We needed to replace an old pan we've been using for about 10 years and was in serious need of replacement. After doing a lot of searching online, I narrowed it down to about 3 different pans. What I really needed was a multi-purpose pan. Something I could use to saute various types of meat, make one-pan dishes, cook eggs and pancakes for breakfast. I had hoped to find a pan with a true hard-anodized non-stick coating, but I wasn't having any luck. Having been turned off by earlier versions of Teflon, I really wasn't too keen on going down that path again. Yet the reviews of the newest non-stick coatings sounded promising. I decided to give this pan a try since I'm already a fan of Calphalon.
This is a large pan. I selected the 12-inch model. Looking back now, I probably would have purchased a slightly smaller version. Considering the size, it's not too heavy. The stay-cool handle is long enough to allow 2 hands to hold the weight of a fully-loaded pan. While I would have liked a handle on both sides of the pan, I can deal with it as is. The glass lid adds even more weight, but that's due to the heavy-duty quality of the lid.
I've had this pan for a couple of months now and cooked everything I noted above in it. Although I'm still adjusting to a pan that's a few inches larger than my old pan, it's not been too difficult to make the change. One thing that makes the size of this pan nice is that whether you're sauteing chicken and vegetables, making toasted cheese sandwiches, cooking pancakes or frying burgers or eggs, there is plenty of room to allow you to cook larger servings all at one time. We like to cook for multiple nights, leaving leftovers for the next day. It also allows us to get the cooking done sooner. Considering the size of the cooking surface, I also have to note how evenly this pan heats and how well it holds heat. Even though it's not as heavy duty as a cast iron skillet, it holds heat well with no real hot spots. The surface currently releases very well, and cleans up very quickly.
This non-stick surface is unlike others I've had before. It works very well so far, though I do expect the performance of the non-stick surface is going to drop over time. That said, I am following some suggestions from others that will help to extend the life of the non-stick coating. Here are some suggestions:
1. If you need oil, don't use non-stick cooking spray (such as Pam) on this pan - rather, get a oil sprayer like the Misto, and load it with olive or vegetable oil. Using spray oils like Pam can leave residues on non-stick surfaces that will build up over time, making the surface sticky. I wish I would have known this sooner so I could have protected some of my other pans from this problem.
2. Be sure to heat your pan only to medium, maybe to medium-high max - never to high. High temps can damage the surface and can cause the chemical release problems that have sometimes been associated with non-stick coatings. If you need to cook on high heat, say for searing a steak, consider using a cast iron skillet instead, and save this pan for the lower temp cooking.
3. Though you probably already know this, don't use metal of any kind on the non-stick surface. I also avoid wood or any other kind of hard material. I stick with nylon tools on this surface. It shows some signs of very minor surface scratches, but nothing that I would consider damage to the integrity of the surface itself.
4. If possible, store it with the lid on it to protect the surface. Otherwise, hang it up or, if you have to store it with other pans stacked on it, place a soft cloth, like a dish cloth, on the pan first.
So, for me, the pan is a win. I expect to use it for many years. My only suggestion is that if you're unaccustomed to a large pan, stick with a slightly smaller size, maybe 10". If you have a larger family, you will likely find the 12" size very useful.
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This Item
Calphalon Unison Nonstick 8 Inch Omelette Pan
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| Price | $146.99 | -15% $55.99 List: $65.99 |
-6% $83.95 List: $88.99 |
-18% $45.25 List: $55.00 |
$40.98 | $44.51 |
| Delivery |
Get it May 8 - 10
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Get it as soon as Friday, May 3
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Get it as soon as Friday, May 3
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Get it May 2 - 6
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Get it as soon as Friday, May 3
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Get it as soon as Friday, May 3
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| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Easy to clean | ||||||
| Durability | ||||||
| Versatility | ||||||
| Value for money | ||||||
| Scratch Resistant | ||||||
| Sold By |
At Your Steps
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Amazon.com
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Amazon.com
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MakeBox
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LiveLifeFull Marketing, LLC
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DEELZ
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| capacity |
8 inches
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10 inches
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4 quarts
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8 liters
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8 inches
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3 quarts
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| material |
Non Stick
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Aluminum, Stainless Steel
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Aluminum, Stainless Steel
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Non Stick
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Aluminum
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Aluminum
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| diameter |
8 inches inches
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10 inches inches
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12 inches inches
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8 inches inches
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8 inches inches
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—
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| has nonstick coating |
✓
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✓
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✓
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✓
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✓
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✓
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| dishwasher safe |
✓
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✓
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✓
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✓
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✗
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✗
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| oven safe |
✓
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✓
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✓
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✓
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✓
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✓
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Reviews with images
Dented on Arrival
Great product in terms of performance but arrived with a big dent in it. Poorly packaged for shipping. Unfortunately I didn't realize it until I started making pancakes. Will attempt to return.
