One Step Closer to Cooking Perfection
Written: Feb 08 '03 (Updated Feb 08 '03)
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Pros: cooks well, cleans easy, non-stick, clear lid, cool-touch handles
Cons: none -- a great product
The Bottom Line: This pan is a cook's dream. Cooks well and cleans without effort. The clear lid allows easy viewing of the pan's contents. Handles are cool to the touch.
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| dlstewart's Full Review: T-Fal Perfection Hard Enamel 4.4-Quart Deep Saute ... |
I love T-Fal. About 15 years ago, I purchased an entire set of T-Fal (in fire-engine red) from QVC. I still have and use most of those pieces. This time I purchased a T-Fal saute pan in the “Perfection” line, a line that is new to me. I’m pleased to say that T-Fal is carrying through with its tradition of quality products.
How Does This Saute Pan Cook?
Wonderful ... no complaints. The non-stick surface heats evenly, cooks well, and cleans like a dream. The center bottom of the pan has a red-orange circle that is called a “Thermo-Spot”. When preheating the pan, this spot changes into a solid red circle, which indicates that the pan is perfectly preheated and ready to use.
The manufacturer suggests seasoning the pan before using it for the first time. To do this, use a soft cloth and rub the interior of the pan with a little cooking oil.
I’ve browned ground chicken and turkey in this pan with no problem. Some recipes call for loading the pan with ingredients. This pan can take it. The sides of the pan are 3-inches deep so I don’t have to worry about slopping over the pan edges. I’ve also used this pan for cooking chicken and pot roast. Even though T-Fal says its not necessary to add oil or butter when using their non-stick cookware, I sometimes still do out of habit. The pan sides are deep enough so that the contents doesn’t splatter or spill onto the stove top.
This is the first non-stick pan I’ve owned where the instructions say it is okay to use metal cooking utensils (with the exception of sharp edged tools, knives and whisks). I have used a metal spoon in the pan for dishing out the food after it is cooked, but I’m still careful. The non-stick coating seems very durable. However, since I own plenty of wooden and plastic cooking utensils, its easy for me to use these utensils and not chance damaging the non-stick surface.
I use medium and low heat as suggested in the instructions. The pan heats so well that I haven’t needed high heat. This pan can be used with gas, coil/solid electric, ceramic and halogen heat sources. I use the pan on a ceramic cooktop. It is oven-safe up to 350 F. degrees. I have not used this pan in the oven. It is not intended for microwave use.
Cleaning T-Fal Non-stick Cookware
This cookware is easy to clean. When I finish cooking, I place the pan in the sink, fill it with water and add Dawn dishwashing liquid. After I finish eating, I use a non-abrasive sponge to clean the pan. I never have to scrub. Food remnants quickly and easily wash free. The non-stick surface really does work.
Even though the manufacturer says the pan is dishwasher safe, I do not clean my T-Fal in the dishwasher. I never place pans in the dishwasher. Also, the instructions caution that if using a dishwasher to clean the pan, discoloration of the glossy porcelain enamel finish may occur. Discoloration is not covered in the warranty.
T-Fal Construction
This is a sturdy pan. With the lid, the pan weighs about 3 ½ pounds. It’s a sleek design, pleasant to the eye. My pan is black, but it is also available in a color called Steel Blue.
The Pan
The interior of the pan measures 10-inches. It is coated with a non-stick material. The main ingredient of this non-stick coating is called “PTFE”. According to the manufacturer, PTFE is an inert material that poses no danger if accidentally swallowed. The non-stick coating is formulated not to chip or peel with normal use. My pan has not chipped or peeled in any way.
A 1 ½-inch circular red-orange spot is located in the center bottom of the pan. This is called a “Thermo-Spot heat indicator”. When this circle turns a solid red, the pan is preheated and ready for use.
The exterior of the pan is composed of a hard porcelain enamel. It has a glossy shine. My pan is black, and I can see reflections of nearby items along the sides of the high-gloss exterior. The lip of the pan is rimmed with a stainless steel band.
The bottom of the pan sports a copper-colored design reminiscent of a radiant sun. T-Fal calls this an “anti-distortion disc”, which helps the pan to evenly heat for better cooking. I’ve used this pan many times and am noticing that certain areas along the outside bottom of the pan are showing a slight discoloration. It’s not an eye-sore and it doesn’t interfere with how the pan cooks, but I thought I should mention it.
The handle measures 7 ½-inches long. It is attached to the pan with welding and one screw. In all the times I’ve used this pan, the handle has remained firm and has never come loose. I also love the fact that the handle stays cool. No need for a potholder to grab it. The handle is also an interesting shape, it doesn’t come straight out from the pot, and reminds me of a garden trowel handle. T-Fal says the handle is ergonomic. It’s awkward for me to lift this pan using one hand on the handle. I need both hands to balance the weight of the pan. The handle is wide and comfortable to grip.
The Lid
This is a wonderful domed glass lid. It doesn’t steam up and has an adjustable knob to vent steam, which helps control how things cook. The knob at the center top of the pan is attached to the glass with one screw and is color-coordinated to match the handle. The knob is cool to the touch. A disc at the base of the knob easily turns to control how far the steam vent is opened or closed.
The tempered glass lid allows me to see what is cooking inside the pan. The glass lid is rimmed with stainless steel. The lid is easy to clean.
How Much Does It Cost?
I paid $36.95 for this pan. I purchased it from the Betty Crocker Catalog using Betty Crocker Points. You can read my review of the Better Crocker Catalog by clicking on this link.
Summary
I love this T-Fal pan. Okay, I’ll be honest ... I love T-Fal ... period. I recommend this pan to everyone. It heats food evenly, doesn’t splatter or slop with the deep sides, has an adjustable steam vent in the lid for controlled cooking, the lid remains steam-free to easily view inside the pan, stay-cool handles are great, and the pan cleans like a dream. What more can I say? Buy it.
I hope you’ve found this review useful.
Enjoy your day!
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com
T-Fal Limited Lifetime Warranty
This warranty is directly taken from T-Fal’s literature:
“The manufacturer warrants this nonstick cookware to be free of manufacturing defects for life from the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover damage due to inattention (including overheating), misuse or commercial use and does not cover staining, discoloration or scratching of the nonstick finish, and the porcelain enamel or stainless steel exterior.
Defective products may be returned by the original purchaser, postage prepaid together with proof of purchase date to T-FAL.”
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 36.95
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