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22 pc 9-element super set with surgical stainless steel.
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Technical Details
- 304 Surgical Stainless Steel- 12-Element encapsulated bases
- Deep Fry Basket included
- Unique Thermometer to Control Temp
- Dishwasher Safe
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By A. Echols (Arizona)
Overall, it is a solid product. The only parts that feel cheap on them, are the handles and the lid handles. These bad boys get hot, and really hot! We are trying to learn a balance on how to cook with them. We have burned food to the bottom of them on at least two occasions. The good news, they were fairly easy to clean after the burn-on. By simply soaking in water over night, most times, the food would simply come off with a simple touch. We do have a complaint, the documentation is pretty poor, there is no how-to really with it and no informational DVD and their is no explanation for what all the extra parts do. So if you get this set, you will definitely need to do some experimenting. We still are having some trouble with them at times while cooking, but it seems to be getting better. The only thing the set seems to be missing is a smaller sauté pan, that would be the icing on the cake for this set.
By leffingw
If you want to know exactly what you are going to get, read on for an intricately detailed description with references to the product pictures that I uploaded...
This set is not what I expected. I thought that this was a name brand, but there are no markings anywhere that say "Chef's Secret" and all pieces are made in China.
The bottom of the pieces are stamped "Multi Ply 12-Element; Surgical Stainless; Waterless Greaseless" (see pic). The inside of each handle is stamped "Mfg. in China, Nat'l Headquarters USA" but is too light and small to take a picture. The Limited Lifetime Warranty is backed by "CSC," which has a P.O. Box address in Dallas, Texas. I am assuming this is the US Headquarters.
Brand name and country of origin aside, these pieces are very solid/durable, look beautiful, and are a pleasure to cook with. In my opinion, they are well worth the "discount" price that Amazon and other retailers are selling them for, but I would not buy them at the "list" price.
The KTSS22 set includes the following 22 pieces:
(1) *1.5 qt Saucepan with long handle;
(2) Thermo Control Lid for 1.5 qt Saucepan;
(3) *2.0 qt Saucepan;
(4) Thermo Control Lid for 2.0 qt Saucepan;
(5) *3.0 qt Saucepan;
(6) Thermo Control Lid for 3.0 qt Saucepan;
(7) Medium Mixing Bowl or Dome Cover for 3.0 qt Saucepan;
(8) Plastic Lid for Medium Mixing Bowl or 3.0 qt Saucepan;
(9) Steamer for 3.0 qt Saucepan;
(10) Fryer Basket for 3.0 qt Saucepan;
(11) Side-Lift Handle with Plastic Grip for Fryer Basket;
(12) Grater for 3.0 qt Saucepan or Medium Mixing Bowl;
(13) Center-Lift Handle for Grater;
(14) *7.0 qt Roaster;
(15) Thermo Control Lid for 7.0 qt Roaster;
(16) Large Mixing Bowl or Dome Cover for 7.0 qt Roaster;
(17) Plastic Lid for Large Mixing Bowl or 7.0 qt Roaster;
(18) Adapter Ring for Fryer Basket or Grater to fit 7.0 qt Roaster;
(19) 10" Skillet;
(20) Thermo Control Lid for 10" Skillet;
(21) Suction Knob for Dome Covers;
(22) Whisk;
(--) "Instruction Book for Waterless Cooking" (English and Spanish);
(--) Limited Lifetime Warranty
(*) These are the top volume measurements on the inside of these pieces, but they will actually hold more if you fill above this level.
Each piece has a mirrored finish on the outside and a satin finish on the inside cooking surface and bottom encapsulated heating surface (see cleaning note at end). There are several pieces that fit snugly into each other for various combinations of stack cooking. The plastic lids fit into, not onto, the mixing bowls (see pic) and form a tight seal.
The insides of the Saucepans and Roaster are marked with volume measurements in quarts (see pic). Each handle is attached with two rivets (see pic) and has a black plastic insert that insulates the handle and gives the pieces a finished look.
The Thermo Control knobs (see pic) are, in my opinion, more novel than practical. They make the pieces look interesting, but I have not found them to be very useful for the type of cooking that I do regularly.
One reviewer commented that the lids rest in the handles; however, the 2.0 qt Saucepan is the only piece in my set that does this (see pic). The rest look like they might fit if the plastic handle inserts were removed, but I am not certain.
With regards to the review about the metal melting, the instructions warn that the pieces might melt if left dry over a lit gas burner or hot electric element for prolonged periods. They also advise "NEVER PLACE COOKWEAR UNDER A BROILER" (the only instruction in all CAPS). Unfortunately, there is no mention of use in a conventional oven or maximum safe usage temperature.
According to several other online retailers' websites (via web search), each of these pieces is made of "XL304A" "Surgical Stainless Steel," which is a carbon-free, nickel-free, alloy of the following elements:
(1) Chromium: gives metal its corrosion resistance;
(2) Silicon: an excellent heat conductor;
(3) Manganese: prevents rust and corrosion;
(4) Copper: an immaculate heat conductor;
(5) Molybdenum: used for hardness & strength;
(6) Columbium: used for its corrosion resistance;
(7) Titanium : corrosion resistance & strength-to-strength ratio;
(8) Vanadium: stabilizes against oxidation;
(9) Cobalt: for wear-resistant;
(10) Iron: for weight and strength;
(11) Stannum: resist corrosion, especially from salt;
(12) Lanthanum: increases strength.
A chain is as strong as the weakest link. In this case the weakest link is Stannum (Latin), which is better known as Tin, and has a melting point of 449 degrees F (according to various sources via web search). The overall melting point of the XL304A alloy depends on the percent composition of each element in the alloy and is probably much higher than 449 degrees F, but I could not find a source to verify any more information on this alloy. I will contact CSC for more information on maximum safe usage temperatures and post if they respond.
Another reviewer who actually baked with these pieces noted that the plastic in the thermo control knob or handle inserts can melt in the oven. Fortunately, the handle inserts can be easily removed with a Phillips screwdriver (see pic) and the Thermo Control knob can be easily unscrewed left over the top, or "lefty-loosey" (see pic).
I have not used these pieces in the oven yet, but I might try at some point. If I do, I will remove the plastics, but I am not too worried about the metal melting since I rarely bake above 350 degrees F. Of course, I'm not an expert and recommend that anyone who chooses to bake with these pieces proceeds with caution and at their own risk. Aside from melting, the instructions warn that high temperatures may cause blue or golden-brown staining/discoloration (see cleaning note at end).
As mentioned above, the pieces are covered under a Limited Lifetime Warranty, backed by "CSC" with a P.O. Box address in Dallas, Texas. The warranty covers manufacturer's defects but does not cover handles and knobs (or melted cookwear). The warranty states that CSC will repair, replace, or return the piece within 30 days. The owner pays shipping both ways whether or not the piece is covered under the warranty.
The included "Instruction Book for Waterless Cooking" (see pic) is a handy reference and is well written; albeit, brief. It notes various advantages of Stainless Steel, gives basic care instructions, and outlines basic usage with cooking recommendations for different types of food and various recipes. Regardless of the instructions, you will probably burn a few things as this cookwear takes a little getting used to.
A note on cleaning... Stainless steel is supposed to "stain less" than regular steel but it doesn't mean that it will never stain. Burnt-on food and stains come up easily with boiling water or after soaking and scouring. BUT, you won't want to use a scouring pad on the exterior because it will be almost impossible to polish back to a mirror finish. Go to your local market or hardware store and purchase some stainless steel cleaner to keep the exteriors gleaming.
Happy cooking.
-leffingw
By Angela M. Brown
LOVE THESE they are pretty heavy duty not cheap at all...cooking is different and better Love them...best for the price
By Carla A. Cook (USA)
I am very plesed with these pans . the best i have ever used. and the price was great. Thanks amazon! Carla Cook of Texas
By L. benton
This cookware is wonderful. Food taste great, and cooks quicker on lower heat. Love the lids that whistle when you need to cut the heat down. I think anyone would love this cookware if they know how to cook.
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