All-Clad MC2 Nonstick Fry Pans

The ongoing debate over cookware at my house is over:All-Clad is the best cookware overall and is worth the extra money.Our coppers tarnish and require retinning.Our encapsulated disk cookware (Reverere and Farberware) suffer from loose and broken plastic handles and too-small disks which limit the cooking area of the fry pans.The biggest debate was between Calphalon and All-Clad LTD nonstick models.My wife really liked the lighter weight of Calphalon's Commercial Nonstick line.After living for both for several years, All-Clad has shown its overall superiority in the following ways:

1) Durability.The non-stick finish All-Clad uses wears like iron.The Calphalon's finish shows many more scratches and blisters.

2) Denser anodized finish.The All-Clad LTD finish is much denser and more even that that on Calphalon.This makes it more attractive and easier to clean.On the MC2 stuff the finish is not anodized, but it is tightly frosted and well made.It's quite attractive too.I've started to accumulate MC2 stuff because it's cheaper and performs just as well.The LTD stuff does look better on a rack mixed with Calphalon.It's tough to beat black aesthetically.

3) Greater heat sensitivity.You actually cook with the stove set to a lower temperature with All-Clad.It appears to register changes more quickly.Both types of pan are good in this reguard but the All-Clad is noticeably better.

As a fry pan, the All-Clad MC2 12" fry pan hits on all cylinders.It's big enough for a 4 egg omlette, or most of pound of bacon.It's battleship built, well balanced, even heating with great sensitivity.The handle stays cool and is angled so that you can lift the heavy contents without undue strain on your wrist.The nonstick finish is effective and tough as nails.The MC2 finish is durable and very attractive.Ultimately I'm more partial to the LTD finish because it matches well with other anodized aluminum cookware and you can clean it very effectively with Ajax.The MC2 finish will yellow a bit over time.Real chefs just let it get brown. It looks like real cookware.In any case, exterior aesthetics don't relate to cooking performance.

Update on the MC2 finish:after using it for months and letting it get nice and brown I tried cleaning it with the 3M scrubby and Ajax/Comet cleanser I use with the LTD finish and it worked like a charm on the MC2.Just make a nice paste and power away the burnt on grease in moments leaving a nice buffy shine.Don't worry about scratches the MC2 finish is a fine patina of minute scratches anyway!It looks great and is basically indestructible.

I have a full collection of All Clad pans, and recently returned the 8" nonstick pan as it sticks terribly even with quite a bit of oil.Mostly used as an egg pan, always hand washed and never in the dishwasher but has been around for years.I returned this pan under lifetime warranty over two months ago and still it has not been replaced.I have called and emailed, and still am not sure if it has even been sent out to me.I was asked for the USPS confirmation number for the return, thank goodness I paid extra at the post office for this and have saved it.That was weeks ago, making me think

they had lost my return.Called again today as still no pan, and got no information when it is coming but the promise to call back about it.Don't know that I would spend almost $100 again for an egg pan with this kind of service.I would expect better service from All Clad than this.

Buy All-Clad MC2 Nonstick Fry Pans Now

Purchase one of the 10" fry pans April 1, 2010. Non-stick coating is peeling up off the edge of the pan. I am returning the pan to All Clad.

Pretty disappointing as I have owned a LOT of cheaper brands and never had the non-stick coat simply peel off the pan in a sheet like this.

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I have had several non stick all clad pans.Over the years, I have returned them under warranty.It takes them 6-8 weeks to evaluate your pan for any returns.The most recent pan I returned as it was sticking terribly was in November.Four months later, I still do not have a replacement, and am getting no where with customer service.Be sure you get a confirmed delivery as well, they said they did not receive my pan at all until I provided the USPS delivery confirmation that I paid for in addition to sending the pan back.They agree the pan should be replaced under warranty.But four months later, still no pan.Do yourself a favor, save your money and get something else in the non stick pan class.The warranty is almost useless at this point, and after a few years, even with no dishwasher, wooden utensils and care, they will stick.

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The All-Clad Master Chef 2 Nonstick 8-Inch Fry Pan is expensive. Therefore, expectations are that it would last longer than other, inexpensive Nonstick products.

For us it lasted 6 months. It performed well while it lasted, before the nonstick surface started to peel off.

We sent the pan to All-Clad for a replacement, along with proof of purchase.

The response was quite funny: We cannot replace this 8-Inch Fry Pan because you applied too much heat to the pan!

We always thought that applying heat to a pan is the essence of frying eggs etc.

Apparently, All-Clad nonstick pans are not designed to be used on a stove.

BTW our stove is an electric one, therefore supposed to be softer on frying pans.

Bottom line: Do not buy All-Clad nonstick products they are peeling if used for frying!

Above all, do not expect All-Clad nonstick products to last longer than a few months.

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