Cuisinart PCT-10 10 Pc Cook Set

This cookware has the fine temperature control that is shared by all copper-clad cookware. The core aluminum encasing is just the perfect thickness to provide completely even heating while not impeding the fine temperature control of the copper. The cookware acquires and looses heat almost immediately. The sides or walls of these pieces take heat so well that it is hard to burn anything without really making an effort. Aluminum and iron cookware heat slowly but remain quite hot for some time after being removed from a heat source.

The stainless steel cooking surfaces of this series is exceptionally beautiful and functional. I like to see what is happening in my pan and that is why I do not like dark surfaced anodized aluminum or non-stick.

This striking cookware has high universal visual appeal and is fairly easy to keep looking good. A Dobie (scouring) Pad or soft bristled brush and soapy water is all that is needed to remove cooked on food when it is not deglazed. Barkeepers Friend and a large, soft sponge work best on interior and exterior stains not removed with the Dobie Pad or deglazing and restores the metals to there natural polish and sheen.

The film that the cookware is shipped with is easily removed with your fingers except on the bottoms where masking tape is required to coax it off.

This cookware makes cooking even more fun and is definitely more forgiving.

From this superb Cuisinart line I added (over time) a 2qt saucier, a 12-1/2" braiser, a 5-1/2qt sauté pan, a 6qt stock pot and a 12-1/2" skillet. (I still need a 1-1/2qt sauce pan.)


Beautiful - Looks and Performance   February 12, 2003
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

I've had this cookware about six months and it performs beautifully. Heats quickly and evenly. Handles don't get too hot. No sticking (so far), even though it's uncoated. Consumer Reports did a recent review of the stainless counterpart (Multiclad) and gave it only a "good" review, but I think this particular set performs as well as All-Clad and Calphalon Commercial (I have both, so this is direct comparison). The only negative is that the larger (3 3/4 qt) saucepan could use a counter balance handle, as it's heavy and awkward to lift when full and hot. I'd prefer glass lids too, but the contrast of the stainless lids/handles and the copper body is very nice. Need to use copper cleaner occasionally, but it doesn't tarnish too badly.


Awesome, but watch for sales/   February 2, 2003
Jim Krupnik (Watchung, NJ United States)
2 out of 3 found this review helpful

I have become so enthusiastic about this line, that I have purchaced most of the items in this package from open stock. I'm missing one or two, and have bought a few others not included with this set, but all are consistent. They are built to the highest standards, and if you are careful enough to wait for a sale, they are available here for song (relative to the other brands). At any price, they are lifetime additions to your kitchen. I have a variety of pots in my kitchen that would cause serious envy at a pot museum, yet I prefer using this line on a daily basis. They look, cook, and clean better than any others I have used for most tasks (I still like a thick aluminum, high quality non stick pan for some chores). Even if you have never had the pleasure of cooking with copper, you will be amazed at the even heat provided to the cooking surface, and wonder why you waited so long to take the plunge.


Great buy! Do use packing tape to remove protective film.   April 12, 2002
S. Song (Seattle, WA United States)
25 out of 25 found this review helpful

This cookware set is absolutely wonderful. First, it has a wonderful appearance. The shiny copper exterior and the stainless steel interior plus a very nicely designed handle makes this set and excellent kitchen display item. Second, this set is excellent functionality wise - it heats up quickly and evenly, cleans easily and just cooks perfectly. Third, it is a lot cheaper than comparable cookware from other makers of cookware with no compromise on quality.

A quick note to potential buyers or owner, this set comes with a protective plastic film. This film is easily removed from the side but really sticks to the bottom. Instead of soaking it in baking soda and water mixture as recommended, use 2"- 3" wide packing tape. Get a long strip, press firmly onto the surface and peel slowly and the film will come right off. No soaking needed at all!


Nice looking but Useless   February 28, 2002
5 out of 19 found this review helpful

The set looked beautiful, but I was never able to use it. The exterior of each copper piece has a protective plastic film on it. Following the directions to remove the film I soaked each piece in a hot water and baking soda solution. Most, but not all of the plastic came off of each pot. After several more soakings and tedious scrapping with my finger nails, I was able to clean one pot, but I could not clean the bottom of either pan no matter how much I soaked them.
I tried mixing a metal polish suggested in the instructions to clean the pans. It did not remove any of the plastic, but it did ruin the finish on the pans I tried it on.
I e-mailed Cuisinart two weeks ago for help, but I still have not received a response.