I purchased this skillet after reading every review here, believing that the negative reviews were probably due to a lack of understanding how to work with cast iron.At first, I did like the skillet. I took it through my own seasoning process (even though it was pre-seasoned) and was happy with both the appearance and (more importantly) the cooking qualities the first couple of times I used it.
I have been using it 1-2 times daily for the two weeks I've had it. A cast iron skillet is supposed to become better and more seasoned the more you use it. This one, however, is becoming worse. It doesn't heat as evenly as my other cast iron pieces, and no matter how carefully I clean and re-season it (I clean with kosher salt and a lint-free cloth, rinse with hot water, towel-dry then heat-dry it, then re-season with oil), the "seasoning" is becoming more and more uneven.
I had hesitated to buy this skillet since it's made in China and I don't want even the smallest chance that there is lead in this skillet. I should have gone with my hunch because now, more than ever, I'm upset at the idea of unknown elements being in this skillet, especially since the skillet isn't up to par with my other cast iron. I've also heard more and more stories of Emeril cast iron cracking... which I had thought initially due to too-rapid heating or cooking, but now I'm wondering if the Chinese cast iron itself is an inferior compound with sub-par "filler" material.
By point of comparison, four days ago I bought two Lodge 8" skillets. Of course, after my Emeril pre-seasoning experience, I had low expectations. But I was amazed as I gently washed them for the first time and water actually beaded on the surface and rolled right off. I decided to do something bold and daring, and cooked some eggs in the Lodge -only the second time I cooked with it. Amazingly, those eggs slid right out as if the pan were Teflon -a minor miracle with cast iron.
I can't return this skillet since I've used it, but I will be buying a Lodge 12" skillet instead. I'd rather waste my money and KNOW that I'm buying a safe, time-tested, made-in-the-USA item from a company with a longstanding reputation. The Lodge skillet is much less expensive, yet worth so much more... the superior pre-seasoning and the highly reputable manufacturer make Lodge the better deal even if it were higher-priced. Sorry, Emeril, but my vote is with Lodge.
If hadn't looked any further than the reviews here, I wouldn't have purchased this pan, but the reviewers seemed a little 'green' when it comes to cast iron and so I looked around some and ended up buying it. I have to say I am very satisfied.
First of all, I have never seen a 'pre-seasoned' piece of cast iron that was actually meant to be cooked in straight away. The instructions that come with this pan (for those who bothered to read them) recommend further seasoning anyway.
And yes, it does need further seasoning and careful integration into your cooking setup. Cast iron rewards patience, and this pan is a great big piece of iron, heavier and thicker than the Lodge equivalent and made to last for generations. It also is a bit rough textured for a cast iron pan and you will find that it takes longer to build up a nice slick surface, but it's far from impossible as has been suggested. Only the years will tell, but my guess is that it will hold on to its seasoning particularly well once it's fully established.
For the record, this is the method I use to season my cast iron:
-Rub a thin layer of lard or vegetable shortening on the pan, inside and out
-Put the pan in 300 degree oven for 15 minutes, pull it out and pour off any fat that's pooled in the bottom
-Put it back in for a couple hours
-Turn off the oven and let it cool in there
-Repeat this process a few times afterward, but in a 450 degree oven for 45 minutes to an hour
-If the pan is sticky when you're done with a seasoning, you didn't cook it long enough
Buy Emeril by All-Clad E9640764 Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron 12-Inch Skillet Cookware, Black Now
After owning this product for 2+ plus years the quality is exceptional and the pan is durable and well made.I am not a huge fan of Emeril's television show but his products are excellent.I am of the opinion that the negative reviews of this product are written by people that simply do not know how to work with cast iron.We have owned this skillet for over 3 years and we still love it.It cooks everything wonderfully and is easy to care for.
Want Emeril by All-Clad E9640764 Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron 12-Inch Skillet Cookware, Black Discount?
All my pots and pans are from the Emril line, and including this cast iron skillet and my cast iron grill skillet, and so far they have proven to be a great product, this skillet is a well cast heavy duty product, excellent for pan skillet fried chicken and great for making large corn breads.Save $0.03 Off
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