I always struggle with the idea of a set of saucepans, usually because they have the same functionalities across all the pans in the set, with the only differentiating factor being size. Circulon saucepans are great value for money, and although I am not a major fan of cooking with non-stick pans, this set really impressed me. Their non-stick coating is quite durable compared to other saucepans in this price range. My only problem with this set would be that all the pans are non-stick. If you find a use for 3 similarly sized non-stick saucepans, this set might just be the one for you. This Circulon saucepan set review is probably the only review I have done on a set of saucepans where I did not find more than one fault.
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Circulon Saucepan Set Review
Circulon products are known for their great quality; this set does not disappoint. The thicker stainless-steel base on these pans ensures an even heat distribution, eliminating the formation of hotspots and enabling you to cook your food evenly throughout the entire pan. My favourite feature of this set would be the riveted handles. If you have read any of my other reviews on saucepans, you will know that I am very picky regarding the quality of the handle. I would never consider buying a saucepan with handles that are attached using a screw, I can’t begin to describe my hatred for handles that come loose and start wobbling. The riveted handles on this set are durable and will last at least a few years!
If you are drawn to the fact that this set is dishwasher safe, I cannot deny that this set will probably be perfectly fine if you wash it in your dishwasher. However, I cannot in good conscience keep quiet on this: Do not wash any pots and pans in a dishwasher, even though they advertise that it is safe. You will get a few extra years out of your pans if you properly care for them by gently handwashing them.
Circulon Saucepan Set
The Circulon Momentum Stainless Steel 5-Piece Saucepan and Frypan Set includes a 16cm saucepan, 18/20cm saucepan, 24cm frypan, and lids.
The pans are made from durable stainless steel with a nonstick coating that is scratch-resistant and dishwasher-safe.
They also have stay-cool handles for added comfort.
The set are all oven safe up to 204°C, dishwasher safe and suitable to all hob types.
- Induction Stove Suitable
- Durable
- Lifetime Guarantee
- Dishwasher safe
- Takes a while to warm up
Circulon Saucepan Set: Specifications
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Circulon Saucepan Set
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Material:
Stainless Steel
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Oven Safe:
up to 204°C
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Saucepan Inclusion:
16cm saucepan, 18cm saucepan, 20cm saucepan
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Glass Lids:
✓
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Induction Suitable:
✓
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Dishwasher Safe:
✓
Circulon Saucepans: Features & Benefits
Induction Ready
The magnetic ability of the stainless steel used in this set makes it suitable to use on an induction stove, which has, for many people, become the new standard. I do prefer cooking on a gas stove, but it could never hurt to have extra functionality that you don’t need, rather than not having it and then needing it.
Non-Stick
I would generally not list non-stick as a feature or benefit; however, the quality of Circulons’ non-stick coating is really good and if properly cared for, will definitely last much longer than most other products in its price range. Their non-stick technology has slightly changed my opinion on non-stick cookware. I might be cooking with them more often from now on.
Oven & Dishwasher Safe
One of my favourite features of any good saucepan is the ability to survive finishing a dish in the oven. Although I cannot vouch for the heat-treated plastic handles and how long they would last, I believe this set might give you quite a few great years. I recommend sticking to the instruction manual and not exceeding 204°C when cooking with them in the oven.
Three Style Options
Circulon offers you the choice between three style sets. Although I would have preferred a set that gives you one of each rather than three of the same styles, they are all truly amazing products.
- SteelShield Stainless Steel – Designed to be suitable for using metal utensils, Circulons’ patented SteelShield technology uses raised stainless steel grooves that protect the non-stick layer from harm. The smaller surface area, the non-stick layer, is attached to prevent it from peeling off due to hotspots or uneven heat distribution.
- Momentum Stainless Steel – Similar to the raised grooves of the SteelShield pan, the momentum range also uses raised grooves. However, these grooves are covered in the non-stick layer instead of the exposed stainless on the former. They call this a Hi-Low Non-Stick System.
- Momentum Hard Anodised – With the same Hi-Low Non-Stick System, this style would be my go-to option between the three as it is made with Hard Anodised aluminium, which is known to be twice as hard as stainless steel.
Reasons To Buy Circulon Saucepans
Besides the truly sturdy handles (just one of my criteria for a great saucepan), which won’t come loose because of the rivets, these handles are extremely comfortable to hold. The comfortability of the handle paired with the lightweight pans makes for a truly amazing cooking experience.
I am yet again reiterating that I am not a major fan of cooking with non-stick and cannot see the need for buying a set of 3 non-stick pans similar in size. Besides my dislike of non-stick, I cannot deny that this product is of great quality and at an amazing price. If it were possible to take one pan out of the three options, I would certainly do so. However, if you are buying a set, you have to stick to what they offer. I would, therefore, go with the hard anodised option.
<<Our Testing and Review Methodology>>
Frequently Asked Questions
Are These Sets Durable?
Yes! The riveted handles are very sturdy and won’t become loose over time. By the time the handles come loose on these pans, new pans would have been long overdue. If durability and sturdiness are what you are looking for, all three options for these sets will be a great purchase. However, the most durable would be the Momentum Hard Anodised set.
Why Are There Different Styles To Choose From?
Besides the different visual appeal of each style, these three sets are made from different materials and non-stick technologies. If you are looking for a very robust and durable set, go for the Hard Anodised set. If scratches are your enemy and you sometimes forget that you shouldn’t use metal utensils in your non-stick pans, go for the SteelShield option, designed to be used with metal utensils. The normal stainless-steel option would be my last choice. However, having a basic set of stainless steel pans is useful. They also offer the Hi-Low Non-Stick System.
Are The Silicone/Plastic Handles Safe To Use In The Oven?
Although I am always wary of putting plastic/silicone in the oven, this set has been quite ok so far. I would recommend limiting the use of this functionality and abiding by the 204°C rule in their manual. If you are like me, who finishes dishes in the oven more often than not, I would rather invest in a dedicated pot/saucepan for this use. Some dishes I make require finishing in the oven at very high temperatures. Therefore, this set won’t do the trick.
Do The Stay-Cool Handles Work?
The silicone covering on the handles does really help to keep them from burning your hand when used on the stove; however, do not think that they won’t leave a terrible mark if you take them out of the oven without oven mitts?
Do The Grooves In The Pans Make It Difficult To Clean?
The Hi-Low or SteelShield systems might make these pans incredibly hard to clean.
I was wrong.
The high-quality, non-stick layer makes these pans easy to clean. I know most people are lazy and will probably throw them in the dishwasher, which will work well to give them a clean. However, I like taking care of my cookware. Cleaning your cookware by hand with a little bit of soap and warm water will ensure the longevity of the pans. If you neglect to care for these pans and their non-stick layer starts coming off, I can guarantee you will have a terrible time cleaning them.
Other Saucepan Brands We Have Reviewed:
> Le Creuset
> Tefal
> Ninja Foodi Zerostick
Circulon Saucepan Set Review: Summing Up
Even though I am not a major fan of non-stick cookware, this set has really impressed me a lot. Circulons’ non-stick technology is quite amazing. I haven’t struggled to get a proper browning on a steak using the hard anodised set, and although this wouldn’t be my go-to set for cooking steak, it worked quite well. These sets are extremely durable and very stylish.
If you enjoy cooking with non-stick cookware, this set will certainly be a great investment for your kitchen, just remember to always take care of your stuff!
