Review on Calphalon Premier Space Saving Nonstick Kitchen & Dining by Christy Brewer

I really wanted to love this set. However, "saving space" causes some problems. First of all, I really like their size. We have a large family and these pans seem to fit our family's needs in terms of size. I have bigger pots, but that's enough for some things. Second, I really like the non-stick coating. It seems very durable and it really works. I usually avoid non-stick pans, but they don't bother me that much. Now for my problems with them. First, the compact design doesn't require a lot of vertical space. I'm used to stacking pots and then storing lids individually. It just forces you to stack pretty much anything without much investment. This creates vertical storage problems. The pots are also wider than my taller countertop cabinets. I can put them in a closet but I have to fit them through the closet door on the side. When you're stacking this giant, heavy stack of pots, that's a problem in itself, and I end up having to take each item out and rearrange it bottom-to-top. I also had to clear out this particular cabinet because I usually keep my pots in a taller cabinet but the height doesn't fit. My next concerns are functional. The handles of these pans always get very hot. Just like cooking with an iron skillet, you can't touch the handles without an oven mitt. The handles with the pan also heat up on the stove. Even the pan handle. I got quite a few burns before I learned how to handle them like an iron skillet. My last problem is the lids. They are made with lid handles on the side instead of the top. As a result, the entire lid, including the handles, is always hot. There is no need to simply lift the mixing lid. You must use an oven mitt every time. And because the handles are on the side to "save space," the lid is awkward to hold unless you lift it for even a minute to get in the way. I can't tell you how many times I've burned myself on those stupid lids. So, in an attempt to solve space problems in your closets, they created pots that have entirely different problems. I solved my problems with the place, so new problems only frustrate me. These pans are really well made, large and of good quality. I'm just not a fan of space saving design considerations. I would prefer the classic versions of these pans.