Calphalon is a leading producer of premium-quality cookware, bakeware, cutlery, and appliances for the home chef. The company was founded in 1963 by Ronald M. Kasperzak under the name Commercial Aluminum Cookware and was originally based in Perrysburg, Ohio. In 1998, Calphalon was acquired by Newell Brands and, since then, has transitioned most of its manufacturing overseas. While some of its products are still made in the US, in the company's Perrysburg factory, most of its pots and pans are now manufactured in China.
Characteristics | Values |
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Where are Calphalon pots and pans made? | Calphalon pots and pans are made in the United States, in the company's Perrysburg, Ohio factory outside Toledo and in China. |
Where was Calphalon founded? | Calphalon was founded in Perrysburg, Ohio in 1963 by Ronald M. Kasperzak under the name Commercial Aluminum Cookware. |
When did Calphalon start making pots and pans? | In 1968, Calphalon started hard anodizing their pots and pans. |
When did Calphalon start selling to consumers? | In 1976, Calphalon went into retail, selling to homemakers and aspiring chefs. |
When did Calphalon change its name? | In 1992, Commercial Aluminum Cookware changed its name to Calphalon due to the popularity of its cookware. |
When was Calphalon acquired by Newell? | In 1998, Calphalon was acquired by Newell and transitioned most of its manufacturing overseas. |
What You'll Learn
Calphalon was founded in 1963 in Perrysburg, Ohio
Mr Kasperzak is credited with inventing hard-anodized aluminium cookware in 1968, using a process from the aerospace industry that makes cookware more durable and resistant to corrosion and warping. This innovative process set Calphalon apart and earned the company a strong reputation in the culinary world.
In the mid-1980s, Calphalon began marketing its products to cooking schools, specialty cookware shops, and eventually, department stores. This expansion was supported by an extensive consumer education program, including in-store demonstrations, culinary event sponsorships, cookbooks, and informative literature for home chefs.
As demand for Calphalon cookware grew, the company changed its name from Commercial Aluminum Cookware to Calphalon in 1992 to align with its well-known product name. This rebranding reflected the company's evolution and its expansion into a wider range of products, including bakeware, cutlery, and appliances.
Today, Calphalon continues to be a leading producer of premium-quality cookware and other kitchen essentials, catering to both professional chefs and gourmet home cooks alike. While the company still operates in Perrysburg, Ohio, it now manufactures most of its products overseas.
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The company was originally called Commercial Aluminum Cookware Company
Calphalon, a leading producer of premium-quality cookware, bakeware, cutlery, and appliances for home chefs, was originally called the Commercial Aluminum Cookware Company. The company was founded in 1963 by Ronald M. Kasperzak in Perrysburg, Ohio.
Kasperzak is credited with inventing hard-anodized aluminum cookware in 1968. He adopted a process from the aerospace industry that makes cookware more durable and resistant to corrosion and warping. This type of cookware was enthusiastically embraced by the professional culinary community and soon gained a cult-like following among non-professional, at-home gourmet chefs.
In the mid-1980s, the company began marketing its products to cooking schools and small specialty gourmet stores. As demand for their cookware grew, it became available in department specialty stores as well. This retail release was supported by an extensive consumer education program, including in-store demonstrations, culinary event sponsorships, cookbooks, and informative literature for home chefs.
Due to the popularity of their cookware, in 1992, the Commercial Aluminum Cookware Company changed its name to Calphalon. Today, Calphalon offers a wide variety of cooking surfaces, styles, and sizes, giving chefs the flexibility to choose the best tools for their culinary tasks.
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Calphalon's products are now manufactured in China
Calphalon is a leading producer of premium-quality cookware, bakeware, cutlery, and appliances for home chefs. The company was founded in 1963 by Ronald M. Kasperzak under the name Commercial Aluminum Cookware and supplied the restaurant industry and other professional food services. In 1968, Mr. Kasperzak invented hard-anodized aluminum cookware, which he called Calphalon. This innovation revolutionized the industry, making cookware more durable and resistant to corrosion and warping.
Over the years, Calphalon's products gained immense popularity in the professional culinary world and beyond. The company initially manufactured its products in Toledo, Ohio, where it was based. However, in 1998, Newell Brands acquired Calphalon, and that's when the transition happened.
Newell Brands' acquisition of Calphalon in 1998 marked a significant shift in the company's manufacturing operations. The new management made the decision to outsource most of its production to overseas factories, primarily in China. This move was likely driven by the desire to reduce production costs and take advantage of cheaper labor and materials available internationally.
Today, Calphalon's products, including its pots and pans, are predominantly manufactured in China. While the company still produces some items in its original factory in Perrysburg, Ohio, right outside Toledo, the majority of its cookware collections are now made overseas. This shift in manufacturing has sparked some debate among customers, with some preferring American-made goods and others appreciating the cost-effectiveness of the new production locations.
The relocation of Calphalon's manufacturing to China has raised questions about product quality. Some worry that moving production overseas might lead to a decrease in the caliber of Calphalon's offerings. However, reviews suggest that the change has not significantly impacted the performance or durability of their cookware. In fact, for many, the move has been a success, as it has made Calphalon's products more accessible to budget-conscious consumers without compromising their standards for quality and performance.
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The company was purchased by Newell in 1998
Calphalon was purchased by Newell, now Newell Brands, on June 7, 1998. Newell is an American manufacturer, marketer, and distributor of consumer and commercial products. The company was founded by Edgar Newell in 1903 as a manufacturer of metal curtain rods in Ogdensburg, New York.
Newell's acquisition of Calphalon was part of its growth-by-acquisition strategy, which began under Daniel C. Ferguson, who was named president in 1965. The acquisition of Calphalon was Newell's second transaction in the consumer products sector and its first transaction in Ohio.
Before its acquisition by Newell, Calphalon was known as Commercial Aluminum Cookware and was founded in 1963 by Ronald M. Kasperzak in Perrysburg, Ohio. Kasperzak is credited with inventing hard-anodized aluminum cookware in 1968, which revolutionized cooking at home and was embraced by both professional and non-professional chefs.
Following its acquisition by Newell, Calphalon transitioned most of its manufacturing overseas. While some products are still made in the United States, particularly in the company's Perrysburg, Ohio factory, many Calphalon products are now manufactured in China. This move towards overseas manufacturing is a common trend among home goods and cookware brands, driven by cheaper labour and material costs internationally.
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Calphalon's Premier Stainless Steel Cookware Sets are made in Toledo, Ohio
Calphalon is a leading producer of premium-quality cookware, bakeware, cutlery, and appliances for home chefs. The company was founded in 1963 by Ronald M. Kasperzak under the name Commercial Aluminum Cookware and supplied the restaurant industry and other professional food services.
In 1968, Mr. Kasperzak invented hard-anodized aluminum cookware, which was more durable and resistant to corrosion and warping than traditional cookware. This innovation led to the creation of the Calphalon brand, and the company soon gained popularity among both professional chefs and at-home gourmet cooks.
Over the years, Calphalon expanded its product lines and began marketing to a wider audience, including cooking schools, specialty stores, and department stores. In 1992, the company changed its name to Calphalon to match the name of its popular cookware line.
Today, Calphalon offers a diverse range of cookware, including various cooking surfaces, styles, and sizes, giving chefs the flexibility to choose the best tools for their culinary needs.
While Calphalon has moved a significant portion of its manufacturing overseas, particularly to China, the company still produces some of its premier lines in the United States. Notably, the Calphalon Premier Stainless Steel Cookware Sets continue to be crafted with care and precision in Toledo, Ohio.
Toledo, Ohio, holds a special significance for the company, as it was the original manufacturing hub for Calphalon products. Even as the brand expanded and changed hands, with Newell acquiring it in 1998, the company retained its commitment to American craftsmanship for its premier lines.
The Calphalon Premier Stainless Steel Cookware Sets embody the company's dedication to quality and innovation. Each piece in the set is meticulously designed to meet the exacting standards that have come to define Calphalon. The stainless steel construction ensures superior heat induction, resulting in even cooking and consistent results. The cookware's sleek and shiny surface adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen, while its non-reactive properties provide peace of mind when preparing acidic dishes.
The Toledo-made sets are an enduring testament to Calphalon's heritage and their commitment to providing professional-grade cookware to chefs and home cooks alike. While economic realities have shifted much of their manufacturing overseas, Calphalon remains steadfast in its dedication to producing exceptional cookware, with the Premier Stainless Steel Cookware Sets serving as a proud reminder of their American roots.
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Frequently asked questions
Calphalon was founded in Perrysburg, Ohio, and for a long time, the company manufactured its products in the United States, specifically in Toledo, Ohio. However, since being acquired by Newell Brands in 1998, Calphalon has moved a lot of its product manufacturing overseas to China. While some collections, such as the Calphalon Elite and Commercial, are still made in the US, most Calphalon pots and pans are now produced in China.
The Calphalon Elite and Commercial collections are made in the United States, in the company's factory in Perrysburg, Ohio, just outside Toledo.
Yes, the Premier Stainless Steel Cookware Sets are still made in Toledo, Ohio. Individual pots and pans in the Calphalon Signature non-stick collection are also made in the United States, but the sets are made overseas.
Moving production lines to China can help companies lower costs and offer better value for money to customers. However, this decision may be unpopular with those who prefer to buy American-made products.