Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized 12-Inch Skillet with Helper Handle
Cuisinart Chef’s Classic non-stick hard anodized 12-inch open skillet with helper handle. Cool grip riveted handles for ease of use, durable hard anodized exterior, Quantanium non-stick interior, tempered glass covers seal in flavor, hard anodized, oven-safe construction.
This non-stick skillet makes it easy to get between the food and the surface. I’ve noticed that these Cuisinart products typically work well for a long period of time, but they lose that nearly perfect non-stick factor pretty quickly. Essentially, on a scale of 1-10, if the non-stick factor were a 10 when you buy it, it becomes a 7 to 7.5 on a non-stick factor scale within 4 to 5 uses, but it retains that mild level of non-stick factor for a minimum of 8 months to 2 years of regular use (2-3 times per week). From time to time, I use extra virgin olive oil or butter to aid it from not having food stick to the surfaces when I am cooking something that I am especially don’t want sticking to the skillet.
I have had this particular skillet for 6 months, and it still looks great and provides of enough non-stick to cook everything that I want. Although it probably doesn’t matter to most, I find it nice that this skillet doesn’t show signs of being used after 6 months. I realize that its purpose is for cooking and not a show piece, but there’s something more inviting about using a piece of cookware that still looks new (or relatively new). Because of how good it still looks, I don’t even consider replacing it (in addition to the fact that its non-stick qualities are still good enough).
The handles are very sturdy which is nice. My previous skillet (non-Cuisinart) had a flimsy handle, and the handle broke within a couple months. It’s nice to have the second handle on the opposite side of the skillet from the main handle. This can be very handy if needed, but I don’t use it often.
This skillet is relatively easy to clean, but be sure not to use any plastic or metal scrapers on it. Always use a sponge or a sponge brush.
Overall, I am very pleased with this purchase. It’s not a perfect skillet, but it’s the closest thing that I have found to it. If all you want is perfect non-stick from a pan all of the time, the best bet is to buy a cheap brand’s non-stick skillet and replace every 10-15 uses, but that’s pretty wasteful and will cost you much more over time. If you want a great non-stick skillet which will last you a long time and be a great bang for your buck, this is probably it.
Eggs and pancakes will stick – Todd – Memphis, TN
This should be a .99 pan sold at Target to college kids. I was not able to cook an over-medium egg on it without using oil. I was not able to cook a pancake on it. The pan I received was not a non-stick pan. It was more like “stick resistant”.
For the same money, I purchased the Calphalon 10 and 12 inch pan combo set. The construction was similar although the non stick coating was different. I was able to cook an egg and a pancake on the Calphalons with no issues. So, 2 pans instead of 1 for the same money, and they have a better coating? No brainer.
The quality was mediocre. I was replacing a 9 year old Calphalon which had 3 rivets on handle, this had 2. It was thin and too light. I could not rate how evenly the heat was distributed because I couldn’t get the egg off the bottom of the pan.
omelet pan, saute pan, grill, roasting pan in one – Thomas M. Lane – Oakland
It’s perfect for just about every use, holds heat level beautifully, perfect for crepes or omelets…just about anything. I use it every day. It has replaced at least 3 pans and almost cleans itself.
Helper Handle Skillet – Carol – MA
This is a great pan that cooks very nicely. I understand from reviews I read before buying the concern for the helper handle getting in the way on some stoves. For me it is fine, as I have a flat stove top. I would recommend this pan for its cooking ability and the ease of use. Lifting a heavy pan is much easier with the helper handle.
