I like the glass lids so I can see inside the pan. I can tell if the contents are boiling or simmering (whichever is called for in the recipe).

I forgot about the pasta sauce in the pan overnight and it cleaned out easily the next morning...just a quick rinse and it was clean. The cheese from the mac and cheese wasn't even a problem. I let that sit, too (I'm not exactly the quickest at cleaning up), but it came right off with no extra effort. So far, they have been the easiest pans to clean that I have ever owned. I used to hate washing my cookware, but since I got these, I am happy to clean them since it is so easy!

I highly recommend this cookware set to anyone who wants an easy-clean product that looks nice and cooks well.

Well-made, functional, fabulous-looking set (Rating: 5.00)
Review : If you like quality, non-stick pans, and you like looking at your food while it cooks, then this is the perfect set for you.

There was some commentary on there being a paint/plastic-like substance under the glass covers--that was the case in the original version of these pans. I am not sure what it was exactly, but Calphalon noticed and addressed the issue. Any set that you order now has properly-made glass covers. In addition to that, if you ordered any of these pots and pans before Calphalon made that change, just notify their customer service people and they will send you replacement lids with no questions asked. I have great respect for a company that addresses its mistakes as quickly as it can through fabulous service.

As to putting these pans in the dishwasher--do NOT do it! Calphalon makes no claims that these pots and pans can go safely in the dishwasher, as, they are lined with _Teflon_. Just as you should use nylon utensils instead of scraping away the Teflon with your metal implements, you should also keep these pans out of the dishwasher as the machine will wear away your non-stick surface. Bottom line: the dishwasher will ruin your pans and void your warranty. Hand washing with non-abrasive sponges is the price you pay for the benefits of non-stick pans. If you don't want to deal with that, buy some stainless steel pans (Calphalon has a nice variety of those too).

As to how the interior lining (Teflon) holds up, I have burned milk in one of my pans, (n.b., scalding and burning are not synonymous in the realm of cooking), and the crud that remained just peeled away without doing any damage to the pan. (I let it soak for a bit to ensure that was the case, but I don't even think that was necessary). And, frying eggs is made so easy! I am even able to make eggs over easy without excessive breakage of the eggs:).

I would say that most people will probably best appreciate the non-stick qualities of the pans for the two frying pans and could safely get a set with non-stick frying pans and stainless steel pots. Calphalon has those varieties as well. Another thing to keep in mind is that non-stick pans do not brown as well as stainless steel or cast iron frying pans. I would recommend having one cast iron frying pan in your set for browning.

In addition to great quality, Calphalon has a lifetime warranty on this line of pans. Don't do anything to void your warranty, (like, put these pans in the dishwasher), and any problems you have with the pans will be remedied by Calphalon. Calphalon has proven to be a strong company thusfar, and I have no reason to suspect that their status will change anytime soon.

Overall, these pans are great for anyone who enjoys ease of cleanup, likes to cook low-fat meals, wants to be able to put their pots and pans in the oven, and/or enjoys a sleek, contemporary style in the kitchen.

... (Rating: 3.00)
Review : ... A) I have seen Caphalon Contenporary NS products in Target stores in Texas. B) I bought a large frying pan to try this set out. It definitely had paint -- or something very akin to it -- on the underside of the edge of the glass lid. And it started to come off after a couple of uses -- flakes of which landed up in the food. I peeled the rest off and it seems to be okay without it. The clerk in the store where I bought it (not Target) told me it was dishwasher safe, so I put it in the dishwasher. It seems to be surviving okay -- still pretty non-stick after a few months of use. All-in-all it is an ok pot, but I'm not sure I'll buy any more. C) I have tried to call Caphalon Customer Support a few times and have never gotten through their wait list (I hang up after about 10 minutes on hold). So it's not too world class as far as I am concerned.

Follow-up on my Previous Review and Subsequent Controversy (Rating: 3.00)
Review : I would like to reply that we have still yet to even hear back from the company since our most recent inquiry into customer service in order to get a refund for what seem to be a poorly made cookware set. I would like to thank all of those who lent my review credibility by vouching for my in the face of the anonymous review denying my claims. Since this review, my wife and I have met many more people who are disatisfied with Calphalon.

In our opinion, as expressed in our first review that generated all of the controversy within these reviews, this cookware set is attractive but overprice and does not live up to advertising. Please see my first review and the followups for the reasons why. I really hope that through public forums like amazon.com reviews and the ability for consumers to share their experiences, companies and products will be forced to improve.

Customer Service is Excellent! (Rating: 5.00)
Review : I have purchased several individual pieces of the Calphalon Contemporary series. Out of the 8 pieces, that I have purchased individually, I have had two that had the "paint" defect on the lid. Both times I called Calphalon customer service first thing in the morning at about 8:00AM EST. Both times I waited less than 5 minutes to speak with a representative. Both times they simply took my name and address and asked me which lid I needed. Both times they immediately sent me a replacement lid which did not have the defect. Both times they did not require me to send anything back. Both times it required no effort on my part except to verbally tell them that the lid was defective.
I totally commend their customer service and will continue buy Calphalon products. It seems that some of you must be living on some other planet or something. I can not figure out why you seem to be having so many problems.