Cuisinart 650-26CP Chef’s Classic Hard-Anodized Nonstick Pot, 5-Quart
Last updated date: July 29, 2020
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We looked at the top Nonstick Pots and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Nonstick Pot you should buy.
Overall Take
In our analysis of 89 expert reviews, the Cuisinart Cuisinart Chef's Classic Hard-Anodized Nonstick Pot, 5-Quart placed 10th when we looked at the top 13 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.
Editor's Note July 30, 2020:
Checkout The Best Nonstick Pot for a detailed review of all the top nonstick pots.
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From The Manufacturer
Cuisinart Chef's Classic hard-anodized cookware features an advanced Quantanium nonstick coating, designed for healthy low-fat cooking. The coating is tough enough for use with metal utensils. Even delicate foods like fish can be cooked without sticking and cleanup is quick and easy. Every pan is constructed from durable 3mm hard-anodized aluminum, providing superb heat transfer without hot spots. The securely riveted stay-cool steel handles are oven-safe to 500 degrees F, so food can be browned on the stovetop then transferred to the oven to finish cooking. This pan should be hand-washed with a mild detergent and it carries a limited lifetime warranty against defects. Slow-simmered beans, fragrant vegetable soups and rich meaty chili all cook beautifully in this large, sturdy 5-quart chili pot. Features: Hard anodized aluminum construction|Quantanium interior non-sticks surface is ultra-durable and metal utensils safe|Sleek tempered glass lid with stainless handle|Riveted stainless steel handles with Cuisinart logo
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An Overview On Nonstick Pots
Nonstick pots are a kitchen staple for many cooks. However, with so many different types of pots around, how do you know whether you need one that’s nonstick or not? If you’re looking to cut calories by reducing the amount of cooking fat you use, then a nonstick pot can be of great use. Because the surface of the pot is slippery, you don’t need to use as much oil or butter during cooking. The food doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan, unlike other traditional cookware.
However, the advantages of a nonstick pot don’t stop there. In addition to helping you cut calories, a nonstick pot can also make cleanup easier. You don’t need to take any time to scrub off burnt-on food from the pans. Plus, nonstick pots are a great option for novice cooks. If you’re just learning how to master recipes in the kitchen, or you’ve got a lot of distractions at home like pets or young kids, then a nonstick pot will be more forgiving.
There are some things you’ll need to watch for when using a nonstick pot. Keep in mind that the surface of nonstick pots is fairly delicate, so it can be easily scratched with metal cooking utensils or a scouring pad. If you’re cooking something at a very high temperature, you probably shouldn’t use your nonstick pot, as the coating can melt when used on high heat. Plus, most nonstick pots are not dishwasher safe, so you will need to clean them by hand.
When you’re looking to buy a nonstick pot, be sure to pay attention to the kind of coating it has. Opt for pots that have a high number of nonstick coats. You’ll want around three coats for longevity. Feel the inside of the pot with your hand. If it’s rough, then it may only have one of two layers. If it’s smooth, then it will likely last longer.
DWYM Fun Fact
Did you know that nonstick coating was discovered somewhat by accident? In 1938, scientists were working on finding a less toxic refrigerant but ended up with a nonstick coating. Roy Plunkett, a researcher on the team, set up a mixture that was supposed to produce tetrafluoroethylene gas. He left it overnight and when he returned the next morning, what he found was a white waxy mixture instead of the gas. Once analyzed, the substance proved to be polytetrafluoroethylene (or Teflon), a very slippery substance.
Nonstick pots weren’t created just yet, however. First, Marc Gregoire, a French engineer, had to devise a way to bond polytetrafluoroethylene with aluminum. Only then, in 1956, could they develop and sell nonstick pots.
The Nonstick Pot Buying Guide
- When you’re in the market for a nonstick pot, be sure to pay attention to the kind of nonstick coating the manufacturer uses. While no nonstick pot lasts forever, you want to ensure that you’re purchasing a durable pot that will last you at least a few years. Opt for a 12-piece set if you’re a cook who is building up your kitchen inventory. Typically, these sets come with an 8-inch frying pan, 10-inch frying pan, 1-quart saucepan with lid, 2-quart saucepan with lid, 3-quart saucepan with lid and 5-quart Dutch oven with lid. You may even find a model that also includes a solid spoon and slotted spatula. As for the nonstick surface, look for a hard titanium-reinforced, scratch-resistant and toxin-free nonstick interior. The Concord Coppe-Ramic Copper Nonstick Pot, 7-Quart is a 7-quart pot that has a matching lid. The pot has a copper nonstick coating for easy food release. A 12-quart stockpot is perfect for making family-sized meals. Look for a model with a superior nonstick interior and exterior, making both cooking and cleanup a breeze. A 1-1/2-quart saucepan with lid made from a hard-anodized aluminum with a durable Quantanium nonstick coating is also a great choice.
- For many cooks, being able to transfer their nonstick pot from the stovetop to the oven is a necessity. Keep in mind that nonstick coating doesn’t always hold up to high temperatures, so you’ll need to be careful about how you use your nonstick pot. Even if the pot says that it is oven safe, the lid may not be. The Gotham Steel Copper Nonstick Pot, 5-Quart can be used in the oven up to a temperature of 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Many nonstick pots cannot go into the dishwasher, as the heat from the drying cycle can sometimes melt the nonstick coating. If you want to take advantage of being able to put pots into the dishwasher, be sure to read the care instructions for your pot. The Gotham Steel Copper Nonstick Pot, 5-Quart and the Concord Coppe-Ramic Copper Nonstick Pot, 7-Quart are both dishwasher-safe, making cleanup even easier.
- For many home cooks and professional chefs alike, the kind of lid the nonstick pot has is of the utmost importance. A solid metal lid keeps the heat inside while cooking but doesn’t allow anyone to see how the food is progressing. That’s why many cooks like having a glass lid for their nonstick pots. That way, you can easily check on your food without having to lift the lid and release any heat or steam in the process. The Concord Coppe-Ramic Copper Nonstick Pot, 7-Quart, the AmazonBasics 8-Piece Kitchen Cookware Set, the Gotham Steel Copper Nonstick Pot, 5-Quart all come with glass lids, making it easy to see the food while cooking.