Emeril Cookware Pro-Clad 12 Piece

Update 2023: this product has been unavailable for quite some time and we have now been told that it has been discontinued. Scroll down for comparable options.

EMERIL COOKWARE – IS EMERIL PRO-CLAD TRI-PLY REALLY ALL-CLAD QUALITY AT LESS THAN HALF THE PRICE??

I’m not one to go for a Chef branded cookware set but this particular Emerilware warrants a second look.  This stainless steel cookware set is the result of a collaboration between All-Clad and Emeril Lagasse, the famous celebrity chef.

But though it’s made by All-Clad, it’s priced at less than half the comparable All-Clad set.

Hmmm.

This needs more investigating.

Is this Emeril Cookware really All-Clad quality for a reduced price?

Read on to see what I found out.

First, what’s included?

The Emeril PRO-CLAD Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Dishwasher Safe 12-Piece Cookware Set is a 12 piece set consisting of:

8 inch fry pan
10-inch fry pan
1-1/2-quart covered sauce pan
2-1/2-quart covered sauce pan
3-quart covered saute pan
6-quart covered Dutch oven
Steamer insert that fits the 2-1/2 quart saucepan
Splatter screen

So, this Emeril cookware set is a versatile collection with enough pots and pans for your basic kitchen needs.  Some people felt the need for a 12” skillet in this set but that can easily be purchased separately.

A unique feature is the handy splatter screen, which can be used on all the pans including the Dutch oven.  Not something you get with any other set.

What is it made of?

Emeril Pro-Clad is made of tri-ply stainless steel.  Tri-ply means 3 layers and this set features a thick aluminum core bonded between 2 layers of stainless steel.  The cladding (meaning the bonded layers of metal) runs all along the sides of the pots (vs. only on the base) giving you fast and even heating with no hot spots in the pans.

As one user said, if you haven’t experienced cooking with even heat, you don’t miss it. But, once you do, you’ll never want to go back.

Other features:

  • A high end look with a mirror polished exterior and brushed steel interior.  As one user says, these pans are so beautiful I want to do the dishes!!
  • Ergonomically designed stainless steel handles which many users have complimented as being sturdy and comfortable.  Handles are riveted to the pans and stay cool during cooking.
  • Flared pouring rims for easy, clean, drip free transfer of liquids or food.
  • Tempered glass lids that are oven safe to 350 degree F

IS IT EASY TO MAINTAIN?

Users of this Emeril cookware set report that it is easy to clean, and needs only a reasonable amount of care to maintain.  If you follow the instructions, use only medium heat, the pans function well and clean up with no issues. Any residual discoloration or stubborn bits can be removed with Barkeepers Friend.

One user even suggests soaking a used pot with vinegar and warm water to get rid of any discoloration.

CAN YOU USE THESE IN THE OVEN?

Yes!  Emeril Pro-Clad cookware can be used in the oven without damage to a temperature up to 550 degrees F.  Keep in mind that the lids that are made of tempered glass are safe up to 350F.

IS IT DISHWASHER SAFE?

Yes, this Emeril cookware is dishwasher safe.  Personally though, I would never recommend dishwashing cooking pots.  Handwashing is always the best way to maintain the shine of stainless steel. But whatever works best for you.

CAN IT BE USED WITH INDUCTION COOKTOPS?

Yes, this stainless steel pro clad Emeril cookware is suitable for all stove tops including induction.   If you really want to make sure a pan is induction compatible, take a magnet next time you go shopping.  If a piece of cookware passes the magnet test (i.e. the magnet sticks to the pan), it is induction suitable.

DOES IT INCLUDE A WARRANTY

Yes, it comes with a lifetime warranty against defects.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

This Emeril Cookware set has a lot of happy users who feel this is the set to buy when you want All Clad quality without the All Clad price!

ARE THERE ANY COMPLAINTS?

I can hardly find any valid complaints for this stainless steel cookware set.  Most people who buy this are very satisfied with their purchase.  Two minor points should be pointed out:

The glass lids are only good for up to 350 degrees in oven.    Some people want stainless steel lids so that it is safe in oven and there is no fear of shattering.

One user felt that the fry pans are on the small side, he recommended buying the 12” separately.

SO IS IT REALLY ALL CLAD QUALITY AT A LOWER PRICE?

After a lot of research, here’s what I have found out:  Emeril Pro Clad is very close in look, feel, weight and performance to similar tri-ply All-Clad products.

Some people say that All Clad pans feel heavier but that opinion varies among users.  One minor difference is that Pro-Clad has tempered glass lids and All-Clad has stainless steel lids.  But that’s not enough to warrant a price difference of more than double.

The main difference that I have been able to figure out is country of origin.  All-Clad is made in the US (except for lids) while Pro-Clad is made in China.

So really, it is a matter of preference.   Some folks really want to use products made in the US and some want products made anywhere but China.

But if you care more about quality and performance and getting the most for your money, I think the Emeril Pro Clad tri-ply stainless steel set is an excellent choice for the home kitchen.  After all, it’s good enough for a celebrity chef!

Update 2023: since this product has been discontinued, we looked and found some comparable alternatives.

Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad 12 Piece Cookware setCheck Price on Amazon
T-fal 12-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set, Silver
Cooks Standard Stainless Steel Multi-Ply Full Clad Cooking SetCheck Price on Amazon