Are you thinking of getting some Anolon pans?
Getting new cookware is an investment in more ways than one. Proper inspection is a must if you want to make sure you’re taking home some lovely new pieces. Well, allow us to help you with that. Today, we’ll be talking about Anolon pans.
The Brand
First things first. Let’s get to know this brand.
Anolon has been in the industry for around three decades. Today, they are a notable kitchenware brand. This fact should not be surprising, as Anolon has grown and reached greater heights from its humble beginnings. Now, they have a wide selection of kitchenware that you can add to your kitchen arsenal.
The Pans
Let’s get to know these pans.
When it comes to their pans, Anolon lists many desirable advantages. However, one thing that might have stood out was their claim that their cookware could work like cast iron and clean like non-stick. Now, isn’t that a dream for many?
Aesthetics
First, let’s talk about aesthetics. After all, even if the style is often not the determining factor in buying pans, it is one of the first things we see.
Anolon pans come in different styles.
Style of Anolon Pan | Description | Material | Ideal Use |
---|---|---|---|
Hard-Anodized | Durable, nonstick surface, resistant to scratches and corrosion. | Hard-anodized aluminum | Everyday cooking, sautéing, frying |
Stainless Steel | Classic look, excellent heat distribution, suitable for induction. | Stainless steel | Searing, browning, boiling |
Nonstick | Easy food release and clean-up, often with a PFOA-free coating. | Aluminum with nonstick coating | Low-fat cooking, eggs, pancakes |
Copper | Excellent thermal conductivity, precise temperature control. | Copper exterior, stainless steel interior | Delicate sauces, chocolate melting |
Advanced | Heavier gauge construction, premium nonstick performance. | Hard-anodized aluminum, nonstick coating | Professional-style cooking, heavy use |
Nouvelle Copper | Combines copper and stainless steel for superior heat control. | Copper, stainless steel, and aluminum | Versatile cooking, elegant presentation |
Some brands have committed to a style that sometimes compromises the aesthetic taste of a home cook. On the other hand, Anolon offers its consumers some options. You will likely find a pan to match your kitchen aesthetic.
A plus if you’re looking for variety.
Now, aesthetics is not all there is to check out. In the following sections we’ll be talking more about the construction of these pans.
Thin Walls and an Impact-Bonded Base
Anolon pans are known to have thin walls and impact-bonded bases. While not universal, these two features are common in many Anolon pans. Now, what does that entail for the user?
For one, it means these pans could heat up fast, but they will not be able to retain this heat for long. On the other hand, it also means that even heat distribution could only be expected on the base and not the sides.
You need not fret, though. Anolon doesn’t only offer variety in terms of style. They also offer selections when it comes to features such as this one. If you want a fully clad pan, you might want to take a look at the Anolon Advanced Stainless Steel Frying Pan.
Does that mean, these pans lose a point in this area? Not necessarily. It would depend on what you plan on using your Anolon pans for.
Non-Stick Coating
Here, let’s talk about the non-stick coating of these pans.
There are many non-stick pans out there. However, it’s rare to find a pan with non-stick coating on both the interior and exterior.
Now, what does that mean for the user, you ask? Food will less likely stick to the pan this way, making these pans easier to clean.
A plus if you’re looking for easy to clean pans.
Dishwasher-Safe Feature
Since we’re already talking about cleaning, let’s not forget to mention that most Anolon pieces are dishwasher safe.
Again, a plus if you’re into easy-to-clean pieces.
Induction Compatibility and Oven-Safe Feature
Now, let’s discuss the flexibility of these pans.
All pans are oven-safe, while most of them are induction compatible.
Again, a plus, but it is important to note that some of these pans can only handle temperatures below 400°F.
Pan Size
Now, let’s talk about pan sizes. Anolon pans come in many different sizes. That’s not the issue, though. Some consumers have noted that the pans are smaller than advertised.
When looking into these pans, it’s good to note that the sizes do not refer to the base. Instead, it talks about the size on the top of the rim.
This could be considered a drawback.
Durability
Now, if you’re wondering if these pans are durable, check this video out:
Cost
You might have seen these pans and cookware advertised as quality gourmet kitchenware. That might have given you the impression that a pan from them costs a fortune. Now, their pans are not cheap, but they are budget-friendly compared to some competitor prices.
This is a potential advantage if you’re working with a budget.
The Lid
There are two aspects to consider regarding the lids of these pans.
First, if you’ve already done some window shopping, then you might have noted that many of their lids don’t have a hole or a vent. It is a subtle feature, but if you often make dishes where you need steam to be released, then it might bother you.
On the other hand, some of their lids double as a pan! Nifty, if you ask us!
A plus or a minus depending if you’re bummed about the vent, or you’re thrilled about lids doubling as pans.
Warranty
Anolon stands with its products. They offer a warranty for all their pieces.
An easy plus. Still, it is good to note that the warranty does not apply for damages caused by the user.
The Good & The Not-So-Good
Before we talk about the verdict, let’s quickly list down some of the good and not-so-good features of these pans.
The Good | The Not-So-Good |
· Offers Options: Styles and Functional Features
· Easy to Clean: Non-stick coating on both the interior and exterior. Food will not stick that easily. · Flexible: You can use it on the stove and bring it down to the oven. |
· Most Pans Are Not Fully Clad
· Many Pans cannot handle temperatures beyond 400°F. · Confusing Pan Sizes
|
The Verdict
The verdict? Well, there are good reasons to consider trying out these pans! If you still have some room in your kitchen cabinets and you want to try some pans from Anolon, then we say, go for it!
Things to Keep in Mind
You now have a good idea about these pans. Still, you might be wondering if you should take home that Anolon pan you’ve been eyeing.
Well, here are some things you might want to consider in making the decision.
There is No Perfect Pan
Earlier, we talked about the advantages of these pans, but we also shined the light on their disadvantages. Now, that might have caused you to hesitate again. With that, we would like to remind you that there is no perfect pan. Every pan will have at least one downside to it.
When scrutinizing the pros and cons of pans, you could say it is not only about finding one with the least number of disadvantages. You want to find one with downsides you can work with. So, don’t count a pan out just yet once you see it has disadvantages with it.
Handle Your Pans Right!
Finding a reputable brand you can trust might be a must if you want pans that would last, but that’s only the start. Taking care of your pans is also important.
Besides handling your pans gently, there are two important things to consider.
First, you might want to skip the dishwasher. Handwash your pans even if the manufacturer says they are dishwasher safe, especially if we’re talking about non-stick pans. With that, you might also want to opt for gentle cleansers and cleaning tools.
Next, again, despite what the manufacturers say, you want to avoid metals and sharp objects on the surface of your pan. With that, if you stack your pans, you might also want to put some lining in between.
Before Committing
If you already done a little window shopping, you might already know that Anolon has quite a few collections. Now, you might be tempted to get an entire set instead of the original plan of only getting a pan. We understand. After all, they do have some gorgeous sets. You might want to hold that thought, though!
Before buying an entire collection from any brand, we recommend getting a piece first. This way, you get a chance to try their products out first before committing. It’s not that the brand could be bad. That is totally possible. However, it’s more like, sometimes, some people and some cookware just don’t work together. As we’ve said before, what has worked for one will not always work for another.
Summary
And that’s our Anolon pans in-depth review!
Like many other kitchenware brands, Anolon has its share of advantages and disadvantages.
We hope we were able to help you with another cooking concern. If you have any other concerns regarding cookware or cooking in general, you might want to check out our past discussions. We might have just the information you need for your cookware queries!
Michael Johnson is the founder of Pan Mastery, Inspired by his blacksmith grandfather’s legacy has a deep appreciation for hand-crafted pots and pans, he provides invaluable guides, reviews, and recipes to enhance your culinary journey.