Long gone are the days when I would buy a cheap fry pan, treat it poorly, and then replace it with another cheap skillet a few months later.
Now, I have a family that I love to cook for and I want cookware that is going to last me a long time, hold up to my everyday demands, and bonus points if it’s easy to clean.
This All-Clad Ha1 review will explain why this set is an excellent choice for busy families looking for quality cookware that is durable and has an easy-to-clean non-stick coating.
All-Clad is a brand trusted by many home chefs and you’ll also see them listed on many of my top-cookware reviews. This All-Clad Ha1 nonstick set is no different. Featuring hard anodized construction, a non-stick surface, and compatibility with all stovetops, including induction, it’s an all-around excellent cookware collection.
Keep reading to find out why I think All-Clad Ha1 cookware is a superb choice for non-stick cookware and could be considered by both beginner and experienced home cooks.
Contents
What to look for in a Hard Anodized Non-Stick Cookware Set
While hard anodized aluminum cookware is durable, versatile, and relatively lightweight, you’ll still want to be sure it’s the right cookware for your kitchen. Below I’ll explain the benefits and how to buy the right collection for your home.
What is Hard Anodized Aluminum Cookware?
Hard anodized aluminum means that the cookware has an extra aluminum oxide layer. By adding this layer, the aluminum becomes twice as hard as stainless steel, hence its durability.
This layer of oxide is also non-reactive, meaning you can cook all types of foods in these pans. Reactive pans may release metal atoms when you cook with acidic foods like tomatoes, vinegar, or lemon juice. Non-reactive pans with a coating do not do this and so there are no risks of food discoloration or flavor issues.
The Pros of Hard Anodized Cookware
Aluminum is lightweight but extremely durable. If you cook often and don’t want to lug around heavy pots and pans to make dinner, hard anodized aluminum is a fabulous choice.
These pans are also oven-safe. If you do a lot of stove-to-oven cooking, you’ll love the versatility of hard anodized pans. Just remember to avoid excessively high temperatures.
Aluminum is also a great conductor of heat and you’ll experience even and well-distributed heat with fewer hot spots than some other cookware materials. These are an excellent quality for home those preparing skillet meals, browning meat, or making eggs and pancakes for the family.
The Cons of Hard Anodized Cookware
The non-stick coating on hard anodized pans can scratch and chip. If you really prefer metal utensils for cooking, these are likely not the pans for you.
Likewise, if you don’t like to hand wash your pans and prefer to toss them in the dishwasher, this can also wear down the non-stick coating and you may be better off choosing a different cookware option.
That being said, many hard anodized cookware lines do boast being safe for dishwasher use, just beware that you may need to replace them more quickly if you choose to go that route.
Finding the Right Hard Anodized Set for Your Kitchen
There are a few things to consider when shopping for cookware. You’ll need to think about how often you cook, how much effort you’re willing to put into cleaning, the dishes you make most, and the type of stove you use.
For those of us that like to throw our frying pans in the dishwasher for convenience, make sure to read the manufacturer’s guidelines on cleaning.
While some product descriptions say the cookware is dishwasher safe, once you get into the fine print in the manual, you may see that it is not recommended and can even void your warranty.
If you’re often braising meats or finishing meals in the oven, look for a set that is oven-safe. Be sure to check the temperature guidelines for handles and lids, in particular.
You’ll also want to be sure that the pieces you choose work with your stovetop. Not all hard anodized cookware is compatible with induction cooktops.
All-Clad Ha1 Review
If you’ve decided that hard anodized cookware is right for your kitchen, I suggest looking at All-Clad Ha1 nonstick cookware. All-Clad is a well-loved cookware brand and below I’ll share why I think All-Clad Ha1 cookware is worth a look.
What’s Included?
This All Clad Ha1 10-piece set includes:
- 8 inch fry pan
- 10 inch fry pan
- 2 quart sauce pan
- 3 quart sauce pan
- 4 quart sauté pan
- 8 quart stockpot
(Plus 4 interchangeable lids)
Performance and Cleaning
These pans are excellent conductors of heat and have an even heat distribution. I’ve noticed very few hot spots or issues with the cooking surface warping or doming with these pieces.
They are compatible with all stovetops, even induction. Those who have used them on induction cooktops have been happy with their performance.
The quality construction of these pans is noticeable. They have a bit of weight to them but feel sturdy and well-made.
This All-Clad Ha1 nonstick set is also oven-safe up to 260°C (500°F). Don’t go any higher as the non-stick surface could break down.
My favorite pieces from the All-Clad Ha1 collection are the 10-inch (25cm) fry pan and the 4-quart lidded sauté pan. I find that these two pans fit almost every need I have when it comes to nonstick cookware.
The All Clad Ha1 nonstick collection is dishwasher safe and easy to clean. However, the manufacturer does warn against harsh detergents and abrasive cleansers and scrubbers.
Many customers who’ve purchased All-Clad Ha1 cookware have had better luck with the non-stick lasting longer by hand-washing their cookware. I recommend using warm water and a sponge to maximize the lifespan.
Design
All-Clad has thought out the design of this Ha1 set well.
The stainless steel stamped base helps prevent warping. It also makes the pans induction-compatible.
The slight dome to the lids means that if you turn them upside down the pans stack well.
The handles, while slightly uncomfortable for some, flare out and up beautifully.
All this adds up to a great user experience.
Maybe the one design “flaw” with these All-Clad pans is the lack of color. I mean the nonstick surface is black and the stainless steel handles are silver. Kind of what you would expect, but there are nicer options out there. Plus why paint the outside black?
Some people might enjoy this quiet subtlety focused on the engineering. Others might prefer a splash of color. If color matters to you, then consider one of these colorful titanium cookware sets.
Nonstick Coating
The nonstick coating in these pans is wonderful and has rave reviews. The easy food-release makes cleanup easier.
There are very few complaints of the coating chipping and scratching during use and it holds up well even with daily use.
This isn’t surprising as All Clad is known for its quality.
Some customers have complained that the non-stick surface wears out quickly, but that could be due to improper care.
To keep your non-stick smooth for as long as possible you’ll want to avoid metal utensils, using the dishwasher, cooking above the recommended temperature guidelines, and storing your pans stacked within each other.
All Clad’s nonstick surface lasts longer than most of its competitors. Yet it won’t last forever. You can get a good few years out of these pans, but won’t be leaving them to your children!
PTFE and PFOA
These pans are promoted as being PFOA-free. While that sounds great, it isn’t a huge selling point. Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) has been banned in Teflon cookware due to safety concerns. All notable cookware brands have been PFOA-free since 2015.
Unless specifically noted, most non-stick pans have Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as a component in their coating. Teflon has been reported to break down and release the synthetic PTFE at temperatures higher than 260°C (500°F).
Teflon is considered safe under the recommended temperature guidelines and provides a slippery cooking surface, perfect for non-stick cookware.
This cookware contains PTFE, the main component of Teflon.
I consider this cookware to be entirely safe when used per the manufacturer’s guidelines and instructions.
Lid Design
I am a fan of glass lids and am glad that the All-Clad Ha1 nonstick set has them. These lids allow you to keep a better eye on your cooking progress and stop you from constantly disrupting the cooking process by continually lifting lids to check on things.
The lids are made from glass with a stainless steel rim.
The 10-piece All-Clad Ha1 set comes with four pans with lids and two fry pans without lids. However, two of the lids for the sauté / sauce pans fit the frying pans, so you’ll have a working lid with each pan in the set. Just not at the same time.
These lids do have a stainless steel handle that can get quite warm while cooking. Keep that in mind and be sure to protect your hands when handling the lids.
Downsides
While I think this All-Clad Ha1 collection is an excellent choice for hard anodized nonstick cookware, especially compared to other cookware lines, there are some downsides to consider.
Price and Weight
This All-Clad Ha1 collection is not budget cookware. All Clad cookware never is. You are paying for well-made, quality pieces that should last you several years when cared for properly.
If the price point of the All-Clad Ha1 nonstick set is a little expensive for your budget, try purchasing one or two pieces from the collection before committing to the entire set.
As mentioned above, I recommend the two-piece All-Clad 10-inch fry pan and 4-quart sauté pan. I think this All-Clad duo will help you decide if you want to spend the money for a full All-Clad collection.
These pans, while durable, are quite heavy for aluminum. I don’t normally mind heavy pans if they can stand up to my cooking and use, but I know this can be a downside for some.
Handle Design
These stainless steel handles are not the most comfortable handles I’ve encountered. They are hard to grip and make it hard to maneuver a frying pan steadily with one hand.
Still, some people enjoy the trademark All Clad long handles.
Being stainless steel, it is nice that they are oven-safe, but they do get warm to the touch. Be sure to have an oven mitt or dish towel handy when handling this All-Clad cookware set from the oven. They are cool to touch when cooking on the stovetop.
PTFE and Teflon
As I’ve mentioned above this All Clad set contains PTFE, the main ingredient of Teflon. This doesn’t have to be a problem, and Teflon is safe if used correctly.
Yet if you are looking for something organic and Teflon-free, these aren’t the pots and pans for you.
Made in China
Like many products this is made in China. Perhaps slightly disappointing in a quality product like this. Is it really a downside? It is for some people.
Limited Lifetime Warranty
All-Clad in theory offers a limited lifetime warranty. Yet it excludes normal wear and tear.
Now normal non-stick sets can last a few years. A quality one like this can last longer if you treat it right.
But a lifetime? No it won’t last that long.
Alternatives
If you’re pretty certain that hard anodized cookware is a fit for your home, but aren’t quite sold on the All-Clad Ha1 set, there are a couple of alternatives to consider.
All-Clad B1
The All-Clad B1 Nonstick Hard Anodized Cookware Set is very similar to the All-Clad Ha1 collection and is a good choice if you’d like to add some All-Clad to your kitchen at a slightly more affordable price.
This 13-piece set has an additional fry pan, and another sauce pan (with lid) vs the All-Clad Ha1 set reviewed.
All-Clad B1 vs. All-Clad Ha1
These products have quite a few similarities, despite the different price points. Both sets are:
- Compatible with induction stovetops
- Have a bonded stainless steel base to prevent warping
- Designed with hard anodized aluminum for durability
- Paired with glass lids
- Oven-safe and dishwasher-safe
The main differences between these two products from All-Clad are the shape of the frying pans and the handles. The B1 set’s stainless steel rims are more flared and less steep than the Ha1 nonstick collection.
The handles on the B1 set are also curved on a downward angle while the Ha1 handles angle upwards.
Many customers find the handles of the All-Clad Ha1 set uncomfortable, so I like the angle of the B1 handles, but this is entirely a personal preference.
In my experience the B1 set can be harder to get hold of. Unless you are happy to wait months, I’d suggest sticking with the Ha1.
T-Fal Ultimate
The T-Fal Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick Set has thousands of positive reviews and a much lower price tag.
This set includes:
- 8 inch fry pan
- 10 inch fry pan
- 1, 2 and 3 quart sauce pans
- 5 quart “Dutch oven” (Stockpot really)
- Some utensils
Everything apart from the fry pans has lids. Actually this is quite a similar selection to the All-Clad Ha1 pots and pans.
The T-Fal collection features a Thermo-spot Indicator in the center of the pan that lets you know when the pan is preheated to a proper cooking temperature. While some customers think this is a gimmick, others love the added convenience.
The non-stick coating of these pans is strong and, when cared for properly, stays intact. Perhaps not quite as well as Ha1 though.
I like this line because it’s a quality cookware set, but you can also buy pieces separately. A fan-favorite is the T-Fal Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick 5-Quart Jumbo Cooker.
This is one of my favorite pans because its dual-handled design, deep walled sides, and glass lid make it ideal for cooking nearly anything. Fried chicken, stir fry, spaghetti sauces, it works for all of it.
T-Fal Ultimate vs. All-Clad Ha1
As these sets are from different brands entirely, there are a few similarities to point out. Both sets feature:
- Hard anodized aluminum construction
- Glass lids
- Dishwasher safe
- Decent nonstick coating
Some differences of the T-Fal set include:
- Silicone wrapped handles
- Oven safe only to 204°C (400°F)
- Not compatible with induction cooktops
- T-Fal doesn’t have the stainless steel base to prevent warping
- T-Fal is much more affordable
- All Clad Ha1 is high quality
Calphalon
Calphalon is a quality cookware set that doesn’t quite reach All Clad’s level, but costs a lot less as well. I’ve actually done a head to head comparison of Calphalon vs All Clad.
All Clad Copper Core
All Clad Copper core is not non-stick, yet it offers superb cooking performance, is very durable and lasts forever.. Check out my All Clad Copper core review if you like the sound of this.
My All-Clad Ha1 Review Verdict
The All-Clad Ha1 Cookware Set is an excellent option for beginner and experienced home cooks who want high-quality, well-made nonstick cookware.
I love that the lids are interchangeable on several of the cookware pieces giving you full coverage unless you are using all the pieces at once.
My biggest complaint with these pans is that the handles are a little uncomfortable, but the pros of this cookware set far outweigh the cons.
Some people complain about the set getting damaged on high heat. If you like to cook with high heat, then non-stick isn’t for you! Consider stainless steel instead.
The best thing about this cookware is that the non-stick is genuinely scratch-resistant. Now, scratch-resistant doesn’t mean scratchproof, but it does mean that if you take care of the pans they will last.
If you’re in a stage of life that allows you to spend a little more on quality-made cookware, the All-Clad Ha1 set is worth a look.
Want to take a look at some other brands? No problem! See my guide to the best hard anodized cookware.
