My family has been trying to get away from using nonstick for a while now and the last pan to go has been our nonstick 8" omelet pan (also Kitchenaid). I love to make omelets and needed a pan that is light enough to flip ingredients and doesn't stick. I have a couple of cast iron pans, but they are too heavy and unwieldy to make a proper omelet. This pan seemed heavy enough (I know that heavy pans stick less), and I had high expectations, but I was still expecting a some stickage as it is stainless steel and does not have a nonstick coating.Physically, the pan is gorgeous. It is shiny and very heavy compared to other stainless steel pans. It is weighted perfectly and does not tip at the handle like some other pans do.
I tested this pan a total of three times: The first time I made sunny side up eggs. The second time I made an omelet. And the third time I made the "dreaded scrambled eggs".
First test:
I make my sunny side up eggs and omelets in a very hot pan. When I use cast iron, I use my hand to test how hot the pan is before adding the butter. I hover my hand above the pan until I feel the really high heat. I did this with the new Kitchenaid and boy was that a mistake! I didn't feel the high heat that I like, so I let it heat up longer until I felt satisfied. I added the butter (approx. ½ tablespoon). The pan was so blazingly hot that the butter immediately turned black and burned! I wiped out the pan with a paper towel and started over. This time I added the butter much sooner. I added my two eggs and there was no stickage! The eggs slid around freely in the pan. I even flipped the eggs for over easy. Very impressed.
Second test:
Next was the omelet. I whisked two eggs with two tablespoons of water and added to the hot buttered pan (again ½ T butter). I make my omelets by letting the eggs set for a few seconds before lifting up the sides to let the uncooked mixture flow underneath. I repeat this about 6 times (going all around the omelet). Again, NO STICKAGE! I folded the omelet in half and then flipped it (my only gripe, see below) to firm up the eggs even more. Still very impressed.
Third test:
By this time I knew that the pan was a keeper, but decided to try scrambled eggs just for the heck of it. I was expecting the typical scrambled egg mess I usually get when I don't use nonstick. Well, let me tell you, I have NEVER experienced such pleasure while making scrambled eggs!
I use a lower heat when I make scrambled eggs (so there is no browning). I used about ¾ tablespoon of butter this time (because I was expecting stickage). I added my eggs (just eggs, no added water or milk) and scrambled away. These eggs slid around the pan like water. I was so amazed I called my husband in to watch! The eggs turned out fluffy and perfect. I slid them out of the pan and the only egg residue left in the pan was high on the sides where the copper bottom does not go up to. Brilliant.
I am so gaga over this pan that I am going to return the nonstick one I bought at the same time thinking that the stainless steel one would not suffice. As the price on this pan was so reasonable (compared to another stainless steel upscale brand) I think I am going to buy other pans in this line.
So, now on to the only complaint I have for this pan( which is not really a bad reflection on the pan, just my use for it). It was not made as an omelet pan. As such, the sides are not flared, but go straight up as in a regular skillet. I have a little difficulty in flipping things in the pan because the edge is not flared. However, this will never prevent me from using this pan for omelets. I just wish that Kitchenaid would make a similar 8" pan specifically for omelets.
For those of you that don't want to use nonstick coatings any more, buy this pan. You won't regret it.
Product Description
Made of the finest quality stainless steel and an aluminum/copper core to heat evenly throughout the pan. This bright, non-reactive stainless steel pan will stand up to the use of metal forks, tongs and whisks and is oven and broiler safe. Perfect for any kitchen.
Click Here to see more reviews about: KitchenAid Gourmet Distinctions Stainless-Steel 8-Inch Open Skillet
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