T-FAL ULTIMATE HARD ANODIZED COOKWARE OFFERS EXCELLENT VALUE FOR MONEY.
I’m one of those who has to ALWAYS have one or two nonstick skillets in use in my kitchen at ALL times. I mean, really, what else can you use for those fried and scrambled eggs every day?
So far I have opted for inexpensive T-Fal nonstick pans. After all, T-Fal, has become synonymous with affordable non-stick cookware, much like Teflon has become synonymous with non-stick coatings.
But is it good quality that will last?
Let’s find out in my T-Fal cookware review.
Is T-FAL THE SAME AS TEFLON?
If you thought that T-fal and Teflon were the same thing, you’re not alone – many people, (including me at one point) refer to the two brands synonymously. But while they are linked, they are not the same, so let’s first clarify this detail.
Tefal is the brand name for a French cookware and small appliances manufacturer.
Teflon, on the other hand is a non-stick coating brand owned by the company DuPont.
Tefal is credited with inventing the non-stick frying pan and creating the non-stick cookware category. The name Tefal was formed by taking the TEF from Teflon and the AL from Aluminum. Hence the confusion between the two brands.
So to summarize: T-fal is a brand of cookware and Teflon is a brand of non-stick coating on cookware. They are not the same.
IS IT T-FAL OR TEFAL?
It’s both. Originally launched in Europe as Tefal, this line of cookware was introduced in North America as T-fal since the name Tefal was too much like Teflon. But whether T-fal or Tefal, it is the same cookware and the same manufacturer offering the same technology and the same quality.
While T-fal cookware comes in a mind-boggling number of choices, for this review, I will focus on the T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized Titanium Nonstick 12 piece set. This particular set also comes in a 14 piece and a 17 piece.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
This is what is included in the T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized Cookware 12 piece set.
- 8-inch Fry Pan
- 10.25-inch Fry Pan
- 1-quart sauce pan with lid
- 2-quart sauce pan with lid
- 3-quart Sauce Pans with lid
- 5-quart Dutch Oven with lid
- One solid spoon
- One slotted spatula
WHAT IS T-FAL ULTIMATE HARD ANODIZED COOKWARE MADE OF?
The T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized cookware set, as the name suggests, is made of a good quality hard anodized aluminum.
If you don’t know what ‘hard anodized’ even means, don’t worry, you’re in good company. Most people have no clue either. So let’s keep it really simple.
When aluminum is exposed to air, it naturally forms a thin layer of aluminum oxide on the surface.
To make hard anodized aluminum, the metal is subjected to an electro-chemical process that thickens the layer of aluminum oxide, making it tough and strong. The resulting metal has twice the strength of stainless steel and is durable, non-reactive and resistant to corrosion and abrasion. This hardened and toughened variation of aluminum is what is used to make T-fal ultimate hard anodized cookware.
This cookware come with a proprietary TechnoResist Anti-warp Base. In simple terms, this prevents the pans from warping and also provides very even heat distribution
Users report that despite rough use, these pans do not warp and look like new after several months of hard use.
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
The T-Fal Ultimate Hard Anodized set has T-fal’s signature gray smooth, satin finish on the exterior and a smooth nonstick interior. The interior has a texture pattern but is actually smooth and flat, that is just a design.
WHAT ABOUT THE HANDLES?
The handles are riveted to the pans which makes them very strong and secure. Additionally, they are silicone which means a few good things for you. Namely:
- They won’t get hot, users report a zero heat transference!
- They are soft and comfortable, providing a secure grip even when the pans are full
- The handles are oven safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
Additionally, the handles come with end holes, giving you the option for hanging storage.
WHAT ABOUT THE LIDS? AND ARE THEY INTERCHANGEABLE?
The lids are made of tempered glass which to me is a great feature since you can see the food while it is cooking plus it just looks great. The lids have a snug fit which traps heat and moisture. Each lid has a small vent which just allows excess steam to escape and food to simmer.
As for interchangeable, the T-Fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12 piece set comes with lids for almost everything except the larger fry pan. The lid of one of the smaller sauce pans fits the 8 “ smaller fry pan, however, the 10 3/4” skillet is the only one without a lid.
Additionally, you can order replacement lids separately if needed.
WHAT ABOUT THE NONSTICK COATING?
The T-Fal Ultimate Hard Anodized cookware set uses their Pro Metal™ Pro nonstick coating which is a 6 layer coating that is reinforced with Titanium!
What does that mean for you?
Well, most good quality nonstick pans have at least 3 layers of nonstick. So 6 layers means that you get a very durable and scratch resistant surface. This also means you can use metal utensils, as the name also suggests. Though as the Cookware Advisor, I have one thing to say to that – DON’T!
The nonstick coating is PTFE based, so think of it like another variation of Teflon. Interested in learning more about the various kinds of Teflon and Teflon type coatings? Read here
The nonstick coating is PFOA free.
DOES THE NONSTICK COATING LAST?
This is the common problem with nonstick cookware that eventually the nonstick coating wears out. Especially in economically priced cookware sets like T-Fal. However, in my experience as well as other users, the nonstick coating really lives up to the claims and is very durable. Food still slides off even after a year of regular use.
WHAT ABOUT THE THERMO-SPOT TECHNOLOGY?
Thermo-Spot is a unique feature of the T-Fal Ultimate Hard Anodized pans. The way it works is that you place the pan on the stove and wait for the design to change to a solid red “spot,”. At that point, the pan is preheated to the perfect temperature at which it will seal the natural juices and flavors.
Something to note, the Thermo-Spot is built into the non-stick surface of ONLY the fry pans, not all the pans.
CAN YOU USE THESE IN THE OVEN?
Yes, these pans are safe in the oven up to 400F making these pans ideal for dishes that start on the stovetop and finish in the oven. Very important: the lids are only good till 350 F so be careful about that.
WHAT ABOUT THE BROILER?
T-fal Ultimate Hard anodized cookware is not safe under the broiler. In fact, I would never recommend using a non-stick coated pan under the broiler as that causes the coating to deteriorate rapidly.
IS IT DISHWASHER SAFE?
Yes, as per the manufacturer, this set is dishwasher safe and some users who have washed it in the dishwasher have found that there were no issues or damage to the pans or its nonstick coating after being washed in the dishwasher.
Additionally, the T-fal Ultimate Hard anodized pans also come with a very durable hard anodized exterior that cleans very easily and suffers no ill effects in the dishwasher.
Personally, as the The Cookware Advisor, I am always in favor of handwashing any pots and pans, no matter what the manufacturer says. These pans literally clean off like butter, its that EASY to clean them. So why subject the pans to the long and intense cycle in a dishwasher which is bound to affect the pans after several cycles.
CAN IT BE USED WITH INDUCTION COOKTOPS?
No T-Fal Ultimate Hard Anodized is not induction compatible. For an induction compatible hard anodized cookware set, consider T-Fal Experience.
This set can be used on all other types of stove tops including gas, glass, ceramic etc.
WHERE IS IT MADE?
T-Fal Ultimate Hard Anodized pans are made in France.
DO THEY INCLUDE A WARRANTY?
Yes the set comes with a limited lifetime warranty against defects and workmanship.
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
The T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized set is a very popular set with high ratings by most users.
You can read more reviews here
ARE THERE ANY COMPLAINTS?
Hardly any and the complaints that are present are quite minor. Some of the minor complaints are:
- Thermo-spot: Most users have reported that the Thermo-spot on their pan never changes to a solid red color as the company claims it should. I personally experienced the same. However, I feel that’s such a minor feature that it doesn’t matter and doesn’t affect the overall performance of the pan.
- Lid : The lid for the Dutch oven does not fit the 10.25” pan which was a bit disappointing for some users. Luckily other fry pan has a sauce pan lid that fits, so it works out quite well.
CONCLUSION
In a nutshell, if you are looking for quality AND value, this is the set for you.
WHERE CAN I BUY T-FAL ULTIMATE HARD ANODIZED SET?
I find the best deals are on Amazon so you can go here to check the price or buy it.
Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.