Symmetry Hard Anodized Nonstick 11-Piece Set

Score: 6.8/10 | Circulon Symmetry offers innovative design and durable construction, but uses PTFE-based nonstick coating. Not suitable for families specifically seeking PFAS-free cookware.

This review uses the R3 Cookware Methodology v1.0.0, which evaluates cookware across six pillars: Safety (35%), Efficacy (30%), Value (15%), Usability (10%), Sustainability (5%), and Suitability (5%).

Critical disclosure for health-conscious families:

• Uses PTFE nonstick coating (traditional Teflon-type polymer)
• PFOA-free (legacy chemical phased out industry-wide)
• NOT PFAS-free - PTFE is a fluoropolymer
• Safe to 400F before potential coating concerns

Circulon's TOTAL nonstick system is PTFE-based. While more durable than many competitors due to the raised circle design, the coating chemistry is conventional.

The Circulon innovation is the raised circular pattern on the cooking surface:

• Raised circles protect the nonstick between them from utensil scratches
• More durable than flat-surface PTFE nonstick (the circles take the impact)
• Food cooks on nonstick valleys which stay protected
• Hard anodized aluminum base resists warping

This design genuinely extends coating life compared to flat-surface alternatives. Users report 3-5 years of good performance versus 1-2 years for basic nonstick.

Heat distribution is good, and the hard anodized construction provides durability beyond budget options.

The 11-piece set runs $230-280 depending on retailer:

• Multiple skillets and saucepans
• Lids included
• Stockpot for larger cooking

At roughly $20-25 per piece, this is mid-tier pricing for enhanced-durability nonstick. The coating typically outlasts budget options, improving cost-per-year.

Circulon invented the raised circle pattern specifically to address the durability weakness of traditional nonstick. The concept is sound - protecting the nonstick surface from direct utensil contact extends its life.

But the coating itself remains PTFE. The innovation addresses durability, not safety chemistry.

Circulon Symmetry offers genuinely innovative design that extends nonstick coating life beyond competitors. For users comfortable with PTFE who want longer-lasting performance, this delivers value. For families specifically seeking PFAS-free cookware, the underlying coating chemistry means this does not meet that standard.

Score: 6.8/10 | Circulon Symmetry offers innovative design and durable construction, but uses PTFE-based nonstick coating. Not suitable for families specifically seeking PFAS-free cookware.

This review uses the R3 Cookware Methodology v1.0.0, which evaluates cookware across six pillars: Safety (35%), Efficacy (30%), Value (15%), Usability (10%), Sustainability (5%), and Suitability (5%).

Critical disclosure for health-conscious families:

• Uses PTFE nonstick coating (traditional Teflon-type polymer)
• PFOA-free (legacy chemical phased out industry-wide)
• NOT PFAS-free - PTFE is a fluoropolymer
• Safe to 400F before potential coating concerns

Circulon's TOTAL nonstick system is PTFE-based. While more durable than many competitors due to the raised circle design, the coating chemistry is conventional.

The Circulon innovation is the raised circular pattern on the cooking surface:

• Raised circles protect the nonstick between them from utensil scratches
• More durable than flat-surface PTFE nonstick (the circles take the impact)
• Food cooks on nonstick valleys which stay protected
• Hard anodized aluminum base resists warping

This design genuinely extends coating life compared to flat-surface alternatives. Users report 3-5 years of good performance versus 1-2 years for basic nonstick.

Heat distribution is good, and the hard anodized construction provides durability beyond budget options.

The 11-piece set runs $230-280 depending on retailer:

• Multiple skillets and saucepans
• Lids included
• Stockpot for larger cooking

At roughly $20-25 per piece, this is mid-tier pricing for enhanced-durability nonstick. The coating typically outlasts budget options, improving cost-per-year.

Circulon invented the raised circle pattern specifically to address the durability weakness of traditional nonstick. The concept is sound - protecting the nonstick surface from direct utensil contact extends its life.

But the coating itself remains PTFE. The innovation addresses durability, not safety chemistry.

Circulon Symmetry offers genuinely innovative design that extends nonstick coating life beyond competitors. For users comfortable with PTFE who want longer-lasting performance, this delivers value. For families specifically seeking PFAS-free cookware, the underlying coating chemistry means this does not meet that standard.