Motifone:

I would call Calphalon today and ask for their opinion and a replacement. No metal pan should scratch because of a nylon utensil. I use melamine in my Calphalon tri-ply (melamine is hard plastic) and have had no problems. If Calphalon doesn't take care of you, take the pan to the store (with your receipt) and ask for a replacement out of a new set. I would not use metal in these pans for rigorous stirring, but you know what? Ultimately, you should use what you want and not worry about what the interior looks like. My only worry would be that the pan is harder to clean with deep scratches. Finally, have you tried cleaning the pan with Bar Keepers Friend?

hi there

thanks for the reply. I will call them and ask. What's funny is I specifically looked at the inside bottom of the pan before I started cooking -- so I would know if anything scratched. We cooked, I washed the pan, and there was the mark.

I cannot feel the scratch with the fingernail, which I guess means it is more of a surface mark. It goes counter to the direction of the brushed metal so it stands out more. You are right, ultimately it is a pan and doesn't matter. It's just tough to pay $400 for a set and have it start doing that ;)

We clean them with a sponge, Dobie pad and Bar Keeper's friend. Even the Dobie pad and Barkeeper's leaves the slightest of polish lines here and there.

I guess the Calphalon Contemporary just requires more care when using them in order to maintain that great look. I understand about the $400, that's the retail of my Calphalon tri-ply (of course I used a coupon), it's a boat load of money, especially when you see so many store brands that look practically same but sell for half the price or less! Let us know what Calphalon has to say about your finish. Thanks!