Vollrath Cookware Review
THE BEST VOLLRATH SET
This is one of Vollrath’s more economical sets. Well designed for use in the average home kitchen.
It is not a high-end set, but despite this, it is NSFW certified and is an excellent value for the price you pay.
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Darrian Wilkins - Last update: April 29, 2020
Quick summary: Vollrath pots and pans offer excellent quality and performance. Even heat distribution and durability are the main advantages. Nonstick pans do not hold up well so we would recommend avoiding those. Overall Vollrath cookware is a good value for the money.
List of reviewed items
Proudly American, Vollrath has been manufacturing top quality cookware since the late 1800s. They began with enamel cast iron products but by the 1930s they were manufacturing in stainless steel.
Over the years they have added many different cooking products to their range and cater for everyone from home cooks to commercial chefs. Their products are synonymous with quality and they provide a wide range of products to suit varying budgets.
Their cookware series cater for a variety of users, from low-volume to high-volume kitchens. The more rigorous the kitchen environment, the stronger the cookware.
Best Vollrath Set
Vollrath Deluxe 7-Piece Optio Cookware Set
Features
This deluxe 7-piece set is part of Vollrath’s Optio cookware series. Designed for use by chefs who insist on high quality cookware that is long lasting, these pots and pans are constructed out of stainless steel and have a 0.25-inch thick aluminum bottom. This construction ensures extra heat retention and distribution when cooking.
The cookware has large radius corners which allows for easy cleaning and less waste when cooking and the curved rims prevent dripping when pouring.
Quality
The pot and pans are made using High Chrome Stainless Steel, which does not pit, react with ingredients when cooking or discolor. Customers have commented that the outer-brushed stainless steel layer is very attractive. In addition to its thick aluminum bottom, a thin layer of stainless steel at the bottom of the cookware helps to prevent scratches and dents. This type of construction ensures effective heat distribution. This cookware set can be used on most hobs including, induction, gas and electric.
Ergonomics
The hollow handles are made of stainless steel and welded firmly to the sides of the pot and the pans. They are comfortable to use when cooking and offering complete control.
Value
Customers are very pleased with their cookware sets and enjoy the value for money purchase. This 7-piece set is made up of a 6.75-quart sauce pot, a 2.75-quart saucepan, a 1-quart saucepan, all with lids and a 9.5-inch frying pan which can use the lid of the 6.75-quart sauce pot.
Durability
The pot and pans in this set are sturdy and not too heavy. Designed for use in low to medium-volume kitchens, they come with a 90-day guarantee.
PROS
- Customers have found the construction offers effective cooking.
- The High Chrome Stainless Steel that the pot and pans are made out of does not pit, stain or react with ingredients when cooking.
- The large radius corners of the cookware make for easy cleaning and minimal waste.
CONS
- A few customers received their cookware sets with a few bumps and dents on them.
- One user commented that this stainless steel cookware set shows up stains and water marks.
Rating
4.4 out of 5.
Verdict
This is one of Vollrath’s more economical sets, well designed for use in the average home kitchen. It is not a high end set, but despite this it is NSFW certified and is good value for the price you pay.
Best Vollrath Pan
Vollrath Tribute 3-Ply 12" Fry Pan
Features
All Tribute cookware is manufactured using a tri-ply design. This stainless steel pan has an interior stainless steel layer, an aluminum core and an exterior stainless steel layer to distribute and retain heat evenly. It is ideal for use on an induction hob.
Quality
The combination of the stainless steel and aluminum core make this pan very durable and does not affect ingredients or flavors when cooking. It maintains its shape even when under constant, strenuous use and heats without any hot spots. Professional chefs find Tribute cookware to be unmatched in its performance on induction, gas and electric hobs.
Ergonomics
The uniquely designed handle has finger holes for added control when cooking. It is firmly riveted to the pan using stainless rivets, which are covered by a lifetime warranty.
Durability
This pan is covered by the Jacob’s Pride Lifetime Warranty. Customers are pleased with the pan’s quick and excellent heat conduction when cooking. They have also found that the pan to work well on both the stove and in the oven, which is great for roasting food.
PROS
- Professional chefs rave about this series of cookware.
- The pan is covered by a lifetime warranty.
- The pan is highly durable and can withstand constant strenuous use.
CONS
- A customer found that the pan stained when cooking meat.
Rating
4.7 out of 5.
Verdict
This is a great option for a long lasting stainless steel frying pan. It can withstand constant commercial use and is covered by a lifetime warranty if it is needed. The stainless steel does not affect the flavor of ingredients when cooking and is easy to clean.
Vollrath Intrigue 2.25 Quart Sauce Pan
Features
Intrigue is a heavy-duty stainless steel cookware series and it has been styled in a way that makes it ideal for stove to table use. It is easy to cook with and easy to clean afterwards. This attractive, mirror finished stainless steel saucepan is suitable for soups, vegetables, sauces or rice.
Quality
This pan is not only stunning but cooks evenly and retains heat well, thanks to its aluminum clad bottom and its stainless steel interior and exterior. The can withstand constant heat from gas and electric hobs and the interior does not react with ingredients when cooking. The pan is oven and dishwasher safe.
Ergonomics
The handle is specifically designed for a hand over hand grip when cooking. It stays cools because of its hollow design, allowing heat to dissipate while cooking, and is sealed to prevent water seepage.
Durability
This saucepan is also covered by a Jacob’s Pride Lifetime Warranty. People who have bought this saucepan are very pleased with its performance and outstanding quality.
PROS
- The stay cool handle is specifically designed for comfortable use when cooking.
- This pan is ideal for stove to table meals.
- The pan is both oven and dishwasher safe.
CONS
- This saucepan is quite expensive.
Rating
4.5 out of 5.
Verdict
Made for use in high-volume kitchens, this is a high-end cookware item. It is strong and sturdy and can withstand constant exposure to high heat. Covered by the Lifetime Warranty, this is an expensive purchase but is well worth it.
Vollrath 8″ Non-Stick Arkadia Fry Pan
Features
Arkadia cookware series was designed for home cooks looking for high quality cookware. This 8-inch non-stick frying pan is part of this aluminum economy cookware range and is available in a non-stick or a natural finish. It is constructed out of 6-9-gauge 3000 series aluminum that provides optimal heat conductivity while cooking.
Quality
This non-stick frying pan is ideal for low to medium-volume kitchens, but is built to withstand use in any kitchen. The non-stick coating is excellent quality and provides easy non-stick cooking and cleaning. The frying pan is a nice weight, which feels sturdy in the hand without being too heavy.
Ergonomics
A simple, non-insulated, nickel-plated steel handle is attached to the pan. It provides complete control while cooking, but needs to be used with a towel or oven mitt. Vollrath sells an optional Arkadia silicone sleeve for this purpose.
Durability
This pan is covered by a 90-day warranty. A good majority of people who have purchased this pan are very happy with their purchase and would wholeheartedly recommend it. One customer was very disappointed with the non-insulated handle that got very hot even over a low flame and that if they used a handle guard the pan became unbalanced.
PROS
- The 6-9-gauge aluminum construction provides excellent heat distribution and retention when cooking.
- The pan is a nice, sturdy weight.
CONS
- The handle is non-insulated and if you use a handle guard it becomes unbalanced.
Rating
3 out of 5.
Verdict
This is an economical non-stick cookware option. While this pan cooks well and the aluminum conducts heat excellently, it also heats up the handle pretty well. If you do purchase this pan, remember to order the optional silicone sleeve.
Vollrath Wear-Ever 10" Non-Stick Fry Pan
Features
Cookware in the Wear Ever series is constructed using 3004 aluminum, which is heavy-gauge and impact resistant. The double thick bottom of this non-stick frying pan ensures even heating without hot spots. It is coated with the Ceramic Guard II non-stick coating, which ensures enjoyable non-stick cooking and easy cleaning.
Quality
The Wear Ever cookware series is built in a heavy-duty style to withstand constant, extreme use. It is ideal for high-volume kitchens, is extremely durable and its non-stick coating is long lasting and can withstand the use of metal utensils when cooking.
Ergonomics
The pan comes with a Cool Handle that reduces the heat that you feel when cooking. It also ensures complete control of the pan when cooking.
Durability
This non-stick frying pan is covered by the Jacob’s Pride Lifetime Warranty. The majority of customers are happy with the performance of their pan and its durability. Some have been using their pan for several years and the non-stick coating is still in pristine condition. They are also very pleased with how easy it is to clean.
PROS
- The heavy gauge, impact resistant aluminum provides excellent heat conduction and is very durable.
- A Cool Handle protects your hand while cooking.
- The extremely durable non-stick coating can withstand metal utensil use.
CONS
- Some customers found that the pan is unbalanced by its handle.
- A couple customers have complained that the non-stick coating does not last very long.
Rating
3 out of 5.
Verdict
This high-end Aluminum frying pan is very durable. Designed for rigorous use, it offers excellent heat distribution. The non-stick coating is of superior quality and easy to clean.
Our Recommendation
Our top choice is the Intrigue Mirror Finish Stainless Steel Sauce Pan. The purchase of this pan can be considered an investment. This pan is extremely durable and stunning with its European style mirror finish. Ideal for high-volume kitchens, it will comfortably withstand constant, strenuous use. The cherry on the top is that it is covered by the Jacob’s Pride Lifetime Warranty.
COMPARISON OF VOLLRATH RANGES
| Optio | Tribute | Wear-Ever | Intrigue | Arkadia | |
| Construction | High Chrome Stainless Steel | Tri-ply Stainless Steel and Aluminum core | 2 Guage 3004 Series Aluminum | 18-8 Stainless Steel with Clad Bottom | 6-9 Gauge 3000 Series Aluminum |
| Coating | Natural | Natural Finish Nonstick – Ceramiguard II | Nonstick – Ceramiguard II | Natural Finish Nonstick – Ceramiguard II | Natural or Non-Stick |
| Handle | Hollow Handle | Ergonomic TriVent Natural | Natural with Cool Handle | Ergonomic Handle | Nickel Plated Steel with Optional Arkadia Silicone Sleeve |
| Warranty | 90 Day Limited | JP Lifetime | JP Lifetime | JP Lifetime | 90 Day Limited |