Review of Starfrit Alternative Eco Pan 9-Piece Set in Reusable Storage Box

The smooth ceramic performs surprisingly well. You can't really fry an egg on it without oil, but it is more non-stick and easier to clean than hard anodized surfaces like Calphalon. I've now switched to Starfrit when boiling bones for stock because the froth leaves a ring on my stainless pots that is impossible to remove. I even deep fry in the sauce pot because oil splatter comes right off. It's nice that the coating extends to the outside (but not bottom) of each pan or pot.

Build quality is acceptable but not great--comparable to entry level non-stick offerings. The glass lids even look like they came from the same factory. Both the pan and lid handles are attached by Philips head screws which came loose after the first week's use. :(

The degree of the "Eco-friendly" and "better for the environment" claims is questionable. The application of conventional teflon non-stick to cookware is probably not great for the environment, but I rather doubt the application of this ceramic coating is pollution-free either.The use of "99% recycled aluminium" is probably behind those claims. But why the set ships in a plastic tote is beyond me. Would anyone store their cookware in it?

I can believe that ceramic is more inert than teflon, and that it is "better ... for your health", especially at the higher temperatures required for frying.However, there is no information about what kind of ceramic is used, or that is in fact safer, so you have to take it on good faith.

All in all a good second set of cookware especially if you believe teflon is carcinogenic. I would not use the Starfrit when thermal performance is critical, e.g. searing, because the pans are on the light side. 3.5 stars.

6 MONTH UPDATE
There is a chip in the center of the small frying pan revealing the aluminum despite careful use, i.e. no metal utensils and hand washing only. Who wants their food to be touching recycled aluminum? On closer examination, the ceramic finish of the larger frying pan looks like it was fixed by hand because you can see what looks like circular brush marks. The others in the set are perfectly smooth. Non-stick performance on all still pretty good (about 75% compared to brand new) but discovered that grease splatter from frying does not wash off internal walls so easily and requires some scrubbing to remove. Downgrade to 3 stars.

Product Description
Starfrit Alternative Ceram-Eco 9 Piece Set is eco-friendly diecast cookware with Ceram-Eco non-stick surface.Set includes 8 inch Fry Pan, 10 inch Fry Pan with lid, 1.5 Quart Sauce Pan with lid, 3 Quart Sauce Pan with lid, 5 Quart Sauce Pan with lid and a reusable storage box. Made from 100% natural ceramic powder and 99% recycled aluminum for even heat distribution.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Starfrit Alternative Eco Pan 9-Piece Set in Reusable Storage Box