We purchased the CIA Masters 10 piece set, plus the 12 inch frypan and a wooden spoon after researching the Viking and All Clad Copper Core sets. We were able to visit stores in our area to handle the Viking and All Clad sets before purchase - we were not able to see the CIA Masters set before purchase.
In terms of weight, the CIA Masters set is similar in weight to the All Clad regular stainless set. The handles have two rivets and have the All Clad grove with the Viking curvature. The lids are slightly domed similar to the Viking set.
In terms of the copper layer - we compared the CIA set against the All Clad Copper Core. If you look at a piece of All Clad Copper core you will see a copper layer that is about 1/8" thick and very easily identified. If you look at a piece of CIA Master cookware, the copper layer can hardly be seen. Given the price of copper these days, my guess is thisamount of copper in the CIA cookware is part of the price difference to the All Clad Copper Core set.(10 piece set of CIA cookware is $499, 10 piece set of All Clad Copper Core $1200.)
The set arrived from Metro Kitchen in three days and was beautifully packaged.
So - why won't we recommend the set? First -you need to use silicon or wooden utensils with this set. Do not use metal utensils.The stainless steel is very very soft and the pans scratch easily. In fact, the very first time we used the set we made large, easily visible scratches on the outside bottom and inside just from making risotto. (note -- we have other stainless steel cookware where this is not a problem.)
Second, the golden rule when using stainless is to use low to medium heat. Higher temperatures cause a reaction with stainless steel which cause a bluish / brownish stain. The first time we used one of the frypans this marking appeared despite the low heat we used.
We haven't had any problems with food sticking (that pretty much a function of knowing how to cook in stainless anyway...) - but we can't honestly say the cookware is any better than the Emerilware or Cooks Essentials set we had previously.
Frankly we wish we had not paid $500+ for cookware that is "just okay" and that is going to show wear in a very short time. The Viking or All Clad set would have been a better choice.
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CIA Masters Collection 7-Ply Copper Clad Stainless Steel 10 Piece Cookware SetProduct Description: An ideal set of cookware to set up the serious home chef.Set includes the most widely used pieces of cookware for a broad range of cooking needs.This set includes an 8 inch Saute, a 10' Saute, 1 Qt. Saucier with cover ), 3 Qt. Saucier with cover (cover will fit 10 inch Saute) and an 8 Qt. Stock Pot with cover.The 7 ply copper clad material provides an even, consistent environment to ensure excellent results in your kitchen.Designed by the Master Chefs of the esteemed Culinary Institute of America to be the top performing cookware on the market, the Master's Collection features the perfect amount of copper, surrounded by layers of aluminum and stainless steel.Each layer of metal extends to the top of the pan.This high quality construction makes for an amazingly responsive and conductive piece of kitchen equipment.The detail to design and functionality are exceptional, and will be a welcome addition to your kitchen
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I was prepared to buy All-Clad stainless, except that I find the All-Clad handle uncomfortable & awkward. The Henckels Classic Clad has all the features I've been wanting, with a most comfortable handle. I've boiled water in it using induction and natural gas burners, and in both cases the handle stayed cool enough to use without a hotpad or mitt. I really like the quality, the pot is very attractive, and the price is a great value.
