Customer Reviews

Starfrit Alternative Eco Pan 9.5 Inch Fry Pan

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

The non-stick properties are very good and I assume are a reliably non-toxic alternative to teflon-type products. One caveat I have is to treat the surface very gingerly. After only the first use I did notice a small, but deep, chip in the cooking surface. The cooking surface is black and the chip revealed a white pock mark. I used the utensil as advised with no cutting etc. within the pan. The only conclusion I came up with is that the chip occured during storage with other pots and pans in a cabinet I have dedicated to this purpose. Since then I store it on top of the stove after cleaning with no other utensils inside, on the cooking surface. No more scratches. I was disappointed to read that the warranty does not cover what the manufacturer calls "superficial" damage to the cooking surface. Be careful. If the pan continues in its' current state for the normal life expectency of a pan I guess the extra care needed is worth the price of avoiding the toxicity of tradtional non-stick surfaces. Eggs slide right out without a spatula.

The pan came damaged, a bit out of round. It wasn't damaged intransit to me since the box was in excellent condition. So it was damaged before it was shipped to me. I kept the pan since it didn't affect the cooking ability, it is a wonderful pan. I can cook with much less oil and it cleans up so easy...

I have pet birds at home, and they have sensitive respiratory systems. Cooking in a typical non-stick pan can create chemical fumes that can quickly kill them. (I don't imagine it's all that great for other pets or humans to breathe in, either!)

I have been using this Starfrit pan for a few months now with no worries. It cooks best using a small bit of oil or fat in the pan. Afterwards, cleanup is possible just wiping with a paper towel... I haven't washed mine yet. Be GENTLE cooking with and washing the pan to protect it. Don't use metal utensils or scrubbers and the pan should last a long time.

Also, be patient and allow the pan to warm up. A MEDIUM heat is best for this pan--avoid using it at high heat.

I will probably buy some other sizes Starfrit Alternative Eco Pans in the near future. In fact, ALL non-stick cookware should be made with non-poisonous surfaces!

I have a 12" pan (from Ginnys) made of this same material, and have been very happy with it, but I needed a smaller version and Ginny's didn't carry one. I have to say I was dismayed that the price of the 8.5" "Scanpan" here was twice what I paid for my 12" pan! So I "settled" for the Starfrit brand, thinking it would be a thin pan of mediocre quality. I was quite surprised when I received it, to find that it is in fact quite thick and sturdily made! I tried it out on an omelette right away and it's everything I was hoping for - the heat is even all the way to the edge, and of course the ceramic non-stick surface is almost magical (I still haven't gotten used to how well my large one releases cooked-on food!)

I've been babying my ceramic non-stick pans just the same way I babied the old teflon ones - it didn't help with the teflon; that stuff started to deteriorate with the first use. But so far my large ceramic non-stick pan is still just like new, and I expect this smaller version will be the same.

For best results, here is how to "baby" a non-stick pan: Feel free to use metal utensils on this surface, but don't cut or slice across the bottom of the pan with a knife or spatula. That could chip the ceramic. Likewise, don't stack other pans inside this one, or lean the inside of it against any other hard objects in the dish drainer.

I've read a few reviews talking about how an oily residue starts to build up inside their ceramic pans. This can happen because there is always a small amount of oil left inside any non-stick pan after washing, and it will build up and harden on after awhile. Something about these ultra-smooth surfaces makes it easier for an invisible film of grease to cling. Even with my Teflon pans, I always took care to use a fresh squirt of dish detergent on the sponge when I washed the pan. A soapy sponge that has already washed a couple of other dishes before being used on the pan just won't cut it. Non-stick cookware is a bit of a diva and wants its own fresh detergent! (Needless to say, I don't put these pans in the dish-washer.)

Also feel free to use a non-scratch scrubby pad once in awhile to really clear off any build-up. You won't hurt this pan with those, no matter how hard you try! You'll definitely notice the difference afterward.

I used this about a year ago, and I had to come back to write about how much of a garbage this is now.
I read through many reviews and finally decided to purchase this since it's chemical free ceramic non-stick, and all that good stuff. At first I was very impressed on the non-stick coating, all the food just glides very smoothly. Then after a few weeks, or was it days(?) coating does NOT work. Everything sticks to it, even with lots of oil and it's just total garbage.
I guarantee you will regret buying this garbage

This pan is a steal! Awesome performance and great non-stick capabilities. Beats any healthy, cast iron pan I have tried!

The pan arrived fine, looked good. medium heat I cooked eggs on it, using wooden spoon. Did it the second time and then later i washed it with soapy water. Dried it with dish cloth and then I noticed a silver spot on it...turns out the ceramic surface has chipped off at a small spot. I'm so disapointed as i felt the spot, the ceramic coating is so thin and obviously so easily chipped even with such TLC in usage. I can't believe it!

I emailed in my "complaint" to Amazon but I didn't ask for a return/refund cuz i think it's too much trouble for bothsides. I just wanted Amazon to know of such a condition so that they can improve. And Lo & Behold, a replacement arrived. The pan looks really good and i hope it will last, at least for a few years and that's expected/acceptable. It's awesome customer service and i'm pleased. Thank you. So, who knows, maybe this pan can be 4 stars. i would buy this product again in due time simply because it's non-toxic and the non-stick part is pretty good. I like to support eco-friendly products.

Although this pan is sold as a non stick pan it does need some oil for use. Having said that it is a small price to pay for a product that eggs will slide out easily if you use light oiling & there is no worry about the caustic substances emitted from other non stick products. I'd like to see an electric griddle made in this product.

Pan arrived with a 3" gash in the nonstick coating. The coating was flaking off before one use so this obviously indicates low quality and proves not safe to cook with and eat food from. For the price, that is ridiculous and uncalled for. Sent it back to Amazon for a refund. What a waste of time and a huge hassle.

I can not write a review yet, I have had to send 2 back that were damaged, am awaiting the 3rd one.