Lovely, sturdy, and lighter weight. Removable handle is great for storage and oven use.
I ordered this Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet - 11 Inch Non Stick Frying Pans with Lid because I needed to replace an old non stick pan.The sales page says this is cast iron, but it’s lighter than the cast iron pans I’ve used in the past. Some reviewers are saying it’s actually carbon steel. I’m not an expert, but I think this has a lot of qualities of carbon steel, including the lighter weight. Whether it’s carbon steel or cast iron, it should not go in the dishwasher. The sales page says the pan is dishwasher safe, but I wouldn’t risk it.I love the removable handle; I live in a tiny house in NYC, and storage in my kitchen is always an issue. I can store the handle in the pan, and it takes up much less room in a cabinet. The wooden handle is attractive; I like being able to remove it when I want to pop the pan into the oven.The sales page says the pan is pre seasoned, but I seasoned this before using it. Once seasoned, it cooks beautifully. Eggs slide right out, and I can get a great sear on meat without any sticking.The glass top and removable handle add to the pan’s versatility; with the wooden handle removed, the whole thing can go into the oven like a casserole dish. It’s convenient when I want to start a meal on the stovetop, then finish it in the oven.I like the lighter weight; this is much easier for me to use than my heavier cast iron pan. I have some spinal issues and loss of mobility, and I like being able to take this out of a hot oven without having to ask for help. I often have to ask my teenager or husband to remove my Dutch oven and cast iron from the oven for me; this pan is sturdy with less weight.This pan came with a set of instructions as well as a scouring pad and a metal spatula. I wouldn’t use the pad or metal spatula in the pan, but they’re nice for other uses. It also included a black dust bag for storing the pan.At the current price ($49.99) this is far less pricey than many 11” pans at our local kitchenware boutique, whether cast iron or carbon steel, and offers excellent value. I like this a lot; it’s easy to use and breaks down for easier storage. If you take the time to season it first, I think you’ll find this very useful—I know I have.