Most of my cook- and bakeware is of the hard-anodized Calphalon ilk.That said, I will admit that the Calphalon was not my first choice for a roasting pan.I will also admit that my first choice was the shiny, uptown All-Clad Roti.And I will even be so brazen as to admit that the Roti was my first choice because (a) it is shiny, (b) it is All-Clad, and (c) I am not immune to the whole cache of All-Clad and that whole "kitchen-bling" thing that it has going on.But then I realized that for the cost of the Roti, I could get the Calphalon, a 25 pound turkey, two bags of cranberries, a bottle of wine, and a vintage cookie jar that I have had my eye on.
This pan, like all my stove-tops items, fared amazingly well.The handles are very sturdy.At first, I was a little perturbed by the fact that the handles tilt in (i.e., over the interior of the pan, rather than sticking out), but then I quickly realized that this was handy for many reasons.I thought the pan was easier to lift than other similar-size roasters, even when fully loaded with a 25-pound turkey.Also, I would imagine that for one with an oven less cavernous than mine, having the handles angle in would be more space-economical.
I also liked the shape and depth of the pan.Don't think that a roasting pan of this size is something that you bring out only with the Thanksgiving cornucorpia.You can use it for everyday things like casseroles, broasted potatoes, and cobblers.I have used it quite a bit as the "bain" for a bain-marie.
It also is very easy to clean, even in the aftermath of mammoth turkey.
Drawbacks:I gave it four rather than five stars because while this is a "better" pan, it is arguable that it is not the "best."But there really are not any deal-breaking drawbacks to the pan itself.Especially if one can acquire it at such a low price. I will say, however, that the inward angle of the handles might encroach on the cooking space of the pan.But you would have to be cooking something VERY, almost unimaginably large for this to occur.My biggest peeve was the lifters.I found them pretty much useless, but then again, the lack of efficacy could have been due to the girth of my turkey.Did I mention the 25 pound turkey?
Bonuses:The baster rocks.It really makes your carcass of choice moist and delicious.And you get that whole Jonas Salk feeling.
Recommendations:Get a flat rack to use in addition to the vented rack that comes with it.That way you can roast and broast smaller, flatter items.Also, try not to through out your meat thermometer with the turkey bones.Which doesn't have anything to do specifically with the Calphalon, but in general is just sound advice.
Summary:The All-Clad Roti might be the Cadillac of roasters, but the Calphalon is definitely the Jeep Grand Cherokee -- it works hard, gets the job done, and cleans up nicely.
Cheers!
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Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick Roaster with Rack, Baster, Injector, and LiftersProduct Description: From the comfortably arched handles to the stylish flared silhouettes, the Calphalon Contemporary line is designed to please. Looks aren't everything however, and this cookware line is not simply another pretty face! No indeed, this collection is constructed of heavy gauge aluminum, reknowned for its fast and even heating, and it's lined with durable non-stick for easy clean up and low fat cooking. You'll love the ease with which this pan cleans up, even after turkey and all the trimmings. The roasting rack is also non-stick, and holds the bird away from the grease for better browning and healthier cooking. A baster with an injector tip allows you to inject juices right into the bird as it cooks.
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This pan is HEAVY enameled cast iron so it cleans like a dream!This is so thick and heavy that it won't bow or buckle under the largest roasts.What truly makes this unique is that it can be used on the STOVETOP!You can safely use this on an induction stove (or gas), then put it in the oven, under the broiler, and back to the stovetop to make a sauce.It looks really funny cooking with a pan like this on the stovetop, but since it distributes heat so well I don't have any hot spots if the burner doesn't fit.
