Vapo-Seal Waterless Cookware Review
Sometimes when doing research for these various types of cookware it can be a little tricky finding out who exactly owns the company. This one I did find, however.
With Vapo-Seal waterless cookware there are a couple of differences. The lids are different because there is no steam valve to close. Vapo-Seal states the valves on competing waterless cookware models can be hard to clean and therefore trap and hold bacteria. I'm not sure how true this is, since during any cooking process the heat should kill any bacteria. In any case, when enough steam is built up inside you can see it escape a little between the lid and the pot. That tells you it’s time to turn down the heat to low.
It is waterless, and has a heavy 7-ply base. The outermost layers are T304 with Titanium surgical stainless steel and with inner layers of A/L alloy bonding and aluminum for fast, even heat transfer. In order to be a good waterless cookware set there has to be at least 5 layers, this has 7.
I’m impressed with their warranty that clearly states it is a lifetime warranty, and I can’t see any hedging on the handles and knobs either.
Price on the 17 piece set is very good—a little more than the Maxam waterless cookware sets—they tend to run $550 range, give or take a little depending on specials on the internet. The set is often sold at home demonstration parties and retails for $1600, still less than the $3000 price for the Saladmaster sets.
Vapo-Seal touts being the “heaviest” 7-ply stackable pans. They are sturdy, nice pans, a nice buy. It’s easy to find an 800 number for customer service for this company, a consideration if you need any replacement parts.
The very fact that this product is made in USA is a big plus for me. I see many expensive S.S. cookware that are manufacured in China and that is a big NO, NO for me.
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What is the diofferance in your Cookware and New Era cookware?
Answer:
The New Era Waterless cookware is 7 Ply, waterless cookware that is sold only by direct sales and cannot be bought at the store or on the internet. It can be used on all cooking surfaces, including induction. Because it is sold direct and manufactured in the US the price is a lot higher than the Maxam and Chef's Secret brands.
The KT-17 Ultra brand is very comparable, with a 7-ply structure and composition with T-304 stainless steel, but for at least $1000 less than the New Era sets. The New Era web site is sparse in information about the company, so I may be short on details about this particular brand.
Admin
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Does the KT17 Ultra brand work with induction cook tops?
Answer:
Both the KT17 and KT 17 Ultra are induction ready
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What is the best waterless cookware sold in stores or online?
Penny
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It's not easy to find waterless cookware in stores. It's usually sold either online, or through demonstrations you see at different cooking shows or county/state fairs in the summer.
As to which is best--that's a hard question to answer. It depends on how many pieces you want to purchase, whether or not you intend to cook with it exclusively, and how big your family is. One of the finest is the Health Craft USA made 5 ply cookware. Not all the sets are available online, but if you are looking for a good basic set at a reasonable price, you can check out the Promotional Set online. It's actually on sale right now in time for Christmas.
USA made sets are more expensive, one reason is they have the 5 ply throughout the pot, up the sides as well. This makes for very fast, even heating and the best method for stack cooking. It doesn't just have the 5 or 7 ply plate on the bottom of the pan. If you want to get started with a set Health Craft a good one, you can always add another pot or two later if you think you need more pieces.
For the price, either the Vaposeal or the Maxam KT17 Ultra set is very good. This latter set has the steam control (open-close) knob, is 7 ply on the bottom plate, and can be used on any surface, including induction cooktops. These two sets are not USA made. To some people that makes a difference, but the price differential is pretty wide between the USA and the China-made cookware.
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I have had these pots for at least 10 years now and love them. For me the best thing about them is the easy cleanup. I have a tendency to burn and with alittle soaking overnight it cleans right up in the morning.
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Everyone's stove is different, but with the waterless method it's best to start with medium heat and turn down to low as soon as the steam control begins to whistle, or the lid spins easily (if you have the type with not steam control valve). That way there is less tendency to burn anything. The pot will also clean up well with a good stainless steel cleaner.
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Is the Vapo-seal cookware 7 ply up the sides or just on the bottom? If just on the bottom, what is the breakdown of the constuction of the sides?
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The Vaposeal has a plate on the bottom that is 7 ply. The sides are not 7 ply. but have an inner and outer layer of stainless steel and inner layers of an aluminum alloy and carbon steel. I am still trying to find out how may ply is up the sides, but have not found any pictures for this particular set. I know the construction is similar to the KT-17 Ultra, BUT it is not conduction ready.
I will post any further information I can get.
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Apart from KT17 and KT17 ULTRA, what are the other sets which can support induction cook tops?
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The USA made cookwares, such as HealthCraft, Saladmaster, or Americraft Cookware are induction ready. I am not sure that any other foreign made sets can be used on an induction cooktop.
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