We recently had the pleasure of putting the Circulon ScratchDefense Extreme 4 Piece Non-Stick Cookware Set through its paces, and it is safe to say this is one of those rare kitchen upgrades that truly delivers. From the very first use, it became clear this is not your average non-stick cookware. After numerous meals, multiple washes and some fairly ambitious home cooking, the pans still look exactly as they did when they came out of the box. Untouched, unmarked and genuinely impressive.
The set includes four well-considered pieces that comfortably cover most everyday cooking needs. You get a 4.7 litre Non-Stick Sauté Pan with Lid and Helper Handle, a 25cm Non-Stick Frying Pan, and two Non-Stick Straining Saucepans with Lids in 16cm and 18cm sizes. Each piece feels reassuringly solid, well balanced and premium in the hand, without being overly heavy.
The standout item for us has been the 4.7 litre sauté pan, which has quickly become the most reached-for pan in the kitchen. Its generous depth makes it perfect for dishes that need space to develop flavour. Heat spread evenly across the base, and stirring felt effortless. The helper handle is a thoughtful addition, making it much easier to lift and move the pan when it is full, while the lid fits snugly and retains moisture beautifully.
"It combines performance, durability and thoughtful design in a way that genuinely enhances everyday cooking"
The 25cm frying pan is a classic size and a true test of any non-stick surface. This one passed with flying colours. Even with very little oil, the non-stick performance was outstanding. Having used many non-stick pans over the years, this is easily the most impressive surface we have experienced.
The two straining saucepans are a brilliant and surprisingly practical inclusion. The smaller 16cm pan proved ideal for sauces, grains and reheating soups, while the 18cm version handled pasta, potatoes and vegetables with ease. The built-in straining lids quickly became something we wondered how we ever lived without. Draining pasta or vegetables directly from the pan feels efficient and tidy, cutting down on extra equipment and mess.
Across the entire set, heat delivery is fast and even thanks to the aluminium core, while the thick stainless steel base provides excellent heat retention and long-term durability. All pieces are suitable for gas, electric and induction hobs, which makes this set incredibly versatile and future-proof. Whether you change your kitchen setup or move home, this cookware will continue to work flawlessly.
What really sets this set apart is how well it has held up after repeated use. We have cooked with these pans many times since unboxing, yet they still look completely new. There are no scratches, no dull patches and no visible signs of wear. It is rare to find non-stick cookware that maintains this level of appearance and performance over time, and it speaks volumes about the ScratchDefense technology.
Cleaning is another unexpected highlight. Food residue lifts away effortlessly, often with nothing more than a quick rinse and wipe. No scrubbing, no soaking and no frustration. Somehow, washing the dishes has become quick and strangely satisfying.
We cannot recommend the Circulon ScratchDefense Extreme 4 Piece Non-Stick Set highly enough. It combines performance, durability and thoughtful design in a way that genuinely enhances everyday cooking. If you are looking for cookware that looks great, performs flawlessly and stays that way, this set is an easy choice. And yes, we still cannot quite believe we are saying it, but washing the dishes now feels somewhat enjoyable.