I'm picky about my pans, but unfortunately bought this product without fully researching it, which I have now done after the fact.Before getting into that, Amazon originally listed this item in the shipping section as 20 pounds.I knew that had to be a mistake.They subsequently corrected this, and now that I have the pan, it actually weighs around one pound.My husband thought it was of a good weight for cooking; I think it's a little lighter than it should be.It's also listed as an 8 inch pan, but be aware that your existing 8 inch lids won't fit it correctly; I know because I had three different lids and thought that one of them would surely fit, but none of them do.If you want to research this Winco (not "Winware" as Amazon has it listed) product or any others in this line, here is the web information:www.wincodwl.comI provide this because "Winware" is the wrong name (the label on the pan says Winco), and this pan doesn't come up easily on a Google search; you have to look for it.The company's toll free number is: 1-888-946-2682.The Winco product number, which you will need (not provided by Amazon) is SSFP-8.I would strongly encourage you to fully research any Winco products before you buy them.
The two major things I was looking for was the gauge of the stainless steel and whether this pan would go in the dishwasher.This information is not provided either on the Amazon page or on the product label, so I was hopeful for good news, but it wasn't.Most high quality pans are a level of 18 gauge stainless steel, preferably 18/10.This pan is 20 gauge.The lower the gauge number, the thicker the steel, meaning that this pan is thinner than most quality cookware.The customer service representative did say that this pan uses induction heat, if that is important to you.I did give it the acid test, making scrambled eggs with cream cheese, and it worked okay and cleaned up well.Also, this pan will tolerate the dishwasher.
From an appearance standpoint, this is a cheap looking pan.It's made in China, and it shows.The handle is riveted on, and I'm wondering whether it with stand up to normal use.I will revisit this review after I have used it for several months, but my initial outlook is pessimistic.Amazon currently has this pan on sale for $14.88.If I had this to do over, I wouldn't buy the pan at all, but having it, I think it's worth about $10 given the gauge of the steel and that conventional 8 inch lids will not fit it.
September 10, 2011 update:This pan has held up better than expected, although it does not get too much use.The handle is sturdy (no flex) and the pan's finish has held up through dishwasher cleaning.I still would not recommend spending the current price for this pan, however.
I bought this pan in summer 2010, in spite of an earlier review.Maybe the product changed since previous review, but I find the current item to be of good construction.It's solidly made, and appears to use the high-quality stainless specified (18/10 grade top notch material).Perfectly acceptable for home use, low price.
EDIT:I forgot to say, 18/10 stainless means the base steel contains 18% chrome and 10% nickel (nominal).This is an expensive grade, and under normal use you shouldn't need to worry about corrosion for a couple thousand years or so.Also, the pan won't melt until you get it up to ~2800*F +/-.Good stuff.FYIThis is my second purchase of this skillet/frying pan (son wants one). I purchased this same one last year and love it. It is much easier to fry larger batches without spilling all over the stovetop and I found a lid here on Amazon that fit perfectly Danesco Gastronome Pro Stainless Steel 14-Inch Diameter Lid. I can't imagine how I lived without a skillet this large but now that I have used one, I will ensure I always do! It doesn't require a lot of heat. As a matter of fact, if you use too high heat it will cause food to stick.I have a gas stove and cook at the lowest setting but then I have no trouble. If you are used to stainless this pan won't cause you any trouble.If you're not used to it, now you know use lower heat!It is a wonderful addition to my kitchen.
0 comments:
Post a Comment