T Fal Initiatives Cookware Review

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The T Fal Initiatives cookware set is a cheap nonstick pots and pans set and it is probably the company’s most basic product line. The price is its main selling point and it is for those who just want a basic cookware set that does the job for a period of time.

T Fal Initiatives Nonstick Cookware Review

t fal initiatives red

The T Fal Initiatives is available in both 10 and 18-piece bundle. The 10-piece includes:

  • 1-quart covered saucepan
  • 2-quart covered saucepan
  • 5-quart covered Dutch oven
  • 8-inch sauté pan
  • 9.5-inch sauté pan
  • 11-inch sauté pan
  • steamer

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At the time of writing, the 18-piece costs about $30 to $40 more and available in gray and red. The extra items and the difference between the two bundles are:

  • 3-quart covered saucepan
  • 4-quart covered stockpot
  • 10.25-inch griddle
  • 9.5-inch saute pan 4.5-inch fry pan
  • steamer 4 nylon tools

The T Fal Initiatives has an aluminum construction with an even heat base to prevent hot spots and both nonstick interior and exterior. This is to facilitate clean-up, not only on the cooking surface, but also on the outside where there may be stains through spills. However, the interior has no Thermo Spot indicator unlike the T Fal Signature.

The lids made made of tempered glass with steam vents and the handles are ergonomically designed using stay cool materials. The pieces are marketed as dishwasher-safe.

Should You Buy The T Fal Initiatives Nonstick Cookware?

Pros
  1. Cheap – It is in the same price range as the Cook N Home 15-Piece Nonstick set and at times, the T Fal Initiatives works out to be even more economical than the former. It is cheap for the number of pieces in the bundle which makes it a value for money type of buy.
  2. Nonstick works well – The nonstick coating on the interior makes food slide out while the coating on the exterior makes cleaning easy when food boils over.
  3. A choice of color – There is also a red set apart from the gray which is a change from typical nonstick cookware. Having brightly colored cookware that matches the decor would certainly enhance the look of your kitchen.
Cons
  1. Handles fall apart – The handles on the pieces are not that well-made as they tend to come loose. This seems to be a common complaint among buyers.
  2. Thin – The pieces are thin. It may be acceptable to those who prefer lightweight pots and pans but thinness could be an issue for some because the durability factor would come into play for the longer term.
  3. Lids may not fit – Some buyers have reported that they couldn’t get the covers for the pots to fit all the pans. On the upside, not everyone has the same problem although it is still a risk.

The T Fal Initiatives Nonstick 10-piece and 18-piece sets are not durable, long lasting items (the really cheap Chef’s Du Jour 32-Piece Kitchen Combo Set immediately comes to mind) but they do serve the purpose in the short to medium term. Using plastic or wooden utensils, avoiding high heat and hand-washing them may prolong the lifespan but the thinness of the material would still mean increased chances of warping and dents.

On top of that, the risk of the handles falling apart is also a concern since quite a few customers have reported the same problem. This is an additional risk on top of the common peeling problem associated with nonstick cookware. While you can control how you cook and wash your pots and pans in order to take better care of them, shaky handles are a different matter altogether. There is little you can do to prevent them from coming loose.

The lids too are suspect because there are two completely different experiences from buyers. Some have complained that the lids for the pots do not fit the pans while others have no such problem. This could be due to the manufacturing process whereby the dimensions could be slightly off for some sets that it is hard to get the lids to fit.

Because of the above issues, the T Fal Initiatives wouldn’t be my first choice for a cheap nonstick cookware set. For the same price range, I would also look at Cook N Home for another option.

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Comments

  1. Just as an FYI to add to this article, I have two sets of Tfal in my cabinet right now. One is from 1998 the other from 2006. Both have no issues with handles or lids or warping and have no dents. I wash mine in the dishwasher and use wooden or plastic utensils. The 18pc set can usually be found for around $80 and is frequently used as a door buster or black friday item at a sale price of $50 if you are willing to wait and watch for a price drop. Aslo, there are frequently mail in rebates as well. Shopko and Sears are a good place to watch for this item to go on sale. I’m currently waiting until closer to black friday time in hopes of getting the 18pc set for $50. Last year Shopko, Sears, and Menards all had this set for that price.

  2. Have used the same T-Fal cookware set for 2009. LOVE IT! Used almost 3 times per day and just now noticing after 8 YRS that the non-stick coating is now beginning to show wear. The fry pan the most ( AS I USE IT THE MOST ). Paid less than $90 for the full set and have no issues with the handles being lose OR no issues with the tops fitting perfectly. Use only plastic utensils and plastic scrubber to clean. “I” do not put in the dishwasher; was told that it was better to wash by hand. Am currently shopping for TWO SETS – one for myself and one as a gift. Can’t wait to get the upgrading set with griddle!! If you really want a quality NON-STICK Cookware, THIS IS IT! I have a black set: the outside & tops (which are vented…love that too) lQQk new! Buy T-fal with confidence! PS: OH! I do not like to cook and this T-fal makes the job much easier; along with EASY Cleaning of pots and pans! THUMBS UP!

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