The Cooks' Den » Skillets http://www.thecooksden.com Cooking Tools - Gear for Cooks and Chefs Thu, 27 Oct 2011 04:49:11 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Chestnut Roasting Pan by Paderno | Perforated for Roasted Nuts, Black Carbon 11 Inch http://www.thecooksden.com/chestnut-roasting-pan-by-paderno-perforated-for-roasted-nuts-black-carbon-11-inch/ http://www.thecooksden.com/chestnut-roasting-pan-by-paderno-perforated-for-roasted-nuts-black-carbon-11-inch/#comments Wed, 22 Jun 2011 19:45:02 +0000 Sharon http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=12475 Chestnut Roasting Pan by Paderno "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire" isn't a phrase that frequently enters my mind during the summertime. Roasted chestnuts come with memories of winter holidays, hot cider by the fireplace, and Nat King Cole.

But in many other cultures, roasted chestnuts are a street food staple. In Portugal, for example, roasted chestnuts are an integral part of the national holiday of St. Martin's Day, which celebrates the year's new wine.

This pan by Paderno makes it possible to enjoy roasted chestnuts year-round. It can be used by a bonfire, over the fire pit, fireplace, or on the stovetop -- quite versatile. The carbon steel construction makes it an excellent conductor of heat, and it's safe to use with very high temperatures. Over time, it will also season naturally to become non-stick, like a cast iron pan.

To get an authentic flavor, score the chestnuts before roasting by carving an "X" on the shell, then add sea salt and toss frequently over the heat. The nuts will steam through the scoring and turn black when ready to eat. An easy way to score the nuts is to use a pair of strong, sharp kitchen shears instead of a knife.

Find this Chestnut Roasting Pan:

Find this pan on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/chestnut-roasting-pan-by-paderno-perforated-for-roasted-nuts-black-carbon-11-inch/feed/ 0 Swiss Diamond Induction Frying Pan Skillet | Nonstick 11 Inch w/ Cast Aluminum Helper Handle http://www.thecooksden.com/swiss-diamond-induction-frying-pan-skillet-nonstick-11-inch-w-cast-aluminum-helper-handle/ http://www.thecooksden.com/swiss-diamond-induction-frying-pan-skillet-nonstick-11-inch-w-cast-aluminum-helper-handle/#comments Thu, 26 May 2011 19:51:09 +0000 Sharon http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=12365 Swiss Diamond Induction Frying PanI'm still fascinated by the induction cooking method, even though induction ovens and cooktops have been around for a while. It reminds me of using a gas burner on an electric stovetop because it has that level of temperature control. I also like that induction appliances are much more energy-efficient, since it takes less electricity to heat the surface of the pot or pan I'm using.

This Swiss Diamond skillet is made to work solely on induction cooktops. The surface will heat quickly -- and that's not any ordinary surface, either. It's made from cast aluminum with 200,000 diamond crystals. Yup, real diamonds. They're stronger than titanium and are the hardest material known to man. With this build, Swiss Diamond advertises a product that is impervious to dings, scuffs, scratches and cracks -- imperfections that would show up over time with typical non-stick cookware.

Be forewarned about a couple of things, though:

First, this pan should just be used with an induction stovetop or oven. It's not safe for using on a gas range. However, it is dishwasher safe and oven safe up to 500 degrees F.

Second, treat any Swiss Diamond product with care. And by "care," I mean not using metal utensils or using harsh cleaning tools on the surface. Even though the genuine diamonds on the cooking surface are built in to avert this problem, they aren't perfect. Take a close look at the warranty, too. It's a limited lifetime warranty, so that means Swiss Diamond may refuse to refund or replace this skillet if it looks "abused" rather than "malfunctioning."

Find this Swiss Diamond Induction Fry Pan:

Find this pan on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/swiss-diamond-induction-frying-pan-skillet-nonstick-11-inch-w-cast-aluminum-helper-handle/feed/ 0 Rival Electric Skillet w/ Lid | Nonstick 12 Inch S12P http://www.thecooksden.com/rival-electric-skillet-w-lid-nonstick-12-inch-s12p/ http://www.thecooksden.com/rival-electric-skillet-w-lid-nonstick-12-inch-s12p/#comments Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:36:36 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8607 Rival Electric Skillet w/ Lid Mom used to make very tender meat dishes in her electric skillet; a favorite, since she could boil the potatoes and carrots, brown the meat, and then simmer the whole meal in gravy -- all in one pan, all in one appliance. Having an electric skillet is like having the convenience of stovetop cooking with no stove required. Fry inside, make pasta, use it like a griddle for pancakes. It is a versatile cooking tool.

The addition of the domed lid is very helpful to keep moisture in and stop splatter. The sides are nicely angled, the pan deep, all of which helps to maneuver food and keep ingredients inside the pan. The skillet heats fast and thoroughly, and the nonskid feet keep it in place. You can count on the quality because these are the makers of the Crock Pot slow cooker.

This would be a great option for meals where a slow simmer really gets the flavors to mix in -- a chicken paprikash, stroganoff -- the stuff you might fear to make in another pan due to the cleanup involved. With the Rival, you can cook at the table or serve from the base and then pop it into the dishwasher. One pan, one full meal.

Compare this with Cuisinart's Oval Electric Skillet.

Find this Rival Electric Skillet:

Find this skillet on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/rival-electric-skillet-w-lid-nonstick-12-inch-s12p/feed/ 0 Calphalon One Nonstick Frying Pan | Hard Anodized Aluminum 8 Inch http://www.thecooksden.com/calphalon-one-nonstick-frying-pan-hard-anodized-aluminum-8-inch/ http://www.thecooksden.com/calphalon-one-nonstick-frying-pan-hard-anodized-aluminum-8-inch/#comments Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:14:57 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8577 Calphalon One Nonstick Frying Pan I have to have a pan of my own. I need something I can grab when I'd like a quick snack or meal, those times when I want to cook one veggie burger, one sandwich. My partner uses his for two or three eggs. It is the kind of pan you can use and basically wipe clean -- quick to cook, no hassle.

This eight-inch skillet is not just a perfect size; it is one of the prettiest little skillets I've ever seen. It has smooth rounded edges and a pleasantly curved handle. The design makes flipping without a utensil so easy that anyone can do it. Calphalon applies four interlocking layers of nonstick to the interior, so you can toast a nice cheese sandwich to a golden brown without the cheese burning to the bottom.

Choosing an eight-inch skillet can also help with portion size. It is just right for a double serving of vegetables or a single serving of protein. The nonstick helps cut down on butter or oil. And when I indulge in pasta, extra hot and covered in melted butter, it gets the pasta sizzling, releases it easily, and prevents me from eating so much that my stomach hurts later.

Add the Calphalon One Nonstick Skillet to the set as well. This one even comes with a lid.

Find this Calphalon Frying Pan:

Find this pan on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/calphalon-one-nonstick-frying-pan-hard-anodized-aluminum-8-inch/feed/ 0 Circulon Elite Skillet w/ Saute Pan | Twin Pack Hard Anodized Nonstick http://www.thecooksden.com/circulon-elite-skillet-w-saute-pan-twin-pack-hard-anodized-nonstick/ http://www.thecooksden.com/circulon-elite-skillet-w-saute-pan-twin-pack-hard-anodized-nonstick/#comments Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:50:13 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8507 Circulon Elite Skillet w/ Saute Pan This two-skillet set from Circulon includes an eight-inch and ten-inch diameter skillet in their Elite pattern. Hard anodized for non-stick cooking, these pans are heavy enough for even heat distribution without distortion. The stainless steel handles are a bit heavy for perfect balance, and you may have some problems keeping them flat on the burners.

Calphalon's Hi-Lo feature casts concentric ridges in the bottom of each pan, causing less surface to be exposed to abrasion from utensils and releasing food more easily than a flat-surfaced pan. For best results, use tools built of silicone, plastic, or wood. Stainless steel utensils may damage the surface.

The shape of the pans' steep sides helps keep food and grease spatters inside the pan, and makes turning food easier. Use them for sauteing, frying, and even in the oven for cooking temperatures up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Double stainless steel rivets securely bond the stout handles to the pans, with no worries about fastenings that might work loose from heat or heavy loads. For proper care of these pans, don't put this nonstick finish through a dishwasher. Hand washing with mild detergent and a non-abrasive scrubbie is the best cleanup method.

If you'd prefer a stainless steel saute pan, here's one to consider from All-Clad.

Find this Circulon Elite Skillet:

Find this skillet on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/circulon-elite-skillet-w-saute-pan-twin-pack-hard-anodized-nonstick/feed/ 1 Calphalon One Skillet w/ Glass Lid | Deep Dish Aluminum Nonstick 13 Inch http://www.thecooksden.com/calphalon-one-skillet-w-glass-lid-deep-dish-aluminum-nonstick-13-inch/ http://www.thecooksden.com/calphalon-one-skillet-w-glass-lid-deep-dish-aluminum-nonstick-13-inch/#comments Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:28:47 +0000 Dan http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8474 Calphalon One Skillet w/ Glass Lid For preparing family-sized portions and having the quality and durability to last for many years, you just may want to have this skillet on hand.

As a longtime user of large iron skillets, I appreciate the versatility of the oversized pan, even when cooking only for myself. An entire breakfast of pancakes, eggs, and bacon can be prepared at once, the flavors and juices mingling to great effect on the stove. Likewise, I will prepare a week's worth of meat, ground beef for instance, on Sunday for inclusion in quick recipes later, rather than let it slowly lose its freshness sitting raw in the refrigerator. The biggest complaint I have with my old skillet is the inadequate handle size. That is not a problem with this model from Calphalon. Not only is the oversized stainless steel handle a welcome sight, but the skillet includes a helper handle on the other side. The pans in this series feature a very rugged nonstick coating bonded to the interior of the hard-anodized aluminum body. Additionally, there is a nonstick polymer applied to the exterior to further protect the finish from staining.

Take note: This is a heavy skillet. You will need that helper handle to move this pan about when full of food. Unlike a cast iron skillet, however, there is no need to season the finish for proper cooking. In fact, you can fry foods with no added fats at all if you wish, although better results -- and flavor -- will be achieved with a small amount of oil. The included stainless steel and glass lid is a welcome addition for steaming and keeping spatters under control when frying foods.

Find this Calphalon One Skillet:

Find this skillet on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/calphalon-one-skillet-w-glass-lid-deep-dish-aluminum-nonstick-13-inch/feed/ 0 All-Clad Stainless Steel French Skillet | Deep Dish Saute Pan 13 Inch http://www.thecooksden.com/all-clad-stainless-steel-french-skillet-deep-dish-saute-pan-13-inch/ http://www.thecooksden.com/all-clad-stainless-steel-french-skillet-deep-dish-saute-pan-13-inch/#comments Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:39:29 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8279 All-Clad Stainless Steel French Skillet All-Clad's 13" Stainless Steel French Skillet features three-ply construction and a stay-cool handle of cast stainless steel. Safe at temperatures as high as 500 degrees Fahrenheit, this pan can even be used in the oven -- all parts are metal.

This is a hefty pan with enough mass to cook for a while on stored heat after you turn the burner off, so remember to remove it from the stove top before food is overdone. Once you learn the trick of it, this is a great energy-saving feature. It's also very solidly built, with stainless steel rivets holding the handle in place. I've never seen a loose handle on an All-Clad.

The three-ply construction uses 18/10 stainless steel for the interior, an aluminum core in the bottom for efficient heat distribution, and a magnetic stainless steel bottom that makes the pan usable even on induction burner stovetops. All layers are permanently bonded, and the result is a pan that heats up quickly and evenly, cooking on lower heat settings than you'd need for lighter pans.

The polished stainless steel cleans up easily and is dishwasher safe, but the finish fares better if you wash and dry the pan by hand.

Compare this with the flatter 4-quart saute pan.

Find this All-Clad French Skillet:

Find this skillet on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/all-clad-stainless-steel-french-skillet-deep-dish-saute-pan-13-inch/feed/ 1 Broil King Professional Griddle | Stainless Steel Electric Skillet PCG-10 http://www.thecooksden.com/broil-king-professional-griddle-stainless-steel-electric-skillet-pcg-10/ http://www.thecooksden.com/broil-king-professional-griddle-stainless-steel-electric-skillet-pcg-10/#comments Fri, 11 Sep 2009 19:59:30 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=7623 Broil King Professional Griddle It helps when considering a griddle of this type to have some experience cooking with a commercial griddle. That way you come to
understand that variations in heating are common and are actually a benefit. The left side of the griddle is made to be slightly hotter than the right (partly due to the behavior of heat in the heating element, and partly to give you the option of cooking two or more foods at once). Food should be added right to left if you're cooking the same item across the surface. That will give the items a more equal cooking time. The Broil King heats up to 425 degrees.

Prepare giant breakfast feasts for a large family or small gathering, sausages with peppers and onions, a stack of burgers. The 21x12-inch heavy cast cooking surface is nonstick and features a removable stainless steel backsplash. The rear legs can flip down (if you choose) to form an angled griddle to drain fat as you cook. The base can be immersed for cleaning. The griddle also comes with a removable grease tray and a commercial cord/heat control unit. It works much like that of an electric skillet, so there's no need to be afraid that it is complicated to assemble or use.

Also see the Presto Tilt 'n Drain Griddle.

Find this Broil King Griddle:

Find this griddle on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/broil-king-professional-griddle-stainless-steel-electric-skillet-pcg-10/feed/ 0 Circulon 2 Square Griddle Pan | Aluminum Nonstick 11 Inch http://www.thecooksden.com/circulon-2-square-griddle-pan-aluminum-nonstick-11-inch/ http://www.thecooksden.com/circulon-2-square-griddle-pan-aluminum-nonstick-11-inch/#comments Thu, 10 Sep 2009 23:54:06 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=7619 Circulon 2 Square Griddle Pan Having a good griddle pan on hand is as helpful as having a dependable skillet. You'll want to consider the size foremost when choosing a pan, checking that it has the capacity to handle your ingredients. This one is sized for serving one or two people a main dish or a side for up to four. Anodized aluminum, harder than steel and coated in nonstick, offers very nice, even heating without worries about warping. The best part of the Circulon 2? The small raised ridges, patented shallow rings which enhance the nonstick properties. This pan also has an exceptional handle -- a slip resistant synthetic grip over riveted stainless steel with an ergonomic arch shape. Griddles are a wonder for quick frying chores or when working alongside your regular skillet.

A stovetop griddle is better than a separate appliance if you prefer a simple, streamlined device. They store in a smaller space than a dedicated appliance, yet are readily on hand. Griddles are great for breakfast food, but they also make hot sandwiches and meats, and this one can be used to make pancakes without butter due to the construction. True, it doesn't drain off the fat as you cook, but you can use less oil with a nonstick pan and manually drain the grease. There are some foods that work and taste better when allowed to keep their juices as they cook.

Find this Circulon 2 Square Griddle:

Find this griddle on eBay:

Circulon Nonstick Black Square Griddle 8237 Circulon Nonstick Black Square Griddle 8237
US $34.94   Paypal
Auction Ends: 26d 11h 27m
Make it yours...
Circulon Contempo Double Burner Griddle 83294 Circulon Contempo Double Burner Griddle 83294
US $49.99   Paypal
Auction Ends: 29d 3h 22m
Make it yours...
Circulon Elite 12 Round Griddle 80284 Circulon Elite 12 Round Griddle 80284
US $39.95   Paypal
Auction Ends: 10d 8h 49m
Make it yours...
]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/circulon-2-square-griddle-pan-aluminum-nonstick-11-inch/feed/ 0 Cuisinart Green Gourmet Skillet | Hard Anodized Eco Friendly Nonstick 12 Inch GG22-30H http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-green-gourmet-skillet-hard-anodized-eco-friendly-nonstick-12-inch-gg22-30h/ http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-green-gourmet-skillet-hard-anodized-eco-friendly-nonstick-12-inch-gg22-30h/#comments Sat, 20 Jun 2009 21:56:27 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=4929 Cuisinart Green Gourmet Skillet Cuisinart took their eco friendly title seriously in all aspects of the development of this product. The handle is made from 70 percent recycled stainless steel and it stays cool during stovetop use. The aluminum alloy encapsulated base conducts heat efficiently and needs less energy to reach and sustain the proper cooking temperature. The Ceramica nonstick surface is petroleum, PTFE and PFOA free. It is applied at half the temperature of other nonstick surfaces, again reducing energy consumption. Even the packaging reflects an environmentally responsible outlook, made from 100 percent recycled materials and printed with soy ink.

If you're concerned about the environment and what goes into your body, these pans are a great option, leading the way toward a more aware and responsible way of cooking, shopping, and living. The exteriors are brilliant stainless steel and are thermally highly effective. These pans work with induction cooktops and are safe for the oven and broiler. The interiors are resistant to scratching and peeling. Nonstick allows you to cook with less fat and oil, a healthier choice which decreases consumption. If you like the performance of the skillet, Cuisinart offers an entire line of Green Gourmet cookware in sets and as individual pieces.

If you're merely in the market for a non-stick, hard anodized skillet, check out the Cuisinart Chef's Classic skillet.

Find this Cuisinart Green Gourmet Skillet:

Find this Skillet on eBay:

]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-green-gourmet-skillet-hard-anodized-eco-friendly-nonstick-12-inch-gg22-30h/feed/ 0