Calphalon cleaning question

I picked up a calphalon 8" fry pan (CR 1388) at a thrift store for $2. The inside is in reasonable shape, but the outside is so discolored, it looks like pewter. I can't figure out if the previous owner used a dishwasher or used it over a campfire, but the outside looks like hell. I believe it's aluminum, and the only thing I've been succesful with to cut through the "patina" is steel wool. Any suggestions?

I picked up a calphalon 8" fry pan (CR 1388) at a thrift store for $2. The inside is in reasonable shape, but the outside is so discolored, it looks like pewter. I can't figure out if the previous owner used a dishwasher or used it over a campfire, but the outside looks like hell. I believe it's aluminum, and the only thing I've been succesful with to cut through the "patina" is steel wool. Any suggestions?

Larry,
I truly don't mean to insult here, but you do realize that Calphalon uses anodized aluminim? My one Calphalon pan (a paella) started out its life as a dark grey color and, thankfully, hasn't changed much in color since then. I've seen others' Calphalon pans that have been through the dishwasher and the biggest change I can see is that they lose some of the gloss but don't noticeably discolor.

Mark Lipton

Calphalon recommends Barkeepers Friend (oxalic acid powder) for cleaning.

[David M. Bueker]

I've been using the same Calphalon pans for 20 years now. They are a little scratched here and there, but still going strong with no real issues. Dark gray is their normal color.

I've determined that the discoloration, streaks and patches is polymerized oil. What I have is far, far beyond normal gray oxidation of anodized aluminum. It looks like something archaeologists would dig up. I'm slowly working on getting down to the metal surface and then it can oxidize normally if it wants to. I didn't realize Barkeepers Friend was oxalic acid; I may give it a try, but I don't know if it will cut through the oil.

I've determined that the discoloration, streaks and patches is polymerized oil. What I have is far, far beyond normal gray oxidation of anodized aluminum. It looks like something archaeologists would dig up. I'm slowly working on getting down to the metal surface and then it can oxidize normally if it wants to. I didn't realize Barkeepers Friend was oxalic acid; I may give it a try, but I don't know if it will cut through the oil.

If polymerized oil is what you get in an All Clad SS skillet when the olive oil is cooked through (reminds me, I need to ask that question), then yes the Barkeepers Friend will work.....eventually. But you will need to add some elbow grease to get it removed.

I've determined that the discoloration, streaks and patches is polymerized oil. What I have is far, far beyond normal gray oxidation of anodized aluminum. It looks like something archaeologists would dig up. I'm slowly working on getting down to the metal surface and then it can oxidize normally if it wants to. I didn't realize Barkeepers Friend was oxalic acid; I may give it a try, but I don't know if it will cut through the oil.

Here's a helpful hint, Larry: oven cleaning products (Easy Off and its ilk) are fine on anodized aluminum, though I'd be careful about using them on the inside surface. Works a charm at getting off carbonized deposits like polymerized oil.

Mark Lipton

Thanks. I was considering using a powered wire brush.