Nov 19
Have you ever noticed, that when you move a lot, you tend to somehow ‘mislay’ articles from the kitchen? It’s amazing. When you pack up to move, you have a whole set of stainless steel insulated cookware, but when you unpack, you don’t. That is what led me to purchase new cookware. The one thing that I never really liked about stainless steel was that things stick. My granddad recently got some hard andonized pots and pans and seems to like them fine, so I figured why not?
I’ve had my set for several months now, and while I am not completely dissatisfied, I am not as satisfied with this set as I would’ve liked. The non-stick surface is really good. I’ve never had a problem with anything sticking. But, if you’re like me and work 12 hour shifts, you become really good friends with your dishwasher. Unfortunately, these are not dish-washer approved. I was unaware of that at the time of purchase, and that would’ve affected the sale.
Also, I know the previous reviewer mentioned the heat conductivity of aluminum being second to copper. I don’t believe it, and neither should you. I fight a chronic battle with hot spots every time I cook. Inevitably, the center of the skillet (especially with the 12″) get’s very hot, while the edges are still, at best, warm. Dishes that I could turn on and ignore in my old cookware must be constantly monitored in these.
On the positive side, however, aluminum is *much* lighter than stainless steel. I have problems with my wrists, and lifting my 12″ steel pan was something of a problem one-handed. Not so with these.
So, there are positives, and there are negatives. I guess it depends on how particular you are about what you cook in. I am a very particular cook. I can be very exacting and something of a kitchen tyrant, and I expect no less from my pots and pans. Someone who is more of a casual cook and isn’t dead-set on perfection might thoroughly enjoy this set with no reservations.
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November 19th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
This is a quality pan, just be sure not to use metal spatulas or non-stick spray on it, and it will last much longer!
November 20th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
This pan heats evenly and is very durable. I can flip eggs quite easily in it! Worth every cent.
November 21st, 2009 at 3:46 pm
I’ve had this set for about 6 months, and I am very pleased in general. The nonstick still works beautifully – I use the smaller skillets to make omelets all the time with no trouble. And I love that you can transfer them to the oven. My only complaint is that I would have liked a strainer or similar thing on the lids to poor out liquid, as I had in a previous set. These pans are also a bit lighter than you might think from the picture. I will probably keep these for quite a while, but eventually replace them with a heavier set.
November 22nd, 2009 at 3:38 pm
We bought this set to have pans that can be used both on the stove and in the oven (hence no plastic handles). For the price that we paid ($129) it was a bargain. Note that it does not handle dishwasher too well, especially on high temperature cycle (discoloration on the outer coating) but this is pretty common for all and just is something to keep in mind when you wash them.
Other than that, excellent product and I would recommend it to everybody.
November 23rd, 2009 at 3:59 pm
Have you ever noticed, that when you move a lot, you tend to somehow ‘mislay’ articles from the kitchen? It’s amazing. When you pack up to move, you have a whole set of stainless steel insulated cookware, but when you unpack, you don’t. That is what led me to purchase new cookware. The one thing that I never really liked about stainless steel was that things stick. My granddad recently got some hard andonized pots and pans and seems to like them fine, so I figured why not?
I’ve had my set for several months now, and while I am not completely dissatisfied, I am not as satisfied with this set as I would’ve liked. The non-stick surface is really good. I’ve never had a problem with anything sticking. But, if you’re like me and work 12 hour shifts, you become really good friends with your dishwasher. Unfortunately, these are not dish-washer approved. I was unaware of that at the time of purchase, and that would’ve affected the sale.
Also, I know the previous reviewer mentioned the heat conductivity of aluminum being second to copper. I don’t believe it, and neither should you. I fight a chronic battle with hot spots every time I cook. Inevitably, the center of the skillet (especially with the 12″) get’s very hot, while the edges are still, at best, warm. Dishes that I could turn on and ignore in my old cookware must be constantly monitored in these.
On the positive side, however, aluminum is *much* lighter than stainless steel. I have problems with my wrists, and lifting my 12″ steel pan was something of a problem one-handed. Not so with these.
So, there are positives, and there are negatives. I guess it depends on how particular you are about what you cook in. I am a very particular cook. I can be very exacting and something of a kitchen tyrant, and I expect no less from my pots and pans. Someone who is more of a casual cook and isn’t dead-set on perfection might thoroughly enjoy this set with no reservations.
November 24th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
Got this for a super price. Cooks well and even. Cleans up well too. So far have only been hand washing, which is recommended.
November 25th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
I bought these after doing some research about the new non-stick hard anodized aluminum pots and pans on the market. After learning that aluminum and copper are the best heat conductors I researched who makes the best ones. After seeing the prices for the best I decided to go second best. The kitchenaid might not be as heavy as some of the more exspensive brands but the handels are riveted and the weight isn’t too bad. So far they are wonderful. I love how quick and evenly they heat up. I would highly recomend these to anyone looking for quality without spending a fortune.
November 26th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
OK it is stainless so before you review it please learn how to cook in a product without Teflon coatings. This is a really nice heavy duty pan. It heats evenly and if you set the temp right and use oils and do not put wet meats in this pan does not stick. Handle stays cool too!
As for clean up…Put some hot water in it and let it soak a little. Use one of those little scrubby pads and if necessary a little barkeepers friend and voila…a very shiny great looking pan ready for yet another cooking adventure on the stove.
WHat’s not to like, particularly at this price!
November 27th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
My family has been trying to get away from using nonstick for a while now and the last pan to go has been our nonstick 8″ omelet pan (also Kitchenaid). I love to make omelets and needed a pan that is light enough to flip ingredients and doesn’t stick. I have a couple of cast iron pans, but they are too heavy and unwieldy to make a proper omelet. This pan seemed heavy enough (I know that heavy pans stick less), and I had high expectations, but I was still expecting a some stickage as it is stainless steel and does not have a nonstick coating.
Physically, the pan is gorgeous. It is shiny and very heavy compared to other stainless steel pans. It is weighted perfectly and does not tip at the handle like some other pans do.
I tested this pan a total of three times: The first time I made sunny side up eggs. The second time I made an omelet. And the third time I made the “dreaded scrambled eggs”.
First test:
I make my sunny side up eggs and omelets in a very hot pan. When I use cast iron, I use my hand to test how hot the pan is before adding the butter. I hover my hand above the pan until I feel the really high heat. I did this with the new Kitchenaid and boy was that a mistake! I didn’t feel the high heat that I like, so I let it heat up longer until I felt satisfied. I added the butter (approx. ½ tablespoon). The pan was so blazingly hot that the butter immediately turned black and burned! I wiped out the pan with a paper towel and started over. This time I added the butter much sooner. I added my two eggs and there was no stickage! The eggs slid around freely in the pan. I even flipped the eggs for over easy. Very impressed.
Second test:
Next was the omelet. I whisked two eggs with two tablespoons of water and added to the hot buttered pan (again ½ T butter). I make my omelets by letting the eggs set for a few seconds before lifting up the sides to let the uncooked mixture flow underneath. I repeat this about 6 times (going all around the omelet). Again, NO STICKAGE! I folded the omelet in half and then flipped it (my only gripe, see below) to firm up the eggs even more. Still very impressed.
Third test:
By this time I knew that the pan was a keeper, but decided to try scrambled eggs just for the heck of it. I was expecting the typical scrambled egg mess I usually get when I don’t use nonstick. Well, let me tell you, I have NEVER experienced such pleasure while making scrambled eggs!
I use a lower heat when I make scrambled eggs (so there is no browning). I used about ¾ tablespoon of butter this time (because I was expecting stickage). I added my eggs (just eggs, no added water or milk) and scrambled away. These eggs slid around the pan like water. I was so amazed I called my husband in to watch! The eggs turned out fluffy and perfect. I slid them out of the pan and the only egg residue left in the pan was high on the sides where the copper bottom does not go up to. Brilliant.
I am so gaga over this pan that I am going to return the nonstick one I bought at the same time thinking that the stainless steel one would not suffice. As the price on this pan was so reasonable (compared to another stainless steel upscale brand) I think I am going to buy other pans in this line.
So, now on to the only complaint I have for this pan( which is not really a bad reflection on the pan, just my use for it). It was not made as an omelet pan. As such, the sides are not flared, but go straight up as in a regular skillet. I have a little difficulty in flipping things in the pan because the edge is not flared. However, this will never prevent me from using this pan for omelets. I just wish that Kitchenaid would make a similar 8″ pan specifically for omelets.
For those of you that don’t want to use nonstick coatings any more, buy this pan. You won’t regret it.
November 28th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
If you like stains and an easily burnt pan then this is the one for you!
November 29th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
This is probably a good pan but I didn’t have a chance to use it. I’ve just had to sent it back because the description forgot to mention the dimentions of the bottom of this skillet – only 5 1/2 inch and it’s much smaller than the smallest burner on my glass cooktop. I didn’t want to give any stars because I haven’t used it but the system didn’t let me.
November 30th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
I received my new frying pan in damaged condition. It was obvious that the pan was damaged prior to shipping. I notified Amazon, and they immediately had a replacement sent to my home. The pan is great, the tri-layers eliminates cold spots. I would highly recommend this skillet.
December 1st, 2009 at 4:10 pm
I AM VERY SATISFIED WITH MY PURCHASE, AS WRLL AS THE WAY THE PURCHASE WAS CONDUCTED.