T-Fal Ultimate Hard Anodized Cookware Set has literally anything you would need at home. For those of you who dont know, T-Fal is one of the biggest nonstick cookware manufacturer in the world. If you are ever in need for a good and affordable nonstick cookware, they are the brand to go to. The founder, Marc Grégoire, use to apply the non stick coating to fishing hooks. Then his wife told him to apply the nonstick coating to the pan. From there, the industry giant was born.

T Fal Professional Non Stick Cookware Set Quick Summary

Categories	T-Fal Ultimate Hard Anodized Cookware Set 17 Piece
Performance	Great
Compatibility	Gas, Electric, Halogen, Glass Top
Colors	Black
Oven Temperature	400 degrees Fahrenheit
Warranty	Lifetime Warranty
Brand Awareness	World Famous
Country of Manufacturer	Unclear Probably China
Thoughts	A great and affordable cookware set. You cannot beat the value that it has. You literally get a full kitchen with this set. However, it does not have induction capability so you should think twice if you need this set. I recommend you look into the Professional Series if you want that.
Reviewed Cookware	T Fal 17 Piece Ultimate

T-Fal Company

T Fal use to be a private company, but today they fall under the Company Groupe SEB. Groupe SEB has a bevy of brands under its belt. Some of which include All Clad, Krups, Moulinex, Rowenta and WMF group. This makes you question who really own these brands. I use to think that All Clad was an All America company, this makes question that notion. Regardless, because of that backing, you can rest assure that T-Fal knows how to make a cookware set.

T-Fal Professional vs Ultimate, Signature

It can be pretty hard to make sense of all these different name. But a simple way of understanding is simply construction and compatibility. Signature is your base nonstick cookware. Professional has induction capability. Finally, Ultimate is made with a hard anodized construction. They are basically different construction at different price point. But really they all hover around 100 dollar for the full set. You just need to see what you need. With that being said, there can be some confusion about what these terminology mean. The section below will hopefully help you get a better understanding of their design.

T-Fal Ultimate Hard Anodized Cookware Set Design

This section will delve deeper into the construction and design of T-Fal Ultimate Hard Anodized Cookware Set. We will go through the various aspect such as handle, shape, construction and performance.

Handle

The handle on T-Fal Ultimate series share the same cheap thin metal design. However, the major difference is that the silicone seems like its molded onto it. The design is more sleek and modern, for a ergonomic grip. It tapers inward to fit the contour of your hand. The silicone design also means that it wont slip in your hand if its greasy. It will also stay cool on the stove top.

The downside to these type of handle is the temperature limit. Surprisingly, this set has a oven safe temperature limit of 400 degree Fahrenheit. Higher than the lower series 350 degree. All in all, the handle seems to be more well built than the lower series. These handles are also riveted. Some of their cookware comes with a screw. Those things are junk and come loose overtime. Try to avoid those…

Shape

The shape is the same as all the other series. Nothing special but not bad either. The skillet is a traditional french skillet that is meant more for tossing. This design was probably done to save manufacturing cost. It cost money to add a rolled lip and I suspect that is reason why its not there. It is meant to be cheaper. In fact, I would not be surprised if they use the same mold for all their skillet. It sure is one way to save money.

Hard Anodized

This Hard Anodized finish is why its more expensive than the other models. The other model uses a traditional teflon finish. However, hard anodized cookware had the aluminum oxide layer toughen. This is done via a electrochemical process called anodizing. This process is use frequently to bond different metal like copper or even gold plating. It is also used to change colors of metal. To get a better idea of the manufacturing process, check the video below.

In my experience, these cookware usually last longer. However, they also cost more so there is a balance. I would personally prefer a Hard Anodized cookware if the price is right.

T-Fal Ultimate Hard Anodized Cookware Set 17 Pieces

The 17 Pieces includes the lid. So dont be suprised when you do not get 17 cookware. However, regardless of the lid, you still get quite an arsenal. The price for this is amazingly cheap. It just goes to show you how manufacturing can get the price so low. Aside from that, this set should let you cook just about anything you want at home.

Here is the list of cookware.

3 fry pan with lid, 10.25 inches square griddle, 3 Saucepan with lid, 3.5 quart deep sauté, 5 quart; dutch oven with lid, 3 quart Steamer insert and a 1 egg wonder fry pan.

Lids

The lids are glass but fit perfectly. The issue with glass lid is that they are not durable. I would have preferred an all metal lid so I wont have to baby it. The glass lid lets you look inside but once it steams, its basically useless. On the plus side, there is a vent hole to prevent it from popping due to steam.

T-Fal Ultimate Induction Capability

There is no induction capability on this pan. For it to be induction capable, it needs to have a strong magnetic pull. Since aluminum has a weak pull, manufacturer can get around this by adding a stainless steel base. T-fal has a series called the professional line which does just that. Interesting that they did not do that for their higher end series. But I suspect that the price will go past the target audience tolerance. Either way, if you want to see if a pan is induction capable, use a magnet to test the pull.

T-Fal Thermospot

This is an indicator that tells you when the pan is hot. Although it does work, you have to look at it at the right angle. Unfortunately for me, the angle is always the wrong angle due to my height. The only way it works, is if I look directly below it. The issue with that is that when the heat is on, it also burns my face. So its a wash basically. Your experience might differ from mines.

T-Fal Ultimate Hard Anodized Cookware Set Thoughts

This is a pretty well constructed hard anodized cookware set. The pieces that you get for the price is simply amazing. Other manufacturer might have a slightly better construction, but they cannot beat the price. The only issue is that it does not have the induction capability. Companies like All Clad ha1 built in the stainless steel base into it. But those cost considerably more.

I hope you like this T Fal Professional Non Stick Cookware Set Review, If you would like to see more, please visit our Pots and Pans Review page.