Customer Reviews

Circulon Classic 12-Inch Nonstick French Skillet

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

My wife and I bought several open stock Circulon pans as we read reviews that were favorable. At first we really liked this pan, however after a few month's use, we began to notice that it was becoming very difficult to clean. The high-low cooking area was no longer very non-stick and the "lows" or grooves were very difficult to get clean. We tried brushes and scouring pads but the longer we used this pan, the more difficult it was to clean. We spent nearly $100.00 on this pan, but we rarely use it any longer because it has become so difficult to clean. For light use I suppose it would be a good pan, but don't use it every day.

We bought a whole range. Both skillets now are full of stuck on food, despite lavish attention to cleaning and the purchase of the official Circulon bristley cleaner. A total rip off by the way, save some bucks and get a nail brush if you do buy the pans.
One skillet was replaced under the lifetime warranty plan, but only after a bit of whining by the sales rep., who said we were not cleaning it properly. saucepans are fine as they only encounter food being boiled really. Add some oil and fry stuff, and forget it. My advice: money spent better elsewhere.

I like the weight and looks of the pans but much to my disappointment after a couple of years use the ridges accumulated food that I could not get out without ruining the surface. Now the food sticks terribly and I really can't use the fry pans.

We use these pans to cook eggs. Ok, so we're not gourmet chefs. And, yes, the eggs stick a little in the grooves after a while, too. But they are excellent pans as far as heat dispersement goes and the non-stick surface does work well. I personally do not like the grooves. I prefer the Anolon brand which is groove-free. But, I purchased this particular pan on sale ... , and that was a fantastic bargain here at amazon.com. I would say that if you are going to pay more ... for this piece of kitchen hardware it is not worth the money. It is pretty, though. So, if you're out to impress your friends and don't cook a lot and the price is right go for it...otherwise give Anolon a shot.

This is a great pan. I have had mine for about 8 years and continue to buy more Circulon product. I have never had a problem with food sticking. I bought some for my mother as well, and she did have a slight problem with food sticking, but we found out she was not cleaning the pan with hot soapy water. Once she did that, the pans have worked great for her.

Circulon's signature groves work well for the first few years keeping damage to the non-stick surface coating to a minimum. However, after four to five years of regular use the non-stick surface loses its effectiveness and these groves then become nearly impossible to clean. We had bought an entire Circulon set and found the pots that we used regularly all failed within a 1 year from each other.

We always use plastic cookware and never set the stove to more than medium when using any non-stick pot. We don't use any oil when cooking.

I highly recommend these pans. I have several Circulon pans that still look and perform like new after several years of use. If you read & follow the care instructions, you won't experience the problems that some users have reported. Improper care can result in a sticky layer of burned on oil & food residue that is very difficult to remove.

Quoted from instuctions:

"Nonstick cooking sprays are not recommended. These sprays burn at very low temperatures, creating a surface residue that may affect the pan's nonstick performance. Use oil sparingly. If you prefer to use oil for flavor, olive oil or peanut oil is recommended. Heavy vegetable oils may leave residue that can affect nonstick performance. Wash pans thoroughly after each use. Use a mild dishwashing detergent and warm water. This will remove food and grease particles that may burn when your pan is reheated. If food remains on the surface, boil a mixture of water and vinegar to dislodge food particles."

I've had a set of Circulon for about ten years and continue to buy new pieces from time to time. All my pans are still in good shape, except for a small stockpot I accidentally boiled dry (not the pan's fault!) and two grill pans I used to cook meat at high temperatures. These three pans are still usable, but the nonstick coating has lost its oomph.

My conclusion is that dry cooking at high temperatures will kill the nonstick surface on these. And there's a vicious circle where the nonstick gets worse, so food starts sticking, so you start using scrub brushes and pads, which further damages the coating, so the food sticks more, so...

If you want to sear meat, get a cast iron pan. But for everything else - from soupmaking to sauteeing - these are the pans to get. Mine are still going strong. I still cook eggs in the first Circulon pan I ever bought. I don't use a brush to clean them, or even a scrubbie, unless absolutely necessary - just a sponge and a brief soak if need be. (Usually it isn't.)

This open skillet is one of my most recent pieces of Circulon. Very nice for things like cooking vegetables in a little butter, or reducing a sauce, or cooking a large portion of eggs. I also use it as a griddle.

This was my first Circulon pan and I purchased it in December 2002. The pan is great, totally non-stick and easy to clean. However, last week a big chunk of the handle broke making it unusable. I just got off the phone with the Mayer company and they will replace it only if I pay to ship it to them. I appreciate the replacement; but after only four months I don't feel that I should pay shipping.

After I purchased this pan at first I was delighted. However after less that a year, a third of the non-stick finish has lifted and flaked off. I called their warranty numher, 1-800-388-3872, only to find it no longer is accessible. I received a message that the number could not be accessed from my location in the US. I tried my MCI calling card and still no luck accessing their 800#. There is no email address or street address given on their web site either. POOR quality and NO service!