Rachael Ray Hard Anodized II Nonstick Dishwasher Safe 14-Piece Cookware Set, Orange

CUSTOMER REVIEW



Vine Customer Review of Free Product (What's this?) UPDATED: See new note at end of the original review.



ORIGINAL REVIEW: This is my first experience with Rachael Ray cookware. When I removed the cookware from the set, I first noticed how light weight it was. I then noticed the attractive orange handles and the beautiful clear lids. It's not high end cookware, but it would be welcome in many or most homes.



I used the skillet to saute tofu and it browned nicely even at a medium heat level. I didn't use any oil in the pan and just let the tofu do its thing. I have also sauteed vegetables using just a touch of water without added oil and it also worked out beautifully.



I heated some almond milk for chai and forgot about it. That could have resulted in quite a mess with some other types of cookware, but it cleaned up quickly and still looked brand new.



What I liked:

* The design is very modern and attractive.

* The glass lids have a sturdy rim that is designed so food will not be easily trapped

* The orange handles are non-slip and easy to grip, and they keep very cool while cooking

* The small size pots are very handy, and the 6 quart stock pot is a nice small-size stockpot that I'm finding a much better size for my use.

* Cleanup was super easy



What I didn't like:

* The pots seem to be about half the thickness of most of my other pots and pans. While I don't think they would dent easily if dropped, they don't have a sturdy, well made feel to them.

* When compared to my Calphalon, they also do not have the same quality hard anodized finish on the outside.

* The nonstick coating doesn't feel as high quality as other brands. So far, so good though!

* The pans do not have a thick bottom, and seem to heat unevenly. My food scorched quickly, so cooking time and technique will vary from my other cookware.



I think this would make a great starter set for someone just starting out on their own. Despite the few flaws (IMO) that I noted above, I am enjoying using this cookware and cooking just became a little more fun!



EDITED TO ADD: I've had this cookware for about a year and a half and am throwing it away. When I started using the skillets more frequently, I noticed that I felt weird. We know that nonstick cookware should not be used on high heat, but I barely used the skillets over medium heat and they emitted chemicals into the air. I've used T-Fal skillets on much higher heat without any ill effects. Every time I used the Rachael Ray skillets, I felt light headed and just weird. I tossed the skillets a long time ago. Now I'm discarding the other pieces. The saucepans and stock pot just haven't held up well. The handles are loose and feel unsafe now. I also got tired of the uneven heating, which I mentioned in my original review. The exterior finish also scratches easily. They feel dinky. To me, the tradeoff of low price vs quality was just not worth it.