Brands

The cookware industry consists mostly of large corporations that manufacture a number of brands. For example, the Meyer Corporation manufactures the Anolon, Circulon, Farberware, and KitchenAid brands. The industry has seen a number of consolidations in the recent past as Global Home Product brands Mirro, Regal, and Wearever became part of Groupe SEB, which also includes All-Clad and T-Fal. Use these profiles to compare cookware by brand.

All-Clad

Among the high-priced brands, All-Clad's message is "craftsmanship". All-Clad produces mainly uncoated stainless steel, aluminum and copper products. These products are widely distributed and sold through department stores, specialty stores, William Sonoma, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Linens 'N Things, and numerous online retailers. There is also a line that is endorsed by the chef Emeril Lagasse called Emerilware.

Anolon & Circulon

Both brands are manufactured by Meyer Corporation and both feature nonstick products. The Circulon products are nonstick on the inside and outside of the products.

While both brands are upper mid-priced, the Anolon brand is geared toward gourmet cooking. Both brands offer about four lines, with features such as Soft Cool SureGrip handles that are safe up to 350º F, stainless steel lids, glass lids, and hard anodized lids. Products are available at department stores, specialty stores, Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Linens 'N Things, William Sonoma, Crate & Barrel, Costco, and BJ's Club.

Calphalon

A high-end and expensive brand that is available in all materials—nonstick and uncoated stainless steel, and a smaller line in cast iron and copper. The brand tagline is style, performance and simplicity. It's sold in almost all department stores, specialty stores, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Linens 'N Things, Target, and numerous online retailers.

Cuisinart

A midpriced brand with a "For the Good Life" motto, Cuisinart offers products in uncoated stainless steel, and nonstick hard anodized and stainless steel. Its classic stainless steel line comes with an encapsulated aluminum bottom for quicker, more even heating. Features include stainless steel riveted cool grip handles, dishwasher-safe products, stainless steel, and glass covers. Cuisinart recently introduced its oven-safe Green Gourmet Cookware line, which uses ceramic rather than petroleum-based (PTFE- and PFOA-free) surfaces.

Farberware

Another Meyer Corporation brand that is aimed at the mid-to-lower-priced market. It's known for its classic look, value and reliability, and wide variety of colors. Porcelain coatings are available in orange, red, purple, bronze, yellow, and grey, but the stainless steel line is especially popular. Other features include oven-safe (up to 350º F), slip-free silicone handles, dishwasher-safe nonstick cookware, glass lids, and metal utensil-safe nonstick cookware. It's available at department stores, specialty stores, Target, Circuit City, Kohl's, Sears, Amazon.com, Kmart, Wal-Mart, and numerous online retailers.

Revere

Revere is a low-priced, mass-market brand owned by World Kitchen, which also owns Magnalite and Ecko. Revere is known for its copper-clad, stainless steel and aluminum products. Other features include easy grip, oven-safe handles, glass lids, and metal-safe nonstick surfaces. Its products are available at specialty stores, Target, Ace Hardware, Amazon.com, and numerous online retailers.

Wearever

A low-end, low-priced brand, Wearever markets products in uncoated stainless steel and nonstick categories. Products are sold through a wide range of retailers such as Sears, Kohl's, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Linens 'N Things, Kmart, Target, Macy's, Wal-Mart, and BJ's Club.

See also:

Food-storage containers

Toasters

Microwave ovens

Cooktops & wall ovens