Product Review: Cuisinart Green Gourmet Skillet

See, we'd struggled with an old non-stick skillet for a while, one that had lost its slip and non-stickiness. It was a good time to get an upgrade, and this pan is made with non-toxic chemicals that don't release icky junk into our food when it heats up.

We use a non-stick pan primarily for eggs. A non-stick coating is not ideal for getting a sear on meat or browning ingredients. But we've noticed that this one isn't bad. You won't get a crusty, brown fond on the bottom of the pan that you can deglaze as with a stainless skillet. In fact, this thing is so slippery that we frequently have ingredients careening over the sides while we stir. But when sautéeing leeks for the frittata above, they definitely got good color and developed a little crust.

The pan works well in the oven. The frittata slipped out effortlessly, and we've also made a few rounds of eggs and omelettes that have cooked perfectly. It's pleasantly heavy and has a nice, comfortable handle. The only thing we can't attest to is the longevity of its coating, as we've only had it for a month. But so far, we're big fans.

You can find these pans at varying prices. Here are a few resources, with prices for a 10-inch skillet:
• Amazon, $36.96
• Chefs Catalog, $49.95
• Bed, Bath, & Beyond, $49.99

(Images: Chefs Catalog; Elizabeth Passarella)

I love mine. I've used on the stovetop and in the oven, cooking eggs to seering beef and still no scratches yet.

posted by Darlene on January 28th 2009 at 4:43pm
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As far as longevity goes, I've had mine for about a year, and it's still perfect. I've even committed the cardinal sin of using metal utensils on it when the wooden and silicone ones were trapped in the dishwasher. Still great. I use it for everything! Now if only they would make a deep one for sauces...

posted by LitNerd on January 28th 2009 at 5:18pm
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I've had the 10-inch one for about six months and I absolutely love cooking with it. It also cleans up so easily!

posted by dinillusjon on January 28th 2009 at 5:39pm
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The coating is basically ceramic, so they are supposed to be lifetime quality. When my PTFE pans start to go, this is what I've got my eye on to replace them with!

posted by cara_mia on January 28th 2009 at 5:49pm
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Ok, this is going on my "must buy" list. I love my pots and pans but eggs are just such a pain without non-stick.

posted by Tiamat_the_Red on January 28th 2009 at 5:55pm
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Thanks for this, I've been a fan of the other Cuisinart pans I have, and not heard great things about the Martha Stewart or other green pans. I will have to check these out.

posted by bobcatsteph3 on January 29th 2009 at 7:15am
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I adore this pan, we've had the 10 inch for about 6 months and recently got a 14 inch too. We use them nightly and there are no signs of wear. Can't recommend them enough!

posted by thesamanthafiles on January 29th 2009 at 10:58am
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I'd love an update on this - now that you all have had the pans for longer. How do they hold up?

posted by SisterRae on October 29th 2009 at 10:45am
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