Rachael Ray Hard Anodized Nonstick 14-Piece Cookware Set

WHAT MAKES THE RACHAEL RAY HARD ANODIZED SET SO POPULAR?

A few years back, I found myself in search of a cookware set to give as a wedding present. While perusing through a store, my attention was caught by a set of pots that had an appealing appearance, boasting vibrant orange handles and the renowned brand name 'Rachael Ray'.

At that time, I wasn't well-versed in the world of cookware or familiar with Rachael Ray as a celebrity chef on television, so I didn't have much to base my decision on. However, whether it was the attractive design or the eye-catching orange handles, I ultimately decided to purchase the set as a gift.

To my delight, the gift was warmly received and, as I later discovered, put to great use! It turns out that the Rachael Ray Hard Anodized Nonstick set is highly sought-after in the market, with numerous satisfied users.

Phew! It seems that my choice of the set, thanks to those orange handles, turned out to be a fantastic gift!

Now, let's delve into what exactly makes this particular cookware set so immensely popular.

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

The Rachel Ray hard anodized set has 14 pieces. Here’s what’s included:

• 1-qt. Saucepan with lid
• 2-qt. Saucepan with lid
• 3-qt. Saucepan with lid
• 4-qt. Saucepot with lid
• 3-qt. Saute’ Pan with lid
• 6-qt. Stockpot with lid
• 8.5-in. Skillet
• 10-in. Skillet

Note: While this review is for the Rachael Ray Hard Anodized nonstick 14 piece set, it also comes in a 10 piece set and a 12 piece set.

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The reason I was drawn to this set as a gift was primarily because of its visually appealing design. The cookware boasts a sleek and contemporary appearance, featuring a black exterior and a black nonstick interior.

It is worth noting the distinctive orange handle covers on the pots and the lids, which have become a recognizable trademark of Rachel Ray cookware. Additionally, the lids are made of tempered glass and are accented with a metal rim.

WHAT IS IT MADE OF?

The Rachael Ray hard anodized collection consists of durable hard anodized aluminum cookware, featuring a nonstick coating on the interior surface.

WHAT ABOUT THE NON-STICK COATING?

What is it?

I contacted the manufacturer Meyer to inquire about the nonstick coating on the Rachael Ray hard anodized cookware since it was not immediately clear. The nonstick coating, known as Eclipse, is produced by Whitford, the manufacturer of the most extensive range of nonstick coatings worldwide. Eclipse is regarded as their second top coating, while their first is mainly utilized in commercial cookware. Interestingly, their third best coating, called Quantanium, is used in the Cuisinart hard anodized set.

Quality and Durability of the nonstick coating?

The quality of a nonstick coating is determined by three factors: the quality of the coating itself, the number of layers, and the thickness of those layers.

Eclipse, a specially engineered coating, is designed to surpass all other nonstick coatings in terms of longevity (as claimed by the company). It is applied in three layers, with the top layer being PTFE (commonly known as Teflon, a brand name by DuPont) which provides the nonstick release.

Interestingly, the Rachael Ray hard anodized pans boast an exceptionally resilient and durable nonstick coating that is built to endure. Users of these pans express high satisfaction with the durability and performance of the nonstick surface.

In a durability test conducted by the hosts of the popular TV show 'Anna and Kristina's grocery bag', where four chef-designed skillets were put to the test, the Rachael Ray hard anodized skillet emerged as the winner! The test involved subjecting the surface of four different skillets to a grinder to determine how long it took for the nonstick coating to wear out. The results were as follows:

- Rachael Ray skillet: 6 minutes, 20 seconds
- Jamie Oliver skillet (manufactured by T-fal): 4 minutes, 50 seconds
- Paula Deen skillet (manufactured by Meyer, the same company as Rachael Ray cookware): 4 minutes, 35 seconds
- Gordon Ramsay skillet (manufactured by Royal Doulton): 3 minutes, 50 seconds.

ANY COOKING PRECAUTIONS YOU SHOULD BE AWARE OF?

The safety measures for this set adhere to the standard guidelines for non-stick pans.

• Avoid using high heat; it is advisable to use low to medium heat instead.
• Use plastic, wood, or silicone utensils and avoid metal utensils.
• Never heat an empty nonstick pan.
• Do not place the pan under the broiler.
• Avoid using nonstick cooking sprays on nonstick cookware as it can lead to an invisible buildup that hinders the nonstick release system, causing food to stick to the pan.

WHAT ABOUT THE HANDLES?

The handles of the pots are crafted from stainless steel and feature vibrant orange rubberized sleeves, ensuring a firm and pleasant grip. Additionally, these handles are capable of withstanding oven temperatures of up to 350°F. Lastly, the handles are securely attached to the pots through riveting, providing an extra level of stability.

WHAT ARE THE LIDS MADE OF?

The lids are crafted from durable tempered glass that is resistant to shattering, and just like the pans, they can be safely used in the oven at temperatures up to 400F. For those who prefer to have lids on their skillets, here's some exciting news: the lids from the pots perfectly fit the skillets! In essence, this set includes a lid for each and every pan. This is the perfect combination for creating delicious grilled-cheese sandwiches!

IS IT EASY TO MAINTAIN?

These pots have received rave reviews from users for their effortless cleaning and maintenance. Thanks to the hard anodized aluminium, these pots are highly resistant to dents and scratches. The non-stick interior ensures a hassle-free clean up process.

However, it is important to allow the pots to cool down after cooking before washing or adding water. If you choose to stack the pans, it is advisable to use a protective liner to prevent any potential scratches on the non-stick surface.

EASY POUR RIMS

The pots are designed with uniquely tapered rims to ensure spill-free pouring.

CAN YOU USE THESE IN THE OVEN?

The Rachael Ray hard anodized 14 piece set is designed to be oven-safe up to 400F, ensuring convenient cooking options. It is important to remember to use pot holders when handling the pans after they have been in the oven. Additionally, the set includes glass lids for added versatility and convenience.

WHAT ABOUT THE BROILER?

Using these pans under the broiler is not recommended. It is highly advisable to avoid using any non-stick pan under the broiler, regardless of what the manufacturer claims. This is because when exposed to high heat, non-stick coatings not only degrade but also emit harmful fumes.

IS IT DISHWASHER SAFE?

It should be noted that these pans are suitable for dishwasher use, which is a notable improvement compared to a previous version of this set that required hand-washing. Nevertheless, regardless of the manufacturer's claims, I would strongly advise hand-washing your cookware to extend its lifespan and safeguard the non-stick coating.

CAN IT BE USED WITH INDUCTION COOKTOPS?

The Rachael Ray hard anodized set is not suitable for induction cooking.

DOES IT INCLUDE A WARRANTY

The product is accompanied by a warranty that is valid for a limited lifetime.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

The Rachael Ray pots and pans have received rave reviews from users on the Rachael Ray Store as well as other stores. With such a large number of satisfied customers, it's clear that this cookware is top-notch!

According to Goodhousekeeping.com, a reliable source for consumer reviews, the 10 pot version of this hard anodized set is rated A-. While they do mention a few minor drawbacks, overall, this cookware delivers excellent performance.

ARE THERE ANY COMPLAINTS?

Based on the overwhelmingly positive ratings for this Rachael Ray cookware, it is evident that the majority of users are extremely satisfied with it, with only a few minor grievances. However, it is important to provide a comprehensive review that includes both the positives and negatives. Therefore, let's delve into the drawbacks:

Some users have expressed concerns about discolourations appearing on the pans after repeated use, which has also been highlighted as a negative aspect by Goodhousekeeping.com. Fortunately, this issue can be resolved by utilizing an abrasive cleaner.

Additionally, Goodhousekeeping.com points out that the presence of rivets can pose a challenge when it comes to cleaning the interior of the pots.