Circulon Contempo Hard Anodized Nonstick 10 Piece Cookware Set Review

Another winner from Circulon

Circulon Contempo, produced by Meyer, the same company behind Rachael Ray cookware and KitchenAid cookware, is a remarkable addition to the Circulon range of hard anodized cookware. Although our top pick for the best hard anodized cookware set goes to the Circulon Infinite, considering its exceptional features, value for money, durability, and user experience, the Circulon Contempo is an excellent option for customers who are more budget-conscious.

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

1-qt. Saucepan with lid
2-qt. Saucepan with lid
3-qt. Sauté Pan with lid
8-qt. Stockpot with lid
8-in. French skillet
10-in. French skillet

WHAT IS IT MADE OF

The Circulon Contempo collection is crafted from durable hard-anodized aluminum with a heavy gauge. As a result, your meals will be cooked swiftly and evenly, ensuring exceptional culinary outcomes.

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE

This cookware stands out with its visually appealing and elegant design, especially thanks to the cushioned handles.

HANDLES

The handles not only possess an appealing appearance but also provide a pleasant grip. Constructed with stainless steel, they are further enhanced with silicone padding to ensure a secure hold and remain cool to the touch, eliminating the need for a potholder while handling. 

Moreover, the handles are securely attached to the pans through dual rivets, guaranteeing their strength and preventing any possibility of detachment. Additionally, each handle features a convenient pull-out metal ring, allowing for upright storage of your cookware.

LIDS

The shatter resistant tempered glass lids of this set are designed with stainless steel rims. These lids have a domed shape and are equipped with handles that have the same silicone padding as the pans. An added convenience is that the lid for the stockpot and sauté pan perfectly fit the 10 inch skillet, which I personally find to be a great feature. It's worth noting that these lids do not have any steam vents. If you prefer a set with stainless steel lids, I recommend checking out the Circulon Infinite hard anodized set.

WHAT ABOUT THE NONSTICK COATING?

Circulon cookware utilizes DuPont's™ advanced Autograph 3-layer nonstick coating, which is applied both on the inside and outside of the cookware. This coating is one of DuPont's most innovative nonstick offerings, designed to provide maximum performance, long-lasting durability, easy cooking and cleaning, and excellent resilience. It has undergone rigorous testing in restaurants and is specifically tailored for quality-focused and passionate cooks.

A standout feature of Circulon Contempo cookware is its patented TOTAL® Food Release system. The nonstick coating is uniquely applied in a "Hi-Low" ring design, reducing surface abrasion by allowing only a portion of food and utensils to come into contact with it. This results in exceptional food release performance and enhances the overall durability of the nonstick coating. This feature is consistent across all Circulon pans that are nonstick.

Circulon nonstick cookware is safe to use with metal utensils. However, it is important to read and follow the precautions provided below.

What sets Circulon Contempo apart from ordinary hard-anodized pans is that the nonstick coating is also applied to the exterior of the pan. This not only makes cleaning effortless but also ensures that the pan remains free from stains, scratches, and chips, thanks to the hard-anodizing process. As a result, Circulon pans maintain their attractive appearance over time.

ANY COOKING PRECAUTIONS YOU SHOULD BE AWARE OF?

It is highly recommended to use plastic, wooden, or rubber utensils while cooking with the Circulon Contempo cookware, even though it is metal utensil safe. This precaution will help prolong the lifespan of the non-stick cookware. To prevent food from sticking, it is advisable to avoid using high heat with these pans. Instead, low to medium heat should be used as these pans are designed to conduct heat efficiently. 

Additionally, it is important to refrain from using cooking spray as it can burn at lower temperatures and create a buildup on the non-stick coating, leading to sticking and damage. This can also result in the cookware having a "rusty" appearance. It is worth noting that using cooking sprays and high heat will void the warranty on these Circulon pans, as stated on Circulon.com. To maintain the non-stick coating, it is essential to wash the pans after each use to prevent the accumulation of food residue, which can eventually cause sticking and damage.

CAN YOU USE THESE IN THE OVEN?

Circulon Contempo pots have the ability to withstand temperatures of up to 400 degrees in the oven.

WHAT ABOUT THE BROILER?

Although the Circulon cookware website does not provide any information on this matter, it is highly recommended to avoid using the broiler with ANY non-stick pan, regardless of what the manufacturer claims. The rationale behind this advice is that when exposed to high temperatures, non-stick coatings not only degrade but also emit harmful fumes.

IS IT DISHWASHER SAFE?

Circulon Contempo hard anodized cookware should not be cleaned in the dishwasher. If you prefer a set that is dishwasher safe, you may want to consider Circulon Infinite.

CAN IT BE USED WITH INDUCTION COOKTOPS?

No, it does not have induction compatibility. If you are looking for a hard anodized cookware set that is compatible with induction, I recommend considering the Circulon Infinite collection.

DOES IT INCLUDE A WARRANTY?

Yes it comes with a lifetime warranty against defects

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

The Circulon Contempo set is highly favored among consumers, receiving exceptional ratings across all websites.

Goodhousekeeping.com rates it as an A-, with only a few minor drawbacks mentioned below.

ARE THERE ANY COMPLAINTS?

The Circulon Contempo has received some criticism, as is common with any product. Here are a few comments that have been made:

1. Goodhousekeeping has pointed out that the handles are attached with rivets, which creates additional crevices that need to be cleaned. However, this is not considered a serious issue.

2. Some users have mentioned that the cookware can develop stains from use, but these stains can be easily removed with an abrasive cleaner.

3. A few customers have complained that the handles are hollow and can fill up with water when washed. However, since only a small number of users have mentioned this, it doesn't appear to be a problem for the majority of users.

In conclusion, despite these minor criticisms, I believe that the Circulon Contempo 10 piece nonstick set offers excellent quality at a reasonable price.