First the PROS:I was really looking forward to getting this pan.I love making lasagna, and hubby likes his loaded with lots of meat, while I go meatless.I have always wanted to be able to cook just two rows of lasagna, one for him, one for me.But traditional pans basically forced me to make 3 rows at a time because each row leans on the one next to it and that is what keeps it all in shape and not sliding all over the place.So I always had to cook more than I wanted to at a time.Yes, I know that leftovers are not a bad thing...................But the problem for me was that to make a lasagna that big to begin with you have to make around 18 noodles at a time.It takes forever to boil that much water and you have to have a very big pot to hold that much water and noodles and keep them at a rolling boil for the whole 9 minutes.I actually have a huge pot that I store in my garage that I ONLY use for boiling lasagna noodles.Well, guess what?I was able to use my regular pot to boil the water and noodles since I was only boiling 12 noodles to make the two rows of lasagna.That was a real timesaver.To me, the assembly is the most time consuming part of making lasagna.This was much faster.And because the noodles fit the pan lengthwise to begin with, I didn't have to cut noodles down to size to fit.I have actually done that before when using 2 loaf pans to make us "individual" lasagna portions.
Now the CONS:It is actually wider than the width of average aluminum foil, so covering it while baking meant that I wasn't able to mold the foil around the sides of the pan to keep any sauce from boiling over.Might be better to think ahead and place this on a cookie sheet so it doesn't leave a mess on the bottom of the oven if you go really high on the layering.I did 6 noodles high and that was as high as I think you could ever take it without having spillover.MY BIGGER COMPLAINT is that they should have included a fitted lid to fit on top of the pan, not to be used during baking, but for storing leftovers in the fridge for a day or two, especially since foil really doesn't fit this pan properly.I had to transfer the cooked pieces to a tupperware for storage, so now an extra item to have to wash, not counting whatever I have to use to reheat the lasagna up in.That really bugs me.
Second small issue.The description on Amazon does say it is dishwasher safe.But the manufacturer neglected to print that anywhere on the actual package, so I wasn't sure when I got it.I went ahead and washed it in the dishwasher.It came out fine.And best of all, the nonstick surface really did clean up the first time.I have certainly had to scrub lasagna pans before, especially glass ones, the dishwasher never get the baked-on food cleaned off completely the first time.But this one really came out clean, even areas where sauce and cheese had burned on.However, the pan is so big that it took up the entire rack and I was only able to put my silverware basket and one bowl next to it while I ran the dishwasher.I'll probably hand wash it next time.It is pretty big being that it has space between the 3 channels, plus a rim around the entire pan.I had to drop the dishwasher rack tines down to make it fit, and again, it really took up almost the entire rack.
Smaller issue:Nothing too serious, but I thought worth mentioning.First, the average lasagna noodle does fit very well lengthwise, but the channels they created actually are more narrow at the bottom than they are at the top.So the first two noodles I stacked had the curly edges kind of fold upwards.No big deal, just thought it was odd that they made it that way instead of just simply the same exact width from the top to the bottom of each channel.Not sure the reason behind designing it that way.Maybe it helps it to keep its shape when you cut into it.The included spatula is great, by the way.Fits perfectly and the design really digs the lasagna out without the piece falling apart on you.So kudos on the design of the spatula.
I can see using this pan for other baked goods down the road.Also worth mentioning, this pan is not boxed so you can't store it in its original box between uses, if you like to do that.
UPDATE:Do not leave this pan to soak to remove baked on food.I did and it got a very fine dusty area of rust.I scrubbed it thinking it was sauce, but after I dried it, the spot came back and thats when I realized it was actually rust, not dried on sauce.That was somewhat scary to me.Don't want to be eating rust.It does clean up easily when scrubbed, so stick to that or the dishwasher, but again, I wouldn't soak this pan.
A bit pricey, but a great pan.It makes a LARGE quantity of lasagna, perfectly cooked.Each section is the width of a lasagna noodle which makes assembling the dish a breeze.The pan itself is heavy with a nice quality Teflon coating.Perfect for making some lasagna and freezing some of it.
Our recipe stated that it would take 90 minutes to bake, but it only took 60 minutes.The shortened cooking time is probably because of the compartmented pan structure, so be aware when using the pan to monitor cooking time until you get used to it.
Perfect for making multiple variations for picky family members or house guests!Highly Recommend!!
Update: 1 DEC 2009.Just had another EXCELLENT lasagna made in this pan.We really love it.Makes enough to feed us and freeze the rest.
Buy Chicago Metallic Lasagna Trio Pan, 12-Inch by 15-Inch by 3-Inch (11-1/2-Inch by 2-1/2-Inch Cavities) Now
We have just rec'd our pan recently but ... are certainly ready to say this is a truly useful and high quality piece of cookware.If your family likes (or needs) menu variety you should buy this cleverly designed pan.The weight of the pan is substantial (not flimsy), the overall size is generous, and it has a tall collar at the top preventing spills.In addition the non-stick coating seems sturdy and, most importantly, works very well.Cleans up beautifully.The SS spatula included is exactly the right size and shape.We have made conventional lasagna in one section at the same time as two different high protein, low-carb versions.Everything was deliciously done, but when planning such variety you DO need to thoughtfully consider your cooking requirements for all three different recipes -and select a *single* cook time/temp that will work.We had no problem with this key step, but just needed to think it out carefully the first time.We are now daydreaming about OTHER 3-part oven meals as well as other favorite foods we might prepare in 3 interesting versions, as an alternative to the "lasagna trio" idea.We expect to make GREAT use of this very clever and high quality pan in the years ahead.
Read Best Reviews of Chicago Metallic Lasagna Trio Pan, 12-Inch by 15-Inch by 3-Inch (11-1/2-Inch by 2-1/2-Inch Cavities) Here
I am enjoying this specialty pan...I made three different lasagnas and my guests were amazed...they all wanted to buy this pan!!Noodles fit perfectly!!Then I made a Chocolate tres leches Cake...and I have made Grandma's Mexican Cornbread...and I made "Choc-Peanut-Butter-Hazelnut-Choc-Nutella Cookie Bars"...AND I have only had my pan for a couple of weeks!! It is delightful to have the spatula the exact width of the pan~~ so that I was able to cut the treats into the right portions to package each of them into a 4" x 2 1/2" x 9 1/2" crystal clear gusseted cello bags and tie it closed with a ribbon...then placed them all on a tray...and take them with me to my meeting of quilting friends~~they were delighted!!So, my pan is going to be used OFTEN.
And my daughter is going to receive one for Christmas!!Enjoy...TJ
Want Chicago Metallic Lasagna Trio Pan, 12-Inch by 15-Inch by 3-Inch (11-1/2-Inch by 2-1/2-Inch Cavities) Discount?
Found this pan on Amazon and was intrigued but a bit concerned with the price then realized it must have been on back order as the est ship date was not until the first part of January. Well found this by accident at a local high end (expense) cookware shop. It is indeed a high quality Chicago Metallic pan, nice weight, by no means cheaply made.
I have been using it to make baked goods in it. If using a box mix that is light you can use all three rows and you end up with wonderful size loafs that are perfect for a gift tray or party as they are the perfect finger food / sampler size without you having to make in a larger loaf pan and then cutting into smaller pieces (looks sloppy and not as attractive when you butcher it up. If you are making a heavier mix (carrot cake) then I bake in the outer two channels and they bake up wonderful.
Looking forward to making breakfast casseroles in this so that I can customize for the different tastes will be nice to be able to cut into small taste servings
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This item is not as pictured, nor is it as described. Although the difference between the picture and the actual skillet I received is immaterial--as mine has a helper handle on the outer end from the pan handle. But the skillet is not 14 inches. It is not even 13. In fact, the box it is boxed in is only 13 inches. The pan is not quite 12 3/4 inches.
