In the realm of cookware, there is a vast bounty of different types of pots and pans that have an equally diverse spread of qualities. For example, Castiron is known for its endurance and heat-retaining qualities. Ceramic cookware is known for its nonstick qualities.
It is always a good idea to have variety in your collection of pots and pans but is forged aluminum cookware worthy of being added to yours? This article has included a little overview of this forged aluminum cookware alongside our Ballarini Cookware review.
Ballarini Cookware Review
The Ballarini Cookware set surprised us at first glance. It stood to be a well-rounded group of pans with an incredible amount of extremely useful features. Unfortunately, many might not be very familiar with this style of cookware, and we think that is a shame.
Ballarini has gone above and beyond with the design of this product line. Design for pots and pans can often be on the simpler side; after all, if it’s not broken, don’t fix it. However, a little luxury in the products we use the most can go a long way.
The Ballarini Cookware set adds a sturdy granatium ceramic nonstick cooking surface, ThermoPoint readers on the grip, and an energy-efficient design to an underused set of pans. These additions are welcomed in the kitchen and prove to each be very helpful in their own right.
The Granatium nonstick coating gives the cookware an even spray of ceramic particles allowing for heat to spread across the surface of each pan evenly. It also provides for a nonstick surface that is resistant to damage from metal utensils that can be lethal to the longevity of your favorite cookware set.
Ballarini nails the execution with this feature solidifying the primary nonstick coating function of this cookware. It performs when needed and disperses with heat efficiently after use to allow for a speedy and easy cleanup. This feature can help you clean as you go and prevent the need to leave a pan in the sink to cool.
The only warning we will give about the nonstick coating of this cookware set is to keep an eye on the temperature that you are cooking with. These pans do very well in the midrange, but extreme highs appear to be out of the Ballarini set’s comfort zone.
We found that when exposed to extremely high temperatures that the quality of the Ballarini Cookware set lessens. In addition, the exterior is moderately susceptible to scorch marks at high temperatures. We didn’t, however, see any chipping, which is an excellent sign.
Ballarini adding ThermoPoint readers to their cookware offerings is a small but appreciated feature. There is no more wondering if your pan has heated enough or if the pan is cold enough to touch. Instead, the color-coordinated heat scale does it for you simply and safely. Below is a brief explanation on how ThermoPoint readers work.
We think that this only furthered the ease of use of this cookware set. It only adds to the comfort of cleanup and general use. It combines with the pan’s already speedy heat-up time to have you up and running in no time at all.
The Ballarini pans also sport a variety of different features that allow for a more energy-efficient cookware set. For example, being made of forged aluminum allows the pans to be heated much quicker than cast iron.
Since the Ballarini pans heat up much quicker, this cuts down on energy consumption right off the bat. Less power is needed to heat it is a no-brainer. When you add this together with the many ways that these pans are easier to clean, thus lessening the water it takes, the energy efficiency starts compounding.
As with most aluminum pans, some trade-offs come with just how light they are. One of these is the longevity of the pans. Of course, this can also be determined by how much you are using them and how intensely you use them.
It’s not that the pans aren’t durable, but if these pans are going to be your everyday pans, there is a chance that they may not make it the 5 or 10 plus years that other pan types can last. Although we have not had these pans for nearly that long, we have seen signs of the Ballarini cookware slowing down and showing some of those wear and tear indications.
When you factor back in the price of these pans, it is very easy to overlook the potential flaws and take a risk on what is a genuinely lovely cookware set. It’s something that we definitely recommend.
That being said, it is always a good idea to take stock of what you’re looking for in a potential cookware set. Hopefully, our Ballarini Cookware review helps maneuver this process.
Ballarini Parma Forged Aluminum Nonstick Cookware Pan Set, 10-Piece
There is really not much to dislike in the Ballarini Parma cookware set. If they could have thrown in the kitchen sink here, we imagine they would have. This 10-piece set comes stocked with two frying pans, three saucepans, and a dutch oven.
Ballarini’s nonstick cookware set really does cover the spectrum, and we find it to be a decent spread, not leaving too much else to be desired when looking for cookware to cover your basic needs.
The lids are, as always, a lovely touch, and the simple yet sturdy design fits well with the pans they occupancy. Overall the 10-piece cookware set is the best deal here.
Features:
- Two Fry Pans; 8″ and 10″
- Three Saucepans with Glass Lids; 1.5 qt, 2.8 qt, and a wider 2.9 qt
- 4.8-qt Dutch Oven with Lid
- Ceramic Particle Nonstick Coating
- Italian Made
- ThermoPoint Technology
Ballarini Parma Forged Aluminum Nonstick Grill Pan, 11″
This pan benefits from the ceramic nonstick coating in particular. With a truly even spread of heat, you get a nice even sear on meats and other grilled items; zucchini is a big favorite of ours. We were very impressed with its meat-cooking capabilities, considering just how light it is.
Features:
- Raised Grill Texture to Bottom of Pan
- Uniform Square Shape
- Ceramic Particle Nonstick Coating
- ThermoPoint Technology
Ballarini Parma Forged Aluminum Nonstick Fry Pan, 12″
Ballarini did a great job adding this to their cookware lineup as it’s easy to overlook initially, but if you have a big family, this equally big pan is a gift. Cutting meal cook times into fractions is a new frequent player for our roster.
Features:
- Big Nonstick Frying Pan
- Ceramic Particle Nonstick Coating
- ThermoPoint Technology
Overview of Aluminum Forged Nonstick Cookware
So we have all heard of stainless steel and ceramic cookware, as they have been all the rage amongst celebrity chefs for ages, but you might not have heard much about forged aluminum nonstick cookware.
While the specific aluminum alloy may vary from pan to pan, the general idea is that the aluminum is forged into whatever shape is needed for the particular type of cookware. In addition, the malleability of aluminum allows for much greater ease in the forming process.
Aluminum itself acts as an excellent conductor for heat. As a result, it is quicker to heat than a majority of other cookware. The drawback is that it retains heat at a lower capacity than, say, castiron cookware.
This is where the ceramic nonstick coating comes in. It has a dual purpose as it not only allows for the pan to hold heat much better, but it also gives the cookware a nonstick surface to compete with the best of other pans on the market.
In addition to those two benefits, the ceramic nonstick coating also adds a good deal of longevity to aluminum forged cookware. Grime and other substances should slide right off with a bit of effort, eliminating the need for pesky steel wool.
Even with all these additions and benefits, forged aluminum non-stick pans are some of the more affordable cookware options on the market. The price of aluminum proves to be enough to bring these pans down to a much more reasonable market.
Ballarini Cookware – Pros and Cons
Forged Aluminum vs. Stainless Steel
As we’ve discussed in our Ballarini Cookware Review, there are several advantages of forged aluminum. So how does it compare with the more popular stainless steel pans? You’ll be surprised to learn that both have their advantages and disadvantages. Below is a list of some of the more popular reasons why you would want to choose one versus the other.
Aluminum:
- Heats Up Easier
- Lightweight
- Less Expensive than Stainless Steel
- Holds Heat for a Shorter Amount of Time
- Not Great with Glass Stove-Tops, or Rather Not Equipped for Induction Burners
Stainless Steel:
- Holds Heat Longer
- More Durable
- Pricier
- Good with Gas and Glass Stovetops
Ultimately, how you decide will which one to choose will be entirely up to how much you cook, the types of food you cook and your budget.
Is Ballarini Cookware Worth it?
Our Ballarini Cookware Review found that these pans would make a quite welcomed addition to any kitchen setup. These pans are best utilized alongside your usual tried and true cookware options as an addition to what you already have.
These pans are great in a pinch, and Ballarini has packed them with enough extras and features that you will definitely find a great variety of uses for them. Of course, nothing is going to replace your grandmother’s ceramic dutch oven, but not every occasion calls for that.
A brief warning should be reiterated, however. There have been reports in other Ballarini Cookware Reviews of premature wearing down of the ceramic coating. While we did not see any of this ourselves, we thought it would be a good idea to at least warn you of this before you go and rush to get yourself a whole set.
Of course, everyone’s kitchen is different, so whether these pans are for you might vary. However, we think that they add significant value to an already stocked kitchen or if you are just starting out in a brand new apartment. You will definitely find a use for them.
Ballarini Cookware – FAQ
How do you use the ThermoPoint technology?
The ThermoPoint technology is a little meter that is located in the handle of each individual pan that works on a red-green hot-cold scale.
Can this cookware set be used on glass and gas stovetops?
The Ballarini Cookware set can be used on both glass-coated stovetops as well as gas-powered.
Does Ballarini offer any warranty?
There is a lifetime warranty for the cookware set as long as you use the pans appropriately.
Can they be put in the oven?
No, it is strongly recommended that you do not put your pans in the oven as they are not considered oven safe.
What is the best way to keep these pans clean?
A scrub of salt and baking soda finished off with vinegar should be able to take off most marks.
Where is the Ballarini Cookware Set Made?
These products are made in Italy. The company heavily promotes their deep family values and Italian heritage that go into every product they sell.
Where can I buy them?
You can purchase Ballarini cookware at several popular places such as Macys, Bed, Bath and Beyond and Wayfair. We recommend purchasing from Amazon as they have quick delivery, free shipping and a free 30 day return policy.
Wrapping it Up
All in all, despite its very minor flaws, the Ballarini products proves to be a very useful and reliable set of pots and pans. This is one cookware set that should have no trouble making itself right at home in a variety of kitchen setups.
The sheer versatility of this set really helps bolster its claims and make it worthy of being an addition to your setup. What could have been a simple run-of-the-mill cookware set has been turned into a potential kitchen staple by Ballarini.
As always, we hope that our overview of forged aluminum cookware and our Ballarini Cookware Review have been able to inform you enough so that you can decide if this product is for you.
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