At the time that I bought my first set of Rachael Ray cookware, I had never seen one of her television shows, never checked out one of her cookbooks. Never even tried a single Rachael Ray recipe (to my knowledge). Rather than being attracted by the “Rachael Ray” name, I was attracted to . . . well the actual attractiveness of the cookware set itself. Specifically, the Rachael Ray Hard Anodized Cookware set.
I was captivated by the bright orange handles and other touches. The pops of color really stood out. Adding, to my mind, a little bit of extra zest or joy to the kitchen.
So, despite not knowing much about Rachael Ray, I decided to take the plunge and purchased a full matching set.
Now that it’s been more than 2 years of regular usage, let’s see how the set has held up.
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Our Featured Set of Rachael Ray Hard Anodized Cookware
The Rachael Ray Brights Hard-Anodized Cookware Set is available as a set of 10, 12, or 14 pieces. We have the 10-piece set which comes with six individual pots and pans with four interchangeable lids. Specifically, the box contains:
- two saucepans with lids
- one stockpot with lid
- a saute pan with lid
- two frying pans of 8.5 inches and 10 inches each
Our personal set has orange accent handles. But the set is also available with accent colors in agave blue, marine blue, and red.
Key Features
- Hard anodized cookware
As the name suggests, this set of Rachael Ray cookware has a hard-anodized surface. This ensures even heating of the surface without any hotspots that can burn the food. The heating is also fast that you can start and finish cooking in no time.
Although Rachael Ray makes a wide range of different cookware lines, she has said that for her own personal cooking she prefers hard anodized cookware. She prefers that type of cookware because it is more durable than stainless steel, it provides even cooking, and it can go into the oven up to 400 degrees. Plus, you can use your metal utensils with it.
Our use of this cookware set for the past two years has given truth to that assessment. Although we use these pans multiple times a week with a wide range of different kinds of utensils, we have found no scratches on the interior of the pans.
Related Content: Rachael Ray Cucina Cookware Review
- Easy to grip handles
The handles of the Rachael Ray 87375 Brights Hard-Anodized Aluminum nonstick cookware are made of stainless steel and are double-riveted. So they are strong and sturdy. They are then coated with colored silicone that not only provides a good grip but also prevents over-heating.
The beautiful orange color of the handle strikes a contrast to the gray shade of the cookware, thus providing a unique look to it.
- Easy to clean
The premium non-stick coating of the cookware prevents food from getting stuck to it. Moreover, the cookware is dishwasher safe. The non-stick interior and clear coated exterior can easily be cleaned at the high temperature of the dishwasher. Thus, maintaining the cookware is rather easy.
You can even wipe it with a wet paper towel after simple cooking.
- Oven safe
You can use this Rachael Ray Hard-Anodized cookware both on the stove and oven. The cookware can withstand up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit in the oven. Moreover, the cookware’s shatter-resistant glass lid helps you keep an eye on the dish while keeping the heat and flavor trapped inside.
What We Love About The Rachael Ray Hard Anodized Cookware Set
- Available in different colors.
This cookware set has striking color combinations that add style to the kitchen. The cookware has gray as the base color with the handles in different shades like agave blue, marine blue, orange, and red. Thus, you can select any color depending on your preference.
- Durable non-stick coating.
The cookware makes use of superior, long-lasting nonstick technology. The interior of the cookware is coated with durable nonstick for easy release of the food. And we find that it has held up well over the past years. We have not had a problem with food getting stuck while cooking.
- Shatter-resistant glass lid
The high-quality glass lid of the cookware is shatter-resistant. Thus, you need not worry about the lid breaking when it gets hot. Moreover, the glass cover of the lid lets you keep an eye on the dish while cooking.
That said, if you do have an unfortunate accident that requires replacing one of your lids, replacements are available for purchase.
- Lids can be interchanged.
The cookware set comes with four pots with a lid and two pans without lids. And the lids are sized such that they are easily interchangeable.
- Dishwasher safe
A huge selling point of this set for us was that it was billed as dishwasher safe. Although many experts say that you should hand wash pots and pans even if they could potentially go in the dishwasher, we rarely have time for that. So, we routinely place these pans in the dishwasher, and they are very easy to clean.
Usually, after a meal, we just have to arrange the pots and pans in the dishwasher, add an appropriate cleanser, and push start. Occasionally, we’ll soak a pan or two, but that’s the exception and not the rule.
- Lightweight design
The pots and pans in the Rachael Ray hard anodized cookware set are generally lightweight. Making them easy to handle. You can easily transfer the cookware from the stovetop with just one hand.
- Easy to clean
As noted above, this set is dishwasher safe. However, if you prefer hand washing, you can easily clean this non-stick cookware with soap and water.
- Can cook with less oil
Since the cookware has a non-stick surface, you can cook dishes using less oil. Thus, this cookware set is great for preparing healthier meals with less butter and oil.
The Challenges of Rachael Ray Hard Anodized Cookware
- Non-stick coating can get damaged
If you are careless, the non-stick coating of the cookware can get damaged easily. For example, if the cookware rubs against metal while storing or uses abrasive products for cleaning, the non-stick coating will get damaged easily. Thus, you should be extra careful while storing and cleaning the cookware.
- Handle gets hot
The handle of the Rachael Ray 87375 Brights Hard-Anodized Aluminum nonstick cookware is coated with silicon. This is meant to provide a good grip and prevent scalding. But at times, the handle gets hot and becomes difficult to hold without a glove.
- Underside gets discolored quickly.
We cook on a gas stove, so the underside of the pots and pans come into direct contact with the flame. We have noticed that, over time, the bottoms of our most frequently used pans have become discolored and scratchy. Although this makes the pans less attractive, it has not changed the quality of cooking.
- The exterior of the pan can get scratches.
Although overall the exterior of the pans have retained their looks, some have picked up the occasional scratch. This is more frequent and noticeable towards the bottom of the pan.
- Silicone handles can blemish with age.
The “bright” colors of the silicone grips are hallmark features of this particular line of Rachael Ray cookware. After two years, we have noticed that a couple of pieces have picked up small blemishes. As if the color has rubbed away. It’s possible that this is a function of frequent cleaning in the dishwasher.
- Cannot be used in the induction cooktop.
The Rachael Ray Hard-Anodized cookware set can be used only on the stove and oven. You cannot use it on an induction cooktop.
Rachael Ray Cookware vs Calphalon Cookware
Two brands that stand out in the world of nonstick cookware are Rachael Ray cookware and Calphalon cookware. Being nonstick cookware, both the brands serve the same function of cooking with less oil. But there are distinct differences between these brands.
Price: Calphalon cookware sets are typically more expensive when compared to Rachael Ray cookware. While Calphalon cookware is priced at around $450 to $600, Rachael Ray cookware is available for around $150 to $250.
Aesthetic appeal: Calphalon cookware mostly comes in shades of gray, black, and silver. On the other hand, the Rachael Ray cookware creates a visual appeal in the kitchen because of its vivid colors. If you want to create a style statement in the kitchen with beautiful cookware, Rachael Ray cookware is the better choice.
Rachael Ray Cookware: FAQs
Is Rachael Ray cookware non toxic?
Yes. Rachael Ray cookware is free from PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), which has been linked to severe health issues. Thus it is relatively safe when compared to other non-stick cookware.
Can you use Rachael Ray cookware on a gas stove?
Yes. Rachael Ray cookware can be used on either a gas or electric stovetop.
Is Rachael Ray cookware induction safe?
Rachael Ray’s hard anodized cookware has an aluminum core and cannot be used on an induction stove. However, the stainless steel sets are suitable for induction cooking.
Can Rachael Ray cookware go in the oven?
Yes, with some caveats. Most sets are oven-safe to some degree – usually up to 350 degrees. However, the stainless steel and some Cucina sets are oven-safe up to 400 degrees.
What is the best Rachael Ray cookware set?
Although that answer will generally turn on personal needs and style, it has been reported that Rachael Ray herself prefers hard anodized cookware.
The Bottom Line
The Rachael Ray cookware set is the best kitchenware any cooking enthusiast can have. It is a non-stick and hard anodized cookware set that is highly durable. It is available in a range of colors that make them so unique in appearance. Moreover, they are easy to clean and oven safe, which makes them a product worth purchasing.
