Last week, Lon, Carol, and I headed over to the 360 Cookware Press Event, introducing this new line of pots by Americraft. It was your typical press event: fancy looking food and free flowing alcohol. We loved all the modern plastic bowls and plates. Presentation A+, but taste wise, ehh. None of us went back for seconds of anything.
They hired two chefs to demo the cookware and the schtick is this new cookware they developed acts like non-stick (you don’t need to use oil or butter) because it uses the natural “vapors” from the food. The benefit being that this does not have the harmful chemicals of the tephlon, you don’t have to use cooking spray, and it was supposedly super easy to clean no matter what you did to it. On our way out, we each received our own 1 quart pot to try out and of course, we were eager to find out if this pot really worked.
I generally only use non-stick for one thing, eggs. So I tried to cook some eggs, which made a really bizarre bubble as it cooked. It came out a bit over-cooked but I’m willing to say that was probably my fault since I’m not sure how to use this cookware. (The demo showed them putting the lid on and then spinning it to see when the “vapor seal” happens. ) But here’s the main problem, it left a layer of film (from the eggs) on my pot that I can’t get out. I tried boiling it in water, boiling with cream of tartar (a Carol trick), and just old fashioned scrubbing. It still looks like this:
Now that my pot is ruined, I call Carol to find out how it’s going for her. She said she burned whatever she was makng (I can’t remember now) really badly. Ok, not looking good. While we’re on the phone, we agree that we’ll go watch the instructional video (even though we already watched the demo at the event) and hang up. I’ve been sick all weekend just wasting away on my couch and yet I haven’t been able to bring myself to watch the stupid video. I try to convince Lon to watch it with me and he refuses. So I call Carol again last night and ask if she has watched the video. Nope. Our verdict is, if you can’t get any one of us (three people who live to cook) to watch this video, you’re not going to get anyone else to watch it.
So no go, I decided that’s the end of my patience for these pots. As far as I can tell, it doesn’t work. I believe they are also quite expensive, all over $100, and mine was ruined on the first shot.
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ahh, sorry to hear about the pot. i’m glad i read this review, though, as my family uses non-stick pots so i might’ve gone out and purchased this had i thought it were a cool product.
Try Bartender’s friend to get the film off. I’ve burned milk to pots before and had a hidious black stain and it gets it off.
Oh my goodness! This is horrible! Why oh why does the miracle product always turn out to be a quack.
Blonde Duck, I’ve never heard of bartender’s friend but I’ll have to look into that.
EMC, it’s aggravating…
I purchased some cookware similar to this a long time ago called LIFETIME. It should tell in your manual or the salesman should have told you to only use CAMEO or Bartender’s Friend as Blond Duck mentioned.
I never ever cook eggs in this type of cookware. I use Revere Ware for my eggs. I have a small one and a big one and the Teflon (or whatever they use) never scratches or comes off.
Have fun,
Susie in northern NY
Susie, I just looked at the lifetime website and they do seem quite similar. Ultimately, I’m not interested in any of this if it requires special cleaning methods. I have no problem with cleaning any of my other stuff (from cast iron to Le Creuset to an old wok to All Clad). I generally use teflon for eggs too.
Jess we’re with you in not wanting extra products under the sink, but quite a few friends keep Bartenders friend for their normal stainless pots
Kasi, the rest of my pots need nothing but soap and water…
With eggs you have to use a little butter or cooking spray on any stainless steel. Cameo or Barkeepers Friend with a paper towel and a little bit of mositure will clean your pan up brand new.
JB, I think you’ve missed the whole point about their “special” pot.
seems like you had the heat up too high.