Imusa Cookware Set is possibly one of the best no frills cookware out there. Imusa is a relatively unknown cookware manufacturer based in Colombia. Their marketing primarily focuses on latino community. However, in recent years they have been picking up in popularity. One of the most popular cookware set is the cast aluminum set. It lacks the bell and whistle of other manufacturer. However, in terms of performance, it is one of the best out there. This review will go through the design characteristic and construction of their cookware sets. We will see what exactly is good about their cookware and how it benefits you as the consumer.

Imusa Caldero Cookware Set Review Quick Summary

Categories	Imusa Caldero Cookware Set 3 Piece
Performance	Great
Compatibility	Gas, Electric, Halogen, Glass Top
Colors	Polished Aluminum
Oven Temperature	Yes, Unspecified Temp
Warranty	Unclear
Brand Awareness	North and South America
Country of Manufacturer	Colombia
Thoughts	A great no frills cookware set. The aluminum construction means that you get quick and even heat. The handles are a little small though, making it difficult to maneuver. However, for the price you pay, you cannot beat the performance and value you get.
Reviewed Cookware	IMUSA USA R200-CALDERO22C Traditional 3 Piece Set

Imusa’s USA History

Imusa started their company in 1934 Colombia. They first manufacturer bare aluminum cookware with a focus on quality. Through the years, their name started to spread through south america, Specifically Colombia. Their line of products also expanded to gadgets, to kitchen appliance. Seeing the opportunity that North America has, they launched a North American Division, IMSA USA. Initially they focused on the Hispanic and Asian communities but has expanded since then. In 2011, they were acquired by Groupe SEB. A French conglomerate of cookware brands. Some of the brands that they run include, All-Clad, Krups, Moulinex, Rowenta, Tefal (including OBH Nordica) and WMF Group.

Imusa Caldero 3-pc Cookware Set Design

We will begin with Imusa Caldero Cookware Set. This is arguably their most famous cookware line. One of the most affordable as well. With their long history, you can expect that this set should be at least halfway decent. This section will discuss the various aspect of its design and construction.

Handle

The handle on Imusa Caldero is not really that great in terms of design. Not because its not durable, but because its too small. While you can get a grip on it, you wont be able to reach your finger in. When you are carrying 3-4 quarts of liquid, maintaining balance might prove some challenge.

The all metal aluminum design also means that it will get hot fast and stay hot fast. You would have to maneuver the pot on the stove with a glove on. Given how short it is, the chances of your glove burning is high. I recommend just using a wooden spoon to move it around.

There are upside to this design though. It is a single piece fused to the pot. Meaning, you do not have to worry about rivets or screws coming loose. It is highly unlikely for it to fall off. Another good thing is the amount of space saved. Large handle means more retail space. So if your limited on room, this is perfect for you.

Imusa Caldero Cookware Shape

The shape of their pots are actually very good. What you get is basically three dutch oven with different size. The interior of it is what makes it special though. It has a gentle gradient unlike other pots. Other manufacturer makes dutch oven with a sharp L edge. This is usually done because of manufacturing cost. It is much cheaper to stamp out a sheet of metal then to make a gentle gradient. However, those who do, has an advantage in terms of usability. L edge corners usually cause food to get stuck. Whisk also have difficulties reach those area. With a gentle slope, whisk will be able to glide through without any effort.

Beneifts and Disadvantage of All Aluminum Cookware

Aluminum is an excellent conductor of heat. It is one of the highest thermal conductive metal existing. With aluminum, you can be ensured a great heat distribution on the pan. It is also cheap and light. For this reason, most manufacturer incorporate it into their cookware. However, the downside is that its reactive. If you cook acidic good on it, it tends to take on an metallic taste. A lot of manufacturer will either apply a coating on it, such as teflon or bond a stainless steel lining. But the major issue is that those coating dont last. And when that happens, usually you will have to chuck it. Stainless steel last but it also increase the cost dramatically.

Getting around it

Although the reactive nature of aluminum is bad, you can avoid it. All you need to do is avoid acidic food. If you do not cook acidic food, you wont get an metallic taste. And cooking on an all aluminum pot is just fine. People have been cooking on these type of pots for hundreds of year.

3 Piece?

This is something that Imusa should actually be praised on. Imusa Caldero 3 piece set actually comes with three piece. What that means is that you get three pot with three lids. Other manufacturer will usually count their lid as separate pieces just to increase the number. Not only that, their lid is all metal. A lot of people like glass lids, but those are not durable. They shatter if youre not careful and you cant even see in once it fogs. For that reason, an all metal design is always better.

Non Stick Finish?

There is no nonstick finish. This also means that it should last quite some time. Overtime, the pan will develop a seasoning and become more nonstick. This is the same seasoning that cast iron lovers rave about. A seasoning is a layer of polymerized fat that adheres to the pan. That layer acts like a pseudo teflon coating. Overtime, it just gets better and better.

Dirty, Shiny and Rainbow Color?

There are some reviews that complains about this. This is a few thing. The dirtiness is actually the fat that was described before. The rainbow coloring is due to overheating. This is inherent with any bare metal. And of course, with these thing, you can expect the shiny coating to lose its luster.

Imusa Caldero Cookware Set Thoughts

Imusa Caldero 3 piece cookware set lacks some of the fit and finish of other manufacturer. However, if you are a cook that focuses primarily on performance than anything else, this is the set to get. The handle is a bit of an issue though. However, for the price you pay, you can not beat the value and performance.

I hope you like this Imusa 3 piece Caldero Cookware Set Review, If you would like to see more, please visit our Pots and Pans Review page.