Let’s Talk About Coghlans Hard Anodized Family Cook Set
The Coghlans Hard Anodized Family Cook Set promises to be a durable, lightweight solution for outdoor cooking, catering to families and groups venturing into the wilderness. Coghlans, a trusted name in camping and survival gear, aims to deliver a compact and versatile set with its hard anodized aluminum construction and convenient nesting design. It includes a frying pan, three pots, and a universal lid.
I needed a reliable and compact cook set for family camping trips. The existing stainless steel set was bulky and heavy, making it a pain to pack and carry. I was searching for a lighter alternative with good heat distribution and easy cleanup.
Upon unboxing the Coghlans Hard Anodized Family Cook Set, I was immediately impressed by its compact nesting design. The hard anodized finish felt smooth and durable, and the silicone-coated handles seemed sturdy and comfortable. The weight felt significantly less than my old stainless steel set.
I considered the GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Dualist II and the MSR PocketRocket 2 Mini Stove Kit. The GSI set seemed geared more towards couples, and the MSR kit was more focused on backpacking. The Coghlans set seemed to strike a balance between capacity and portability, making it ideal for family car camping.
My first impression was positive. I was excited to try the Coghlans Hard Anodized Family Cook Set on my next camping trip, hopeful that it would solve my packing woes and provide reliable cooking performance. The nesting design and relatively light weight were the standout features.
Real-World Testing: Putting Coghlans Hard Anodized Family Cook Set to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Coghlans Hard Anodized Family Cook Set during a weekend car camping trip in the Angeles National Forest. The weather was mild and dry, offering ideal conditions for cooking outdoors. I primarily used the set to boil water for coffee and cook simple meals like pasta and scrambled eggs.
The Coghlans Hard Anodized Family Cook Set performed admirably. The hard anodized aluminum heated evenly and quickly over a gas stove. The silicone-coated handles stayed cool to the touch, preventing any accidental burns.
Using the set was straightforward. The pots and pan were easy to handle, and the universal lid fit snugly on all the pieces, preventing spills while cooking. I did not need any special tools to use this set.
There was one minor issue: the frying pan’s non-stick surface wasn’t as effective as I’d hoped. Eggs tended to stick slightly, requiring a bit more oil than I usually use. This required a bit more attention to cleanup after meals.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Coghlans Hard Anodized Family Cook Set has held up well. It has accompanied me on three more camping trips and several backyard barbecues. The set has seen varying weather conditions.
The hard anodized finish shows minimal signs of wear and tear. There are a few minor scratches on the bottom of the pots, but the coating remains intact and effective. The silicone-coated handles are still firmly attached and show no signs of degradation.
Cleaning the Coghlans Hard Anodized Family Cook Set is relatively easy. Food residue usually wipes off with minimal effort, although the frying pan sometimes requires a bit more scrubbing. I recommend washing the set by hand to prolong the life of the non-stick coating on the frying pan.
Compared to my old stainless steel set, the Coghlans Hard Anodized Family Cook Set is a significant improvement in terms of weight and packability. It distributes heat more evenly and is easier to clean than stainless steel. It certainly exceeds my expectations for a family cook set in this price range.
Breaking Down the Features of Coghlans Hard Anodized Family Cook Set
Specifications
Hard Anodized Aluminum Construction: Provides durability, even heat distribution, and resistance to corrosion. This ensures the set can withstand the rigors of outdoor use and provides even heating for the food.
Silicone Coated Stainless Steel Swing-Out Handles: Ensures the handles remain cool to the touch during cooking. These provide a safe and comfortable grip when handling hot pots and pans.
Includes 1.5 L (50 oz.) Frying Pan, 4.3 L (145 oz.), 1.7 L (57 oz.), and 1.6 L (57 oz.) Pots: Offers a variety of sizes for cooking different types of meals. This caters to everything from simple breakfasts to larger dinners for the entire family.
Unique Lid that Fits All 4 Pieces with Drain Holes and Stay-Cool Silicone Knob: Provides a universal lid that simplifies cooking and reduces the number of items to pack. The drain holes allow for easy draining of pasta and vegetables without removing the lid.
Nests Together and Comes with a Mesh Bag for Convenient Storage: Simplifies packing and transportation. It keeps the set organized and prevents scratching during transit.
Measures: 7.6″ x 7.6″ x 5″ (19.1 cm x 19.1 cm x 12.75 cm) when nested: Highlights the compact size of the cook set when packed. The compact size makes the Coghlans Hard Anodized Family Cook Set ideal for those with limited space when packing and storing the set.
Intended for Use on Gas Stoves and Heating Elements: Specifies the recommended heat sources for optimal performance. It ensures the set is used in a safe and effective manner.
Performance & Functionality
The Coghlans Hard Anodized Family Cook Set performs its intended function as a portable and versatile cooking solution very well. The various pot sizes cater to differing culinary needs, and the even heat distribution ensures properly cooked meals. Overall, the set functions as advertised and does a good job.
The set’s strengths lie in its compact design, lightweight construction, and even heat distribution. The weak point is the frying pan’s non-stick coating. It could be more effective.
The Coghlans Hard Anodized Family Cook Set generally meets my expectations for a family cook set in this price range. It has a few shortcomings.
Design & Ergonomics
The Coghlans Hard Anodized Family Cook Set features a well-thought-out design with durable materials and a focus on portability. The hard anodized aluminum feels sturdy and lightweight, while the silicone-coated handles offer a comfortable and secure grip. The Coghlans Hard Anodized Family Cook Set is simple, elegant, and does not try to do too much.
Using the set is intuitive, and there’s no significant learning curve. The swing-out handles are easy to operate, and the universal lid fits securely on all the pots and pans. The nested design simplifies packing and storage.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Coghlans Hard Anodized Family Cook Set should last for several years of regular use. The hard anodized finish is resistant to scratches and corrosion, but it’s essential to avoid using abrasive cleaners that could damage the coating. The hard anodized aluminum can withstand typical camping abuse.
Maintaining the set is straightforward. Hand washing with mild soap and water is recommended to prolong the life of the non-stick coating on the frying pan. Avoid using metal utensils, as they can scratch the surface.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Coghlans Hard Anodized Family Cook Set comes with a mesh bag for storage. There are no customization options or additional accessories offered by Coghlans. The mesh bag makes storing and transporting the entire set a breeze.
The Coghlans Hard Anodized Family Cook Set does not need many accessories as it is functional out of the box. Generic pot and pan handle grips and pads could be used to protect the coating during storage, if desired. The Coghlans Hard Anodized Family Cook Set is intentionally simple.
Pros and Cons of Coghlans Hard Anodized Family Cook Set
Pros
- Lightweight and Compact: Ideal for backpacking and car camping where space and weight are a concern. Its small packed size is very advantageous.
Cons
- Frying Pan Non-Stick Coating Could Be Better: Food tends to stick slightly, requiring more oil and effort during cleaning. The frying pan could be more effective with a better non-stick coating.
Durable Hard Anodized Aluminum: Provides even heat distribution and resistance to corrosion, ensuring longevity. This durable material is perfect for tough camping environments.
Cool-Touch Silicone Handles: Offer a safe and comfortable grip when handling hot pots and pans. The silicone grip prevents accidental burns, which makes the Coghlans Hard Anodized Family Cook Set ideal for a family.
Universal Lid with Drain Holes: Simplifies cooking and draining of liquids. The universal lid means you only need to keep track of one lid for the entire set.
Nesting Design: Makes packing and storage easy and efficient. The nesting design maximizes space savings.
Limited Customization Options: No additional accessories or customization options are available from Coghlans. This limited customization means you need to use the set as it is intended.
Who Should Buy Coghlans Hard Anodized Family Cook Set?
The Coghlans Hard Anodized Family Cook Set is perfect for families and small groups who enjoy car camping, picnicking, or RV travel. It’s also a good option for beginner backpackers who are just getting started and want a basic, reliable cook set. It’s ideal for small families on a budget.
This product might not be ideal for serious backcountry adventurers. These adventurers require the lightest possible gear or those who demand a highly specialized cook set with advanced features. The Coghlans Hard Anodized Family Cook Set is not the lightest and most rugged, although it is very capable.
A good set of cooking utensils designed for non-stick cookware would be a must-have accessory. These utensils will extend the life of the non-stick finish of the frying pan.
Conclusion on Coghlans Hard Anodized Family Cook Set
Overall, the Coghlans Hard Anodized Family Cook Set is a solid and reliable option for outdoor cooking. Its compact design, lightweight construction, and durable materials make it a good value for the price. The Coghlans Hard Anodized Family Cook Set is ideal for families on a budget.
The price of $93.49 is justified considering the quality of the materials and the overall performance of the set. It represents a good balance between affordability and functionality. It is not inexpensive, but well worth the price.
I would personally recommend the Coghlans Hard Anodized Family Cook Set to anyone looking for a versatile and affordable cooking solution for their outdoor adventures. The Coghlans Hard Anodized Family Cook Set is a workhorse that should last many seasons. Pack your bags, gather your family, and get ready to enjoy delicious meals in the great outdoors with the Coghlans Hard Anodized Family Cook Set!