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A 12" skillet is probably the most popular when it comes to cooking family meals, but if you're frying one or two eggs, a burger or poultry portion, a smaller pan is much more practical.
You'll also save energy, when you use a properly sized cooking vessel for the task hand, rather than heat a large skillet needlessly. So I find 10" and 8" skillets extremely practical especially for singles and couples.
I bought this Lagostina Ticino 8" frypan to replace one of a different brand with a less-than-desirable non-stick coating. After using a larger Lagostina skillet from the same line for over a year, my brand choice was easy and I expected good results.
A few weeks into this test and I'm still impressed with performance and the quality of the non-stick coating. Here's what this skillet has to offer:
Product Description: Lagostina Ticino Non-Stick 8" Skillet
- Durable non-stick surface for healthy low-fat cooking
- Balanced for ease of handling
- Optimum slide slope for expert saute techniques
- Ergonomically designed bakelite handle
- Durable exterior finish
- Dishwasher safe
- Designed for use on gas, electric and ceramic cooktops or in the oven
- Note: Metal utensils should not be used in this non-stick pan
- 6-Year warranty
- PFOA free
- Learn more from the manufacturer
- Buy from Amazon
- Compare prices of nonstick cookware at Amazon
- Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.
This frypan does have a very nice slope design which makes it easy to blend or mix if frying vegetables or scrambling eggs. Though not always ideal when turning over eggs, it does seem to work fine. Keep your spatula to a small or medium size for best 'turning' ease.
Because of the small (8") size of this pan, use is rather limited (to be expected) to a portion or maybe two depending what you're cooking. It is the perfect size when you want to fry an egg or two, or a tiny omelet. And for reheating - it's a good size for most one meal servings.
It's ideal for the teenager to make a grilled cheese or the senior who might prefer easy-to-clean lightweight cookware. Being compact, it's easy to store, so also a good choice for the camper. Note that only silicone, plastic or wood utensils should be used in this skillet.
The non-stick coating is extremely nice and washes easily. I use only a little oil when cooking and foods do not usually stick. That said, I am careful not to use non-stick on any heat higher than medium, which is a good strategy in general with these types of coatings. For a Lagostina brand of skillet, this pan is very affordable.
Check out my basic rules for using non-stick cookware and bakeware. These tips are worth a read, especially if you want to save having to replace non-stick pans often. I highly recommend this brand of non-stick cookware.
Lagostina manufactures a high-quality stainless cookware line and specialty cooking vessels besides their non-stick cooking pots and pans. They also make premium flatware. Having expanded to world markets, this company has earned a solid reputation in the industry, for making quality products. The fact that they offer a 6-year warranty on their inexpensive Ticino line is rather notable.
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