If low-fat cooking is a priority for you, you probably own non-stick cookware. Regardless of the quality of the cookware you purchase and how careful you are to use utensils and cleaners that will not scratch, eventually the surface erodes, food fails to release easily, and cleaning becomes a chore. Add to that the bits of Dupont Chemical coating that get into your food. I don't know the dangers of ingesting this residue, but I'd prefer my food without.*
After going through numerous fry pans at various price points, I decided to invest in a pan that would give me 3 qualities; the ability to cook using the smallest amount of added fat possible, ease of cleaning and long life. I decided a 9" fry pan would be most practical since I'm usually cooking for one or two. This would be a pan that would be used every day at least once, so I was prepared to spend some $ to get what I wanted; top quality, performance and the possibility that it would be the last pan I would ever buy.
My research indicated that 7 ply stainless was best for its outstanding heat distribution and retention. It is extremely expensive but I was willing to make the investment if my criteria were met. Viking is one of the companies that manufactures 7 ply, so I decided to take a closer look at the Viking Outlet center on our trip to Destin Christmas 2010. I wanted to consider it especially if the outlet store had factory seconds or good deals.
My first visit was to the Le Creuset outlet store and as it turned out, they also have 7 ply stainless with a non-stick coating, so I had some comparison shopping to do.
On my first visit to the Viking store, I noticed the other brand of cookware on display was Scanpan Classic nonstick which is made in Denmark and carries a lifetime warranty. It is pressure-cast aluminum fused with a titanium coating followed by a ceramic nonstick finish.
I inquired about this cookware and asked how it compares to the Viking with the nonstick coating. The sales associates told me she owns Viking cookware, but uses Scanpan in applications that require non-stick. She also mentioned that everyone that had purchased a piece of Scanpan cookware ultimately came back for more. Furthermore, Viking does not warranty the non-stick surface, while Scanpan has a lifetime warranty.
After deliberating a day, I returned to the store and purchased the Classic 3 piece starter set with consists of a 9.25 inch fry pan and a 3.25 quart sauce pot with glass lid that fits both pieces. The sales associate who checked me out commented that everyone who had purchased ended up buying more.
After returning home and using the pans a few weeks, I was hooked and predictably, ordered a set. They preformed beautifully with a minimal amount of oil, were easy to clean and didn't break the bank. I love the glass lids and the surface is amazingly non-stick - food just slides off. They don't have the outstanding heat retention and distribution of a 7 ply stainless, but they are much lighter and require lower cooking temperatures. For searing and/or braising, nothing beats Le Creuset enamel cast iron, but for everyday Scanpan is amazing.
I put the lids in the dishwasher, but just wipe out the pans and dry them off after use. If they require washing, soapy water and a plastic brush is sufficient. I wouldn't risk using one of those green scrub pads and they shouldn't require it. Even though they are supposed to be safe with metal utensils, I think it best to use wood or plastic just to be on the safe side. Best of all, I know there is no residue coming off in my food.
The set I chose is the 11 piece Deluxe Chef's Set which consists of 10" Fry Pan, 2.75 qt. (10") Saute Pan with Lid, 1 qt. Sauce Pan with Lid, 2 qt. Sauce Pan with Lid, 3 qt. Sauce Pan with Lid, and 6 qt. Dutch Oven with Lid. The lid for the 2.75 qt. Saute Pan will also fit the 10" Fry Pan.
One very important thing to remember - DO NOT use sprays like Pam. Spray coatings will gunk up the surface. Instead, you can use a light coating of cooking oil. An oil with a high smoke point like macadamia nut, walnut or grape seed oil is beneficial. (Olive oil is best eaten raw).
You can order from http://www.chefsresource.com. They have several options of sets, so look around. Free shipping on orders over $49 and prompt shipping.
Here is the manufacturer's website, which has some great information and tips...
*Google "Non-stick cookware dangers" and you'll see that it's not only surface residue, but fumes given off during cooking that may be harmful, especially at very high heat. The most inconvenient fact is that it looses the quality you wanted in the first place; ease of cleaning and non-stickiness.
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with and have no interest financial or otherwise in www.chefsresource.com or Scanpan.
