So, you plan to buy new cookware, but you’re torn between Anolon and Calphalon? If yes, then you’re in the right place. The Anolon vs Calphalon competition is becoming more and more intense as both brands excel in their own ways.
In actual fact, both brands can be a great option. But the right cookware will depend on your needs, cooking style preferences, and even budget. To make the process a lot easier, I have decided to prepare this article.
After thorough research, I have come up with this Anolon vs Calphalon post that highlights almost all important things you need to know about these two brands. I will differentiate the brands so that you will be able to determine which one fits you easily.
If you’re excited to add a new cookware set to your kitchen, let’s get started!
Anolon Overview

Pros of Anolon
- Lightweight
- There is a wide range of product
- Made with high-quality material
- The Anolon cookware comes with comfy rubber-coated handles to ensure a strong grip.
- It has a scratch-resistant and nonstick surface
Cons of Anolon
- It is pretty expensive.
- Anolon cookware is dishwasher-safe
Did you know that Anolon has been in the industry for over a century? Well, it is true, and with that, you can be certain and confident that the brand has seen it all as cookware materials and designs change through the years.
Since Anolon has been in the cookware business for that long period, the brand knows everything that is important when it comes to cookware. Having said that, you can expect nothing but quality products.
These days, the majority of Anolon cookware pieces are constructed using hard-anodized aluminum. This material is so solid and can guarantee optimal heat distribution. But besides hard-anodized aluminum, Anolon also uses stainless steel and cast iron in making their cookware.
Currently, Anolon is making products in three different categories. These categories are knives and utensils, cookware, and bakeware. What’s more, the brand has different product choices in such categories as Anolon tries to meet the needs of every person or cook.
On the other hand, to keep pace with the shifting technologies in the cookware industry, some Anolon products have copper and stainless steel at the bottom so that they can be safely used in induction cooktops.
Calphalon Overview

Pros of Calphalon
- Made of great and durable materials.
- A wide variety of products
- The Calphalon cookware ensures an even and quick distribution of heat.
- Nonstick cooking surface
- Often, Calphalon is more stackable, making it space saver
Cons of Calphalon
- Calphalon often expand, especially when in heat.
- When used on ceramic rangers, the surface of the Calphalon becomes scratchable and unstable.
Calphalon is one of the best-known American companies in history. This brand has been making cookware for so long, and believe it or not, Calphalon has been producing cookware since 1963. Just like Anolon, Calphalon also offers hard-anodized aluminum cookware.
As of the moment, they are making a wide variety of cookware that is designed to cater to the needs and skills of all users. In addition to the hard-anodized, Anolon also has ceramic and stainless-steel cookware.
On the other hand, Calphalon has other product categories – bakeware, utensils, and appliances.
While the original cookware of Calphalon is on the heavier side, the brand managed to reduce the weight over the years. Thus, their cookware becomes more manageable to use.
When it comes to the styles, there are plenty of options to choose from, like Calphalon Signature, Calphalon Premier, Calphalon Classic, Contemporary, and Elite. There is also a Space-Saving collection that is considered stackable.
Anolon vs Calphalon Comparison

Anolon vs Calphalon: Design and Style
For the first feature, I will talk about the design and style of Anolon and Calphalon.
Usually, Calphalon cookware has a black exterior, whereas the Anolon sports a brushed bronze hue that looks very elegant in the kitchen. While both come equipped with stainless steel handles, the latter comes with silicone combined for comfort and superior grip. This is extremely helpful if you are dealing with arthritic hands.
Winner: Anolon
For this category, Anolon wins over the Calphalon. It is because its bronze color looks more unique and distinct compared to the usual gray and black colors of cookware.
Anolon vs Calphalon: Material and Durability
When it comes to materials, Anolon and Calphalon are constructed using hard-anodized aluminum that offers a sturdy and durable construction.
Cookware from Anolon comes with a premium nonstick coating outside and inside without toxic materials like Teflon, PFOA, cadmium, or lead that helps in improving its durability. What’s more, it makes the cleaning process a lot easier. Another benefit of Anolon’s nonstick surface is that it does not absorb the aroma of the food you are cooking. This, in turn, will give you the chance to take advantage of the fresh aroma of the delicious, cooked food.
On the other hand, cookware from Calphalon comes with a solid, durable construction without the use of any chemical. Further, the hard-anodized construction can also offer fast and even heating without spots boosting the efficiency of the cooking outcomes.
Winner: Anolon
Compared to Calphalon, Anolon has a more durable and sturdier construction. With that, Anolon sets an excellent example for cooks of any level to invest in this brand.
Anolon vs Calphalon: Dishwasher and Oven Safe
If you are not familiar with oven-safe, it denotes that a certain item can resist safe temperature in ovens for an extended period without getting damaged.
Anolon cookware is oven-safe up to 400-degree Fahrenheit. But Calphalon comes with a higher temperature of 450-degree Fahrenheit. In actual fact, this makes Calphalon more versatile cookware since it can resist more heat efficiently.
Dishwasher-safe, on the other hand, means that items can be safely washed in the dishwasher machine without worrying that they will be damaged.
The majority of cookware made of hard-anodized aluminum aren’t dishwasher-safe. It’s because the nonstick coating chip off with ease. But it is worth mentioning that only a few brands are considered dishwasher safe, and Calphalon is one of them.
Winner: Calphalon
While Anolon isn’t dishwasher-safe, know that you can easily clean the cookware by hand. Nevertheless, this category goes to Calphalon simply because it features a higher oven-safe temperature as well as is considered dishwasher safe for a more convenient cleaning process.
Anolon vs Calphalon: Performance
This Anolon vs Calphalon will not be completed without mentioning the performance of both brands.
Over the years, Anolon and Calphalon have garnered a bigger customer base, for one because of their outstanding performance.
The high performance of Anolon is because of the fact it is equipped with thick sides and base. Actually, this helps in distributing even heat without spots. The pots, on the other hand, come with a tulip-shaped profile that adds a gourmet feel and makes the cookware look more elegant. Further, the glass covers will allow you to see the food you’re cooking. They are even shatter-resistant, and thus, you don’t have to worry about them getting damaged.
Suppose you are hesitant because you have got a strange skill of burning food, no worries because you are not alone. And the good news is that Calphalon will solve this common cooking issue thanks to its premium nonstick cooking surface. The coating guarantees that the food doesn’t burn nor stick with ease, for that matter.
Winner: Anolon
Anolon cookware performs amazingly in every aspect, but the Calphalon Simply is no exemption. Having said that, for this Anolon vs Calphalon category, the former is the clear winner.
Anolon vs Calphalon: Value for the Money
In terms of value for money, different factors must be taken into consideration, such as durability, performance, and materials. Based on these factors, you can easily determine which one will give you the best value for the money.
In this category, the cookware’s quality plays a very important part in determining whether you obtain the return of the money you’ve invested in the cookware.
Compared to the pans and pots of Anolon, cookware options from Calphalon are more affordable, but the durability and construction of the former are nicer when compared.
If you’re into a budget-friendly option, you can never go wrong with the Calphalon. However, if you prefer a high-performance, power-packed, and feature-rich, and most importantly, you’re willing to spend more, Anolon is right for you.
Keep in mind that Anolon and Calphalon have shown great durability and optimum performance, but the final decision in terms of the price range will depend on you. So, be sure to choose wisely.
Winner: Anolon
Anolon gets the spot for this category. While it is more expensive than Calphalon, Anolon shows better construction, performance, and durability than Calphalon cookware.
Anolon vs Calphalon: Which One Should You Pick?
Between Anolon vs Calphalon, it is really difficult to tell the winner considering how great their products are.
While Calphalon has the best nonstick cookware sets, Anolon, on the other hand, tops in terms of stainless-steel items. They all have superb nonstick qualities, visually appealing designs, and almost the same price tags. One more thing, as much as cooking is concerned, Anolon and Calphalon maneuver.
At this point, you really need to make a decision. But if you’re still having thoughts, don’t worry because I got your back.
Anolon cookware is for you if:
- It’s okay for you to wash your cookware by hand.
- You want to take advantage of superb cooking performance and results.
- You are planning to use the cookware on a regular basis
Calphalon cookware is for you if:
- You’re looking for budget-friendly cookware with a high heat tolerance
- You want dishwasher-safe cookware for easier clean-up
- You want a wide variety of options to choose from
I hope that you’ve already decided which brand you should get.
If you have decided to get Anolon cookware, here’s the link where you can buy it. But if you prefer Calphalon, you can place your order here.
Nevertheless, always bear in mind that cooking should be fun and not stressful. So, be sure to equip your kitchen with cookware pieces that will allow you to prepare your food easily and healthily.