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All-Clad vs. CIA Masters cookware

originalvermonter

15 years ago

After discussing what kind of cookware to use on our incoming induction cooktop for weeks, we've narrowed our choices down to All-Clad or CIA Masters. Does anyone have experience with both brands or has worked with either brand. The cooktop is coming soon. HELP!!

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Comments (13)

eandhl
15 years ago
I am not familiar with CIA Masters but I have some All Clad SS that I love. It cooks evenly & goes in the DW, gas range and oven.
polly929
15 years ago
I've been using All-Clad pots and pans for 7 years, and I have no complaints.
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Wow, thanks for all the experience sharing. So I did place the order on All-Clad thinking that there is a W-S close to work, so I can bring the unopened box back if I change my mind after learning others' experience, but only after I order did I learn that it will not be shipped out until later. My beautiful countertop and beautiful cooktop were installed yesterday, but I don't have any induction compatible cookware! So, I decided to try Tramonita. The Walmart I visited does not have a SS cookware set, and online says to be shipped by Dec 24. That would be too long of a wait too. So, I did not order. Today, while visiting stone yards to search for a slab for my bar tops, I stopped by a Costco on my way (far from home), as it turned out, they had the live demo from MasterCLAD! I ended up buying a 11-pc set (three boxes combined) for $600+50(tax). Still a lot more expensive than Tramonita, but I think it'll be worth it if it's everything they claim to be. Here is an excerpt on the product description from their website. Each piece of Masterclad is Crafted from the very finest Commercial grade American made materials.This is a multi-layered Process featuring 5 layers in all! That's 5-Ply! Interiors and exteriors are 430 magnetic highly polished stainless steel. (Magnetic so it's approved for induction as well as any other type of stoves)This is actually double induction because the 430 Stainless steel is both inside and outside for better heat conductivity. The core is three layers .1050 A aluminum ,commercial grade 3004 aluminum,Then another layer of 1050 A aluminum, which comes all the way up the side of every vessel, for perfect even heat distribution. From the very bottom the core, all the way up to the top of the lip! The same core is sandwiched with another layer of 430 stainless steel. Then each piece of MasterClad features the Pro Series Plus Ti-3 nonstick system.This is also made without the use of PFOA making it a more environmentally friendly green product . This revolutionary new 3-layer system is internally reinforced with ceramic and titanium. It is the most durable nonstick system available today. It is tougher than any other nonstick system period! Approved for use with metal utensils. Cooks without fats, oils, or grease. Burned on messes wipe clean with just a paper towel! Tri-riveted, cast stainless steel stay cool handles are completely ovenproof and dishwasher safe. You are not just getting stovetop cookware; it is all bake ware as well. Comes with a full Lifetime warranty! You can now see and purchase this fine cookware right here on our Web site! Finally real Professional Grade cookware For Home Use! NSF approved "the standard requirement for all commercial cookware" "Pro-Series Plus Ti-3�" This revolutionary new 3-layer system is internally reinforced with ceramic and titanium. It is the most durable non-stick system available today. It is tougher then any other non-stick system period! American made in Wisconsin, USA by one of America's number one manufacturer of kitchen equipment and cookware, Regal Ware World Wide built in the famous West bend factory in West bend Wi. Completely nonstick! Cook without fats, oils or grease, saving money, calories and time! Approved for use with metal utensils. Lifetime warranty! Backed by a name you can trust Regal Ware World Wide! Completely ovenproof for baking. You're not just getting stove top cookware, its bake ware as well! Dishwasher safe (commercial dishwashers okay)! Triple riveted "never loosen" heavy gauge, stainless steel stay cool handles for durability. Commercial grade Magnetic stainless steel (for induction) The $600 set include: 7 Piece Cookware Set - Comes with a Full Lifetime Warrantee 12" Roaster /Casserole Pan 8" Chefs fry pan 12" Chefs fry pan I bought the set at Mt. View, CA store. The only negative I already saw was the the lack of pouring rim in the sauce pans and pots, but I think if I like the product, I can live with that, or maybe I can try something like this: Now, the question is which color. ;) This post was edited by mudworm on Sat, Dec 15, 12 at 23:40
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PoorOwner
15 years ago
I believe the CIA is made in China, for the prices and what you get, kind of confirms it.

I would buy All Clad, long proven track record, and support the local economy, we needs more companies like All Clad who takes pride in their quality products and not outsourced to China. Not easy to find cookware that are made in the USA anymore.
duluthjeff
15 years ago
Like you, I used the arrival of our new induction cooktop as an excuse to get some new pans. I went with All-Clad and like everything about it except the handles. Big pans are hard to heft with the very un-ergonomic handles on All-Clad pans. They love the induction cooktop though. Completely FLAT on the bottom, and very ferromagnetic. Just be sure you get the stainless pans, I'm not sure if their Masterchef line is induction approved.

I got a very good deal on All-Clad irregulars (slight blemishes, no functional problems) at http://www.cookwarenmore.com/
cat_mom
15 years ago
Another vote for A-C!
loves2cook4six
15 years ago
Another all clad fan here. Absolutely love them. Make sure the line you get is induction capable.

And don't bother with an AC stock pot. It's impossible to burn pasta or soup. A Tramontino pot from Walmart does a perfect job at a 10th of the price
homepro01
15 years ago
I love my All Clad but would purchase Demeyere instead. The reason is that I don't like the rivets. I like the no rivet interior of the demeyere and they heat wonderfully. I think they are a slightly better quality.

Good luck!
friedajune
15 years ago
I think All-Clad makes great cookware, but I find the handles on the fry pans and saucepans difficult. It doesn't matter on the smaller pans, but on the bigger heavier ones, I find the handles almost painful. You should go to a store and pick one up to see how it feels to you. Nevertheless I'd still recommend All-Clad's cookware that don't have those handles, and the smaller fry pans, like the 8".

I also like the Sur La Table inhouse brand of pans, love their handles, but I am not sure if the Sur La Table cookware is for induction. And, I agree with Homepro01 that Demeyere are superior, but the Demeyere prices are through-the-roof. If you are on a budget, maybe just buy one Demeyere fry pan or something, since it will end up being your go-to pan.

Also, check out the website cookwarenmore.com for All-Clad "irregulars". I have bought a couple of things there, and have been unable to find any flaws that would label them irregular, and the prices are great.

Here is a link that might be useful: Cookwarenmore Website
kpaquette
15 years ago
I know it's not in your question, but I prefer Calphalon to All-Clad. I have both - I have a calphalon set I got when I got married 18 years ago and it's still going strong. In fact I love it so much I bought a new set, and took the "old" set to our summer house. I've also bought sets for my mother and MIL for Christmas, and they also love them.

I have some all clad as well. I have the 12Q stock pot, various small/medium pots I picked up at the WS outlet or Marshalls, the roasting pan and the large straight sided saute pan.

I prefer the calphalon because of the glass (ovenproof) lids. I like being able to SEE the food simmering without having to lift the lid. As for the difference in quality, I see none. I'm sure there might be, but the weight feels similar and I notice absolutely no difference in how food cooks in them.

I find that because of the lids, I never use the all clad pots I have (except the stock pot), that is unless I have alot cooking and need two of the same size at one time. I do love the large all clad saute pan, I use it almost every time I cook. I'm not sure if calphalon makes something similar but if they did I'm sure I'd be just as happy with it.
kitchendetective
15 years ago
I have used All-Clad stainless and MC. I have also used CIA. I prefer the CIA because I find the handles more comfortable. Both brands perform well. CIA is, indeed, made in China, but the quality control is very strict. A-C lids and all their non-bonded pieces are also made in China. The multiple-ply cooking vessels are made in the U.S. I have been very disappointed in A-C customer service and refusal to honor their warranty. If I were buying mow, I would probably look at Viking and Demeyere. I prefer both of these to both A-C and CIA.
Fori
15 years ago
I gave my beloved Calphalon to my sister because it's not induction friendly. Great stuff, otherwise!

I'd recommend getting some good cast iron as well as whatever you end up with.
kpaquette
15 years ago
I thought that the tri-ply stainless (which I should have been clear, is what I have) IS induction friendly. Or least it is according to this:

Here is a link that might be useful: Tri-ply stainless
kateskouros
15 years ago
i have all-clad copper core. LOVE it.

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