Nancy Jobe's Profile
Cookware with detachable handles
I have a set of Cristel cookware that I've used daily since 2001. It is of VERY high quality and the handles are detachable. The detachable handles are NOT a safety hazard. The handles are only used for moving the pots and lids and have a strong magnetic attachment. Because of this, the handles don't get in the way on the stove (and cannot be pulled down by small children), in the oven, in the dishwasher or in storage. My large set stacks inside itself and takes up very little shelf space. Search the CHOWHOUND website under keyword CRISTEL for more replies about this cookware. I LOVE my set! There's an informative video at their website that shows how the detachable handles work.
Cristel cookware?
Yes, they are expensive, but they hold up as well as any stainless steel cookware I've had. Good luck!
Cristel cookware?
As we have done more research, I probably mislead on the handles. I have a couple of handles still in the package and I just read titles from the labels. Cristel actually calls the 2 types of handles that we have: stainless long handles (which I called Zenith) and color side handles (which I called Agate). Zenith and Agate really refers to the cookware itself. The oldest version of the cookware is Agate (3 ply base); I have the 24 inch pot. The second version is Zenith (wrapped 3-ply base); the balance of my cookware is this version. There is a newer version called Multiply (5 ply base) which really sounds intriguing. I have only glass lids, but there are some metal lids which might be nice to use in the oven.
Another advantage of these pans is that you don't have handles in the way on the stovetop and thus they are also much harder for children to pull off the stove (heavy bases). We found a good informational website with a great video that shows how the handles work, etc.: www.hautecuisineimports.com. Turn on the sound to hear the handle attachment. My set is now 7 years old, in daily use and we haven't had any problems.
Cristel cookware?
We have had no trouble with the handles. They are all still secure and easy to attach and detach. The handles don't rotate at all on the pan handle brackets as you tip the pot; the fit is rock solid once you have attached them (the handles have both a click insert and a magnet attachment; the button is to release the clip and lift it from the magnet). We were lucky enough to get to try them out at the Globe department store in Mulhouse and I can understand why you would wonder about it, not being able to see them. We have the Zenith long handles and the Agate round ones. If you have a steamy pot, you can use 2 Zenith handles and get better leverage for pouring and get your hands out of the way of the steam. My dad decided over Thanksgiving that they needed a set, also (we were just now checking all the sizes for them) and I decided to check if you had listed a source. Are you planning to import them or do you know of a USA source?
Cristel cookware?
We have had a large set since 2001 (that we bought in France). We have really loved it! It not only conserves space for storage, but they fit more easily in the dishwasher. One note of caution -- remove the handles during cooking. They are for lifting/moving only. (But they are quite easy to click on and off when you need to move the pot.) The blue handles will scorch with a gas flame and the silver ones can get quite hot. As long as you heed this advice, they are fantastic pans!
