Cuisinart 12" Fryer, Gradient Navy

My large Al non stick skillet had the coating coming off and didn't believe eating some of it was a good idea. Have a standard cast iron skillet for decades, that is so well seasoned that I can put into dishwasher without damage. Didn't have that luck with the dutch oven. But skillet a bit too small to do a couple of pieces of french toast, so thought maybe would try an LC brand large skillet. Prices were very high and didn't feel enamel interior best for stove top use. This Cusinart was claimed to be pre-seasoned, had a bit of a price dip on Amazon, so decided to give it a try. Its very heavy, so much heat capacity still playing with burner settings to get right temp without burning food, but has worked quite well. The interior is black and has an almost fused look to it. They don't call it non-stick, but it must have been treated at a very high temperature. I have been careful to continue to season it and its interior is gradually getting darker. Haven't had any trouble cleaning it or having food stick to it. Have put into dishwasher without any problems. I haven't yet had the chipped outside enamel that others have reported so far, but won't be surprised if it happens. The only real downside is both main handle and aux grip handle can get very hot. None of the aftermarket silicone covers I have tried will work. The large size is still much too small to fit over the main handle and and aux handle cover way to big to stay on, Cusinart really should make a pan specific set for this item. Down one star because of that. Very good otherwise, though so heavy need to often use aux grab handle.

When I got married we registered for, and received, a Calphalon non-stick set. That was 6yrs ago. For the most part all pots and pans are working fine but we do pamper them a bit (no high heats, no metal utensils, but we do throw them in the dishwasher). I thought it was one of the better sets to get from a value perspective knowing that no non-stick lasts forever and believing that anything but non-stick will be a nightmare to clean.I have been proven wrong. While this chicken fryer weighs a ton, it cooks like cast iron (gets hot and hold its heat, can be thrown in the oven, etc), is more non-stick than cast iron and steel (but I wouldn't throw an egg in there without some fat), and it cleans up real easy. This makes it much more versatile than the non-stick, more durable, and a wash from the headache standpoint (its heavier yes, but you don't have to baby it as much). Its also inexpensive compared to Le Creuset, Staab, and the like so I won't be too upset if they get a little abused. You will probably always need one good non-stick pan for various things, but after that I don't know why you wouldn't just have a set of these (aside from weight). I may get rid of our cast iron, stainless, and all other non-stick pans (except for one perhaps) and replace them with porcelain enameled cast iron like this.Time will tell about its durability but for the price unless it becomes unusable in the next 5yrs I don't see why I'd be disappointed.

First Impression: Even we’ll coated with oil, everything sticks to this pan. Over easy eggs turn into scrambled eggs! Meat gets ripped to shreads - 1 starSecond impression: put this pan on max heat (it can stay like that all day long such as in a restaurant). Encrust your thick steak in salt and peppercorns at room temp. Add a bit of butter an put steak in pan and watch it release a cloud of smoke. Cook for longer than you think. Flip and sear other side until almost done, and place on server cutting board. Steak will continue to cook for a few minutes. Slice and serve - absolutely amazing! 5 starNot perfect for everything but perfect for high heat cooking!Treat like very heavy glass - be gentile with it when moving or washing as bumping it can chip enamel finish.

When I opened the package and looked at that dull black coating on inside of the pan, I thought no way can that be nonstick! But it was. I heated pan and sprayed 1/2 with a non-stick spray and smeared coconut oil on 1/2 of the pan. Cracked an egg right down the middle of pan. The egg didn't stick on either oil right from the beginning of the set. The spray might have been a little better. I turned the egg over and the egg didn't stick again. Took it out with a spatula. Have used it for other tasks too with success. Heats up well. I can't attest for long term use of yet for the nonstick properties or for the enamel coating. Just wish it was not from China. But I do love the color, mint green, matches my cabinets. Cuisinart has great colors.

I love this frying pan, it browns perfectly, it is easy to clean and it is a fraction of the price of Le Creuset. I have several Le Creuset products, but now that I am retired I don’t have money to buy them. I read in the reviews that there had been chipping with this fryer. I wash my fryer by hand and I have used it many times and it still looks new. It is heavy but I am careful with it and I pour a little water in it after taking the food out of it, bring the water to a slow boil and use a brush to clean up the pan so when I take it to the sink and pour the water out I just have to wipe it out and add oil to a paper towel and it is ready for next time.

Cooks as good as it looks - very evenly. Cleans easily if I clean it the same night after it cools down. I changed out the knob to gold to fit my style.

Read a lot of reviews talking about chipping. Didn't really have issues since i unpacked carefully. Immediately, i put it on the top shelf of my dishwasher with nothing to bump it. My husband got too excited to get it dirty and he cooked some eggs, hashbrowns and bacon. Everything stuck to the bottom and sides and though still tasty, was super stuck to the pan. After handwashing, i tried seasoning it and this picture was the result. Alot better then when my hubby first cooked in it.Make sure to wash and season a couple of times before really getting to some stick free cooking. Its still a beautiful piece. Just need a lil elbow grease to get it to where i need it.

made very well & strong