Anolon Cookware Review ( Our Top Picks )

Are you in the market for new cookware and curious about the brand Anolon?

With a claim that their cookware “cooks like cast iron, but cleans like nonstick,” it’s no wonder why this brand has caught the attention of many home cooks.

Established in 1984, Anolon has been committed to improving kitchen appliances with high-quality products, particularly pots, and pans.

In this in-depth Anolon cookware review, we’ll explore the brand’s top cookware sets and help you determine if it’s the right fit for your kitchen.

From nonstick to copper, we’ve categorized our picks to make your buying decision easier. So, what’s all the fuss about Anolon cookware? Let’s find out.

About Anolon

Anolon is a cookware brand owned by the Meyer Corporation, which is the second-largest cookware company in the world. Meyer also produces other popular brands, including Circulon, Farberware, KitchenAid, and private-label brands for various retailers.

Stanley Cheng, the owner of Meyer, was the first to use anodized aluminum for nonstick cookware, making it stronger and more stable than regular aluminum. Anolon is Meyer’s premium nonstick cookware line and one of the highest-quality nonstick brands available.

They also produce a few lines of clad stainless steel cookware. Meyer has manufacturing plants in Italy, China, and Thailand, and Anolon’s nonstick cookware is made in Thailand and China.

Anolon Cookware Review

Anolon Advanced Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set

This Anolon cookware set is the best overall choice, with 11 pieces including two covered saucepans, an 8-quart covered stockpot, an 8-inch French skillet, a 12-inch deep skillet with cover, and a 2-quart saute pot including a cover.

Made of hard-anodized aluminum, this set is lightweight yet durable, and the nonstick surface allows for easy cleaning. The heat distribution is even and quick, making for perfectly cooked meals with all the moisture, nutrition, and flavors intact.

The design is elegant and oven-safe, with a maximum heating temperature of 400oF. The SureGrip stainless steel handles are comfortable to hold, even with heavier pans. While it is not dishwasher safe, cleaning is easy and effortless.

The nonstick coating works incredibly well, allowing for cooking without oil and easy food release.

The only downside is that the handles can get hot after 350F. This set is not compatible with induction cooktops but is excellent for gas stoves. Overall, this cookware set is a great value, and the dark gray color adds to its stunning appearance.

Anolon Accolade Forged Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set

The Anolon cookware set includes 12 pieces, such as two saucepans with lids, one saucepot with a cover, a saute pan, a stockpot (both with lids), and two frying pans.

The nonstick surface is reinforced with sapphire and has a triple-layer design, which makes it safe to use even with metal utensils. It’s like the big brother of the Anolon Advanced set, as it is sturdy, durable, and can resist breaking.

The pieces are made of hard-anodized, heavy-duty aluminum with an aluminum core that ensures even heating of the surface with no cold spots. It’s suitable for all cooktops, including induction.

The nonstick surface is safe to use even in high temperatures and doesn’t lose its properties after a few uses. Additionally, the set is dishwasher and oven safe up to 500F, including the lids.

The handles are designed with Sure Rest technology, which keeps them cool to the touch and ergonomic for stability while using heavy pots and pans.

While the Accolade is a high-quality nonstick cookware, it cannot compete with the Nouvelle Luxe line. The Nouvelle Luxe set has a thick aluminum base with 0.6mm copper, stainless steel lids, and the newest Infinity Slide nonstick coating. It’s also less expensive than Accolade. Therefore, Nouvelle Luxe is a better option compared to Accolade.

Anolon Triply Clad Stainless Steel Cookware Set

The Anolon triply clad stainless steel cookware set includes 12 pieces, consisting of a 1.5 saucepan with lid, a 2-quart saucepan with lid, a 3.5-quart saucepot with lid, a 4-quart sauté pan with lid, an 8-quart stockpot with lid, an 8.5-inch frying pan, and a 10.25-inch frying pan.

This set is well-regarded for its performance on all stovetops, including induction, thanks to the inclusion of an aluminum layer that provides better heat conductivity than stainless steel alone. However, it is important to take care not to burn food when cooking with stainless steel.

Despite being relatively heavy, the set is durable and has a sleek design. The handles are comfortable to hold, although the weight can make it challenging to handle a full sauté pan with one hand.

Cleaning the set is easy. It is dishwasher safe, but hand washing is recommended. The set is semi-professional and has a fair price for the quality you receive. It is suitable for searing meats and sautéing vegetables, although you will need to use a little oil as it is not a nonstick surface.

The pieces are oven safe up to 500F. While this set does not include 18/10 steel, it still performs well and is a good option for those new to cooking with stainless steel.

Anolon Nouvelle Stainless Steel Cookware Set

The Anolon Nouvelle Stainless Steel cookware set is perfect for induction stovetops and includes a 1.25-Quart and 2.5-Quart saucepan with lids, a 6.5-Quart stockpot with lid, an 8-Inch and 10.5-Inch frying pan, and 3-Quart sauté pan with lid.

While stainless steel typically has poor heat conductivity, this set’s induction-suitable copper base overcomes that issue and allows for better heat control. The set is durable and will last a long time with proper care, but it doesn’t have a nonstick layer, which may be a downside for some.

To prevent food from burning, it’s best to cook on low to medium heat and use a dash of water if needed. The set is heavy but comfortable to use, and the handles tend to get hot. It’s not recommended to use a dishwasher to wash the pots as it can cause rusting.

Overall, the Anolon Nouvelle Stainless Steel set is Anolon’s best line of stainless cookware, featuring a full layer of copper in its core and a polished 18/10 stainless steel body suitable for all cooktops and oven safe up to 500F. It requires seasoning before use.

Anolon Nouvelle Copper Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set

The Anolon Nouvelle copper hard anodized nonstick cookware set is a premium option that comes with six pieces, including a 1.5-quart saucepan with lid, 3-quart saucepan with lid, 8-quart stockpot with lid, 3-quart sauté with lid and helper handle, 8.5-inch skillet, and 12-inch skillet.

While the set is not made entirely of copper, it is constructed from two of the best heat conductors, aluminum and copper, which allows for quick heating and cooling. The built quality and material feel solid, and the nonstick surface performs well.

However, it’s important to avoid using sharp or metal utensils that can damage the nonstick layer. The design is more contemporary than timeless, with comfortable handles and a Sable color that looks great in real life. Overall, this cookware set is lightweight and easy to clean, making it a great choice for everyday use.

Anolon Allure Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set

The Anolon Allure hard anodized nonstick cookware set boasts a range of versatile pots and pans, including a 2-quart covered saucepan, 3-quart covered saucepan, 8-quart covered stockpot, 4.5-quart covered casserole, 5-quart covered sauté with helper handle, 8.5-inch skillet, and 10.25-inch skillet.

While this set is an excellent all-around choice for home chefs, it is not compatible with induction stovetops, which is its biggest downside.

Constructed from heavy-gauge hard anodized aluminum, this cookware set is incredibly durable, with twice the strength of stainless steel. Its lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver in the kitchen.

It’s aluminum construction provides excellent heat conductivity for even cooking. However, the bottoms of these pots and pans may scratch easily on gas stoves with cast iron grates.

The PFOA-free nonstick surface is perfect for cooking a range of dishes, from vegetables to meat and fish, and it takes some effort to burn food. To maintain the nonstick surface, it is recommended to use wooden or silicone utensils and avoid using abrasive scrubs when washing.

While the design may resemble Ikea cookware, the Anolon Allure set is still visually appealing, albeit a matter of personal preference. The cookware handles are comfortable to hold, and the set is easy to clean, making it a great choice for busy home cooks.

What to look for when buying Anolon Cookware

When selecting a cookware set, there are several factors to consider, including:

Material

Anolon cookware sets are available in various materials, each with its own unique characteristics that can affect your cooking results. If you’re looking for a cookware set that delivers the perfect sear, stainless steel is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you’re after a nonstick surface, Anolon has sets that perform exceptionally well.

Heat Conductivity

It’s important to keep in mind that different metals have varying levels of heat conductivity. For example, stainless steel is not very good at conducting heat, while copper is one of the best options available.

In fact, copper has the highest heat conductivity among all metals.

When it comes to cooking, better heat conductivity means that your food will cook more evenly.

Durability

When it comes to cookware selection, durability is a crucial factor for most buyers. Stainless steel is widely considered the most durable cookware material, but ultimately, how well your cookware lasts depends on how well you maintain it. Anolon also offers some of the longest-lasting nonstick cookware available, making it a solid choice for those in the market for nonstick cookware.

Maintenance

The manufacturer’s instructions clearly state that the product should be hand washed. Both the interior and exterior have a nonstick coating that allows for easy cleanup of any spills or drips when attended to promptly. On the other hand, stainless steel cookware is much easier to maintain and clean.

Comparison with other Brands

Anolon Vs. All-Clad

All-Clad is a superior brand in terms of design and performance, but it comes at a higher price point. On the other hand, Anolon is a mid-to-high-end brand that offers fair compromises in its cookware for better performance than the average pan.

Both brands provide the same level of performance and cooking ease for their respective price ranges.

If you’re looking for the absolute best, All-Clad is the way to go. However, if you have a tighter budget or more specific cooking needs, Anolon is an excellent option to consider, particularly the Anolon Nouvelle Copper range.

Anolon Vs. Calphalon

Calphalon is a popular American cookware brand that offers a variety of options, including anodized aluminum nonstick, clad stainless steel, and nonstick ceramic lines. While many assume that Calphalon cookware is made in the USA, the brand has been gradually moving its production to China.

Some of Calphalon’s lines can be quite expensive, but it’s unclear why. In terms of nonstick performance, Calphalon is similar to Anolon, but Anolon’s Nouvelle Luxe line, with its thick aluminum/copper base, performs better.

However, Calphalon’s clad stainless steel is thinner than both All-Clad and Anolon’s tri-ply lines, so none of their clad stainless options are recommended.

Anolon Vs. Circulon

Meyer Corporation produces both Anolon and Circulon, which are anodized aluminum and PTFE nonstick cookware lines. However, the two lines differ in several ways.

Circulon is the lower-cost line known for its raised circular patterns on pans designed to withstand the use of utensils. Although metal utensils can be used on Circulon pans, it is not recommended for long-term durability.

On the other hand, Anolon is Meyer’s premium line, offering flush rivets and stainless lids for easier cleaning and better durability. Anolon also uses Infinity Slide nonstick coating, which is superior to Circulon’s TOTAL coating.

Furthermore, Anolon pans have excellent heating, whereas Circulon pans are thinner and suffer from poorer heating performance. Despite the price difference, it is advisable to opt for Anolon, even for beginner cooks, as it provides better performance and durability.

Final Verdict

As someone who has experience both as a professional chef and a home cook, my top pick would be the 11-piece Anolon Advanced hard-anodized nonstick cookware set.

Not only does it offer excellent performance in the kitchen, but it also proves to be long-lasting and resilient. Plus, it’s a great value for the price, giving you a lot of quality cookware for your investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Anolon Cookware Oven-Safe?

Anolon cookware sets are capable of being used in the oven. The majority of sets are able to withstand temperatures up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel 12-Piece cookware set is capable of withstanding even higher temperatures, reaching up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Is Anolon cookware dishwasher safe?

Anolon cookware is generally not recommended to be washed in the dishwasher. The high heat, harsh detergents, and abrasive action of the dishwasher can damage the nonstick coating and other parts of the cookware.

It is best to hand wash Anolon cookware with mild soap and a soft sponge or cloth to preserve its quality and prolong its lifespan. However, some Anolon products may be labeled as dishwasher safe, so it’s important to check the manufacturer’s instructions for each specific item.

Can I use Anolon cookware on induction?

It depends on the specific line of Anolon cookware. Some Anolon lines, such as Anolon Nouvelle Copper and Anolon Tri-Ply Clad, are compatible with induction cooktops because they have a magnetic stainless steel base.

However, other Anolon lines, such as the Advanced and Advanced Home collections, are not compatible with induction cooktops. It’s important to check the product description or packaging to see if the cookware is labeled as suitable for induction cooking before purchasing.