with a steam vent, allowing you to monitor your food without lifting the lid and releasing heat. And when it comes to cleaning, the smooth inner and outer surfaces of the pot make it a breeze to keep your cookware sparkling.

This stockpot is incredibly versatile and compatible with a wide range of heat sources. You can use it on gas, electric, glass, ceramic, halogen, and even induction cooktops. It's also oven-safe up to 500°F, while the lid can withstand temperatures up to 350°F. So whether you're simmering stocks, making sauces, or cooking up a storm for your family, the Cook N Home Stainless Steel Stockpot is a reliable choice.

The Cook N Home Stainless Steel Stockpot has earned high praise from customers, with many applauding its quality, appearance, heat distribution, and weight. It's a great choice for those seeking a sturdy, well-made pot that heats up quickly and evenly. The cleanability and value for money are also notable advantages, making it a popular option for those seeking a reliable stockpot without breaking the bank.

Smithey Ironware No. 12 Cast Iron Skillet

America's Test Kitchen has named the Smithey Ironware No. 12 Cast Iron Skillet as one of its favourite pots and pans, and for good reason. This skillet is designed to be the ultimate workhorse in any kitchen. It is crafted from cast iron, which is known for its heat retention properties, and polished to a satin-smooth finish, making it easy to clean and naturally non-stick. The No. 12 offers slightly more surface area and depth than the No. 10, making it perfect for families or those who like to cook in bulk.

The Smithey No. 12 is compatible with all cooktops, from gas and induction to electric, and can even be used over a campfire. It is designed to withstand the test of time and become an heirloom piece, passed down through generations. Despite its weight, which is typical of cast iron, the skillet is crafted to be as light as possible while still maintaining optimal heat retention.

The No. 12 is a top-performing skillet, searing food evenly and deeply thanks to its heavy weight. While the bronze colour may become blotchy with use, it will eventually develop a beautiful patina. The skillet also features holes on both sides for hanging, making it easy to store and display in your kitchen.

The Smithey Ironware No. 12 Cast Iron Skillet has received numerous positive reviews, with customers praising its ease of cleaning, even heating, and durable construction. It is a versatile and reliable skillet that lives up to the reputation of America's Test Kitchen.

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