Cooking enthusiasts searching for high-quality pots and pans face countless options from myriad brands. With price tags ranging from bargain basement to bank-breaking, it can be challenging to discern quality. When longevity and cooking performance matter most, which cookware warrants the investment?
After over a century of business, Berghoff cookware stands out for its heritage of quality German engineering at a fair price point. But how exactly does it compare against pricier competitors and budget brands?
This in-depth Berghoff cookware review will cover everything potential buyers need to know, including:
- Berghoff’s 120-year history and reputation
- Materials, construction quality, and product lines
- How it compares to All-Clad and other top brands
- In-depth looks at the bestselling Orion, Avior, and Lyra lines
- Pros and cons based on customer experiences
- Care and maintenance tips
- Where to buy Berghoff cookware
After reading, cooks will have the knowledge to decide if Berghoff’s quality and performance justify the cost long-term. Let’s begin unraveling this classic German brand.
A Legacy of Quality Cooking and Drinkware
Berghoff has been synonymous with quality craftsmanship since 1898, when German immigrant Herman Berghoff opened his famous Berghoff Restaurant at the Chicago World’s Fair.
Gaining acclaim for his beer, Berghoff expanded into barware and tabletop merchandise. The company’s reputation grew through Prohibition and WWII, becoming known for polished and sturdy stainless steel.
Over a century later, Berghoff cookware and kitchen tools bear the same precision German engineering and craftsmanship of their barware. After establishing itself as a leader in drinkware and flatware, Berghoff leveraged its expertise into cookware.
Today the company’s headquarters remain in Chicago, while its cookware workshop operates in Germany. Berghoff takes pride in family ownership spanning four generations.
For home cooks, this longevity translates into cookware that potentially lasts a lifetime or beyond. Now let’s examine Berghoff’s product lines and construction quality.
Scratch-Resistant Stainless Steel Inside and Out
Like many top-tier cookware brands, Berghoff utilizes clad construction pairing stainless steel exteriors with conductive aluminum cores. This provides rapid, even heating while avoiding hot spots.
The cookware features a brushed 18/10 stainless steel finish both inside and out. The exterior resists scratches and cleans up easily. 18/10 denotes containing 18% chromium and 10% nickel. This optimized stainless blend makes it stick-resistant and ideal for searing.
Berghoff’s cookware is oven safe up to 500°F and dishwasher safe, though hand washing is recommended to maintain the finish.
Berghoff’s Bestselling Cookware Lines
Berghoff cookware is divided into product lines based on materials and price points. Let’s examine the features and highlights of their bestsellers.
Orion 10-Piece Cookware Set
The Orion 10-piece set provides an essential starter kit combining pots and pans. As Berghoff’s most popular line, the Orion demonstrates their clad construction and quality at a moderate price point.
The aluminum core runs up the sides of each piece, not just the base, for consistent heating across the entire surface. This prevents scorching and hot spots.
Each piece features an ergonomic stainless steel handle riveted on for durability. The cookware is also induction compatible.
“We love our Orion set. The pots and pans heat amazingly fast and cook evenly. We mainly use the 10″ skillet and 3 qt saucepan daily and they have held up perfectly over 2 years.” – Jen A.
The Orion 10-piece set includes:
- 8” fry pan
- 10” fry pan with lid
- 1.5 qt saucepan with lid
- 3 qt saucepan with lid
- 8 qt stock pot with lid
This complete cookware set retails between $300-400. Given Berghoff’s reputation and construction quality, Orion delivers excellent value.
Avior 9-Piece Copper Cookware Set
For cooks wanting next-level cooking performance, the Avior copper set optimizes responsiveness and control.
The copper exterior conducts heat rapidly across each piece. This tight temperature control is ideal for delicate cooking where precise adjustments matter.
Underneath, an aluminum core prevents hot spots while stainless sides and riveted handles finish each piece. The riveted cast handles stay cool on the stove.
The 9-piece Avior set includes:
- 8” fry pan
- 10.5″ fry pan with lid
- 1.5 qt saucepan with lid
- 3 qt saucepan with lid
- 3 qt sauté pan with lid
- 8 qt stockpot with lid
With a copper set, expect to pay a premium. The Avior 9-piece retails around $1200-1400. For cooks who heavily utilize copper’s quick responsiveness, the investment can pay dividends in cooking enjoyment.
Lyra 10-Piece Ceramic Nonstick Set
For a budget-friendly option, the Lyra nonstick set provides convenience and versatility at an affordable price.
The Lyra features a PFOA-free ceramic nonstick coating reinforced with titanium. This makes it easy to cook eggs or delicate foods with little oil while allowing effortless cleanup.
The aluminum core distributes heat quickly and evenly across the whole surface. Each piece has vented tempered glass lids to observe food.
The 10-piece Lyra set contains:
- 8” fry pan
- 9.5” fry pan
- 1.5 qt saucepan with lid
- 3 qt saucepan with lid
- 3 qt sauté pan with lid
- 5 qt Dutch oven with lid
With soft-touch handles and an appealing price around $250, the Lyra line makes ceramic nonstick accessible. This versatility enhances any kitchen.
How Does Berghoff Compare to Other Premium Brands?
With a grasp on Berghoff’s product lines and construction, how does it compare against other acclaimed cookware brands? Let’s see how it stacks up to one of the most well-known names.
Berghoff vs. All-Clad
All-Clad consistently tops cookware rankings along with names like Mauviel and Demeyere. Berghoff competes in the same premium category while keeping prices moderate. Let’s compare some key factors:
- Materials: Both use 5-ply construction with a conductive aluminum core sandwiched by stainless steel. All-Clad offers copper cores on some pieces.
- Cooking performance: The aluminum core and steel layering create fast, even heating across the entire surface. Both brands excel in this regard.
- Quality and durability: Berghoff and All-Clad are engineered to last decades with proper care. All-Clad offers a lifetime warranty versus Berghoff’s limited lifetime warranty.
- Price: This is where Berghoff distinguishes itself. Berghoff cookware costs about 40-50% less than All-Clad for comparable selections.
- Country of origin: All-Clad is made in the USA while Berghoff cookware is crafted in Germany. Both adhere to strict quality standards.
- Weight: With their metal construction, both brands are on the heavy side which can make tossing food a challenge.
In summary, Berghoff delivers nearly equal performance and quality to All-Clad for a significantly lower price. Home cooks on a budget will appreciate Berghoff’s value.
How Does It Compare to Budget Sets?
On the flip side, Berghoff also outpaces budget cookware in several ways:
- Durability: The stainless steel will outlast nonstick or enamel coatings prone to chipping and wearing down.
- Oven safety: Berghoff can safely transfer to the oven up to 500°F unlike plastic handles found in cheaper sets.
- Heating consistency: Budget cookware often only has aluminum cores on the base leading to more hot spots during cooking.
- Balance and handling: Cheaper pots and pans tend to have inferior handle engineering compared to Berghoff.
- Made in Germany: Budget sets commonly get produced in China at massive scale. Berghoff adheres to higher German standards.
So while paying 3-4x more than a budget set, Berghoff delivers substantially longer usefulness and everyday cooking quality.
“We bought a cheap set before getting our Berghoff pans. The difference is night and day. The cheap pots warped in months, but these have maintained their shape impeccably.” – Jay S.
Now let’s summarize the biggest benefits and drawbacks of Berghoff cookware.
Berghoff Cookware Pros and Cons
Pros
- Superb heating consistency: Aluminum cores eliminate hot spots.
- Durable construction: Quality 18/10 stainless steel inside and out built to last.
- Versatile stovetop usage: Compatible with all stovetops including induction.
- Oven and broiler safety: Can withstand up to 500°F oven heat.
- Dishwasher safe: Though hand washing recommended for best results.
- Quality craftsmanship: Manufactured in Germany under strict standards.
- Reasonable pricing: Costs significantly less than comparable premium brands.
Cons
- Heavier weight: Challenging for tossing food or those who prefer lightweight pots.
- Requires seasoning: Like most stainless steel, needs proper seasoning to become more nonstick.
- Higher cost than budget sets: Significant upfront investment over entry-level cookware.
- Special care: Copper and nonstick coatings require extra maintenance.
Now that we’ve weighed the pros and cons, should you invest in Berghoff cookware?
Is Berghoff Worth the Price?
For cooks seeking heirloom quality pots and pans without overspending, Berghoff delivers tremendous value. The performance and engineering rival top brands like All-Clad for 40-50% less.
With proper seasoning and care, Berghoff cookware will provide decades of reliable performance. The clad aluminum core construction heats wonderfully evenly across each piece.
While pricier than a basic budget set, keep in mind cheaper cookware needs replacing every few years. Berghoff’s lifetime expectancy makes it more cost effective long-term.
Berghoff also offers pieces a la carte, so you can start with key pans and build up your collection. Their expansive offerings like bakeware, knives, and utensils enable mixing and matching.
For cooks wanting quality over quantity, Berghoff is an ideal blend of performance, durability, and pricing. Their century-long reputation rests on customer satisfaction. Considering the engineering and value, Berghoff earns its reputation as cookware worth passing down.
Caring for Berghoff Cookware
To maintain optimal performance, some care principles will preserve your Berghoff cookware for decades:
- Season pans before first use with a thin coating of oil heated to avoid sticking. Repeat seasonings occasionally.
- Preheat on low to medium heats to gradually expand the metal. Drastic temp changes risk warping.
- Don’t overload pieces with excess food as thermal shock can damage cookware over time.
- Clean with non-abrasive sponges and dish soap, avoiding steel wool or scouring pads that can scratch the finish.
- Promptly dry pieces to prevent water spots, especially with copper exteriors.
- Hang or nest cookware for storage rather than stacking to prevent scratches.
- Wash copper exteriors routinely to prevent oxidation and keep them brilliantly shiny.
Treat your cookware well and Berghoff’s quality craftsmanship will deliver lifelong cooking enjoyment.
Where to Buy Berghoff Cookware
Berghoff cookware is sold through fine kitchenware stores, specialty retailers like Williams Sonoma and Sur La Table, and online:
- Berghoff.com – Shop cookware sets and individual pieces.
- Amazon – Wide selection of Berghoff cookware and bakeware.
- Kitchen supply stores – Check stores like Bed Bath & Beyond, Crate & Barrel, Macy’s, and more.
- Specialty retailers – Stores like Williams Sonoma, Sur La Table, Chef’s Resource offer Berghoff.
Retail prices can range from $100 for fry pans up to $1,400+ for the copper Avior set. Watch for sales around the holidays and other promotions throughout the year.
For over 120 years, Berghoff has stayed dedicated to quality craftsmanship. Their cookware deserves consideration alongside elite brands like All-Clad, especially given the significant price difference.
This guide provided an in-depth look at materials, performance, product lines, pros and cons, comparisons, care and more. For cooks wanting durable pots and pans without breaking the bank, Berghoff warrants a spot on your stovetop.
