4 comments about Berndes 9-1/2-Inch Crepe Pan.

1. This is the best pan I own. My others are all Calphalon, which I am learning to hate. The heat distribution is fabulous. It would take me twice as long to cook something in my other pans. I use the pan for everything. My only complaint is that the handle has become a bit wobbly. I've had the pan for 4 years.



2. I have had this pan about 2 weeks. Absolutely fabulous. Much better than the Calphalon that I just put into the trash. The entire pan except handle is made from a single piece of spun aluminum for excellent heat distribution. The bottom surface unlike many other pans is ABSOLUTELY flat. The bottom has a raw shiny aluminum surface that looks beautiful hanging from your pot rack. The bottom also has engraved fine concentric circles for even more efficient heat conduction. The sides of the pan are about 1" tall and are sloped straight up providing more bottom surface area to cook on. The entire interior is coated with what appears to be one of the better grades of non-stick surface. I test non-stick surfaces by scraping them with my finger nails in the store. This one didn't budge. The handle is plastic, but large and easy to grasp. The exterior sides (not bottom) of the pan appear to have a dark black anodized color which is great for hiding any stains which eventually accumulate. I have made pancakes, fried eggs, and omelettes in this pan and it does a superb job. Extremely even heat distribution edge to edge, more efficient heat transfer as I have had to turn down the heat below where I used to keep it to cook on the stainless steel with aluminum disk calphalon. Non stick surface works so well, I don't even have to wash this pan. After cooking, let it cool a bit and just wipe it off with a papertowel. This also helps to promote "seasoning" of the non-stick surface and keep its non-stick properties at peak performance. I like the looks of this pan hanging from the potrack BETTER than copper, with its brilliant shiny bottom contrasting against jet black sides and dark non-stick interior with black handle. Made in Germany just like outstanding Miele vacuum cleaners! Ooh and the pan is relatively light weight because it is made of aluminum and plastic! Great overall!



3. I make crepes regularly for guests and purchased this crepe pan several months ago. Previously, I was using an inexpensive (non-crepe) pan with fair results. I wanted a pan that would heat more evenly and quickly than my existing pan.
   
   The Berndes pan produces a perfect, lacy crepe that is consistent in size and texture. The shape of the pan makes it easy to handle the crepe at all stages. I have not had any issues with the non-stick surface. Though I use the pan regularly, I do admit there is very little contact with anything that may damage the surface. A silicone spatula loosens the crepe much better than a wood or plastic utensil.
   
   All in all, I am very satisfied with the Berndes crepe pan. If I ever buy another crepe pan, it will probably be this one.



4. I have had this pan for four years, and it is completely pitted and the nonstick coating is peeling off. It has never seen a metal utensil -- we only have plastic and wood utensils, so I guess the nonstick coating was either put on badly or not enough was applied at the factory. I'm kind of grossed out to think how much Teflon we ingested before I noticed the pitting. I would not buy this pan again.

No comments about Berndes 11-Inch Stir Fry Pan.

3 comments about Berndes SignoCast Classic 13-Inch Cast Aluminum Wok.

1. I like Berdnes cookware. This wok is good except the design of the handles is very poor. Both handles of this wok are made of cast aluminum; NOT the phenolic handles as described (Phenolic is a strong plastic resin resistant to heat). It's too hot to touch the handles while we are cooking. That means we can't move or lift the wok when cooking because it will burn your hands. I guess Berdnes is aware of this problem, and the new Tradition series is using the wooden handles instead.



2. If you have wrists or shoulders affected with arthritis, as I do, this is the perfect kitchen companion. As the first reviewer notes, it is versatile and can be used for casseroles, braising and as a traditional wok. It has a lifetime warranty, and can even go inside the oven. For me, though, its outstanding feature is its weight. It's so light, even I can carry it without inwardly going "ouch!"
   
   I cannot recommend it highly enough.



3. This pan fills a void in my kitchen equipment that I didn't know I had, until I bought it. I use it in a variety of ways.
   * On the stovetop, as a wok.
   * On the stovetop, to prepare large batches of meat (2-3 lbs) for freezing and/or assembly of easy cook meals to use during the week.
   * In the oven, as a surface for roasted vegetables. (Use it without the lid for this purpose.)
   * As a large casserole for stews. (It will hold 4 qts if filled to about an inch below the top; I usually stop at 3+ quarts.)

   While the 13 inch size of this utensil is a bit awkward to wash in my smallish kitchen sink, at 3 lbs its light weight makes it doable. I especially like the rivetless interior. In my opinion, this is on par with Le Creuset, which for a comparable item is roughly triple the weight. They are both well made, but filled with food, the larger Le Creuset items can be a challenge.

   OVERALL, these are the good points:
   + only three pounds empty
   + excellent quality cast aluminum is made in Germany and has a track record of almost 30 years
   + nonstick surface performs very well and reduces amount of fat/oil needed
   + cleans easily with a nylon net dishcloth, Simple Green or dish detergent after a brief soak
   + handles are cast as an integral part of the unit
   + no rivets or other food-catchers inside
   + flat bottom can be used on a multitude of cooking surfaces, including gas/electric/induction/halogen burners.
   + lid rests on a rim inside the pan, recycling moisture when used as a casserole
   + lid knob is ovensafe to temperatures of 450 degrees F

   THE DOWN SIDES INCLUDE the potential for the glass lid (rimmed in metal, with glass labeled break-resistant) to break. In addition, the Signocast line is not intended for use with metal utensils. Neither lid nor wok should be put in the dishwasher. If you can live with these limitations, you will likely be happy with this item.

No comments about Berndes 18/10 Stainless 10-Quart Pasta Insert.

No comments about Berndes 18/10 Stainless 7-Quart Pasta Insert.

3 comments about Berndes Create-A-Crepe Kit.

1. After visiting us in Germany over the holidays and falling in love with crepes, I thought this would be an unusual, fun gift for my teenage brother-in-law. I was right! The whole family enjoyed making his birthday crepes, and it is a good reminder of the German Christmas Markets and Fests that we visited together!



2. Those who like to eat and cook crepes will love both - the mix and the skillet. It's very easy to cook on it, and the mix is delicious. Recipe cards might be helpful too, if you like to try new foods. Overall- on a scale from 1 to 10 I would go with 10 for this product.



3. I was slightly hesitant about buying a pan without actually getting to hold it in my hand and feel the heft, weight; however, the Berndes name helped. The pan is mid-weight and thus easy to lift and swirl for crepe-making. The handle is relatively light without being flimsy and is very comfortable to hold as well. (I have small hands). I was pleasantly surprised to see that the crepe mix included in the kit is from King Arthur's- a company whose products are always of excellent quality. The ladle is nice and small, perfect for this pan. I don't use the spatula-it's too thick!
   
   We use the pan at least once a week for crepes. I typically start with a very brief application of cooking spray but I'm not sure even that is needed, the nonstick surface works so well. Easy to wash as well!

3 comments about Berndes SignoCast Classic 13-Inch Round Buffet Pan.

1. i first saw berndes products while on vacation in connecticut...i bought their set of 3..they are made in germany, are absolutely excellent...they do not chip and are stick proof...a simple sponge will clean even the messiest pan...when i saw this one, i bought it...i use this to fry whatever needs frying...even frying...easy cleanup...very much worth the cost...will last for years and years...and are light to hold...



2. I have owned this pan for over 7 years. I use this product every day. If you are looking for a bigger pan because you cook for more than just two people this pan is for you. It is light weight and cooks evenly. I would buy it anytime again and can only recommend it. Berndes has designed a pan of highest quality. If you take good care of things this pan could even be inherited. :-) If questions you can call me under 501-779-2273. If you want to really take good care of your pan, take every time you have used it a drop of oil and spread it with a cloth over the inside of the pan. It will help to make it last forever.



3. This pan--a cross between a wok and a saute pan--is versatile. It will do a decent stir fry on the stovetop. It can be used to prepare prepare large batches of meat (2-3 lbs) for freezing and/or assembly of easy cook meals to use during the week. In addition, it goes in the oven, where it can be used for a casserole or as a surface for roasted vegetables.
   
   If you have arthritis that affects your hands, you'll appreciate the light weight of this pan. And, it's handsome enough to take to the table or put on a buffet. (Just remember to use a trivet underneath.)
   
   Yes, it's a little awkward to wash in my smallish kitchen sink. But at just over 3 lbs its light weight makes it doable. I especially like the rivetless interior. In my opinion, this is on par with Le Creuset, which for a comparable item is roughly triple the weight. They are both well made, but filled with food, the larger Le Creuset items can be a challenge.
   
   OVERALL, these are the good points:
   + only a tad over three pounds empty
   + excellent quality cast aluminum is made in Germany and has a track record of almost 30 years
   + nonstick surface performs very well and reduces amount of fat/oil needed
   + cleans easily with a nylon net dishcloth, Simple Green or dish detergent after a brief soak
   + handles are cast as an integral part of the unit
   + no rivets or other food-catchers inside
   + flat bottom can be used on a multitude of cooking surfaces, including gas/electric/induction/halogen burners.
   
   DON'T BUY if you expect to clean this in the dishwasher or want to use metal utensils with this cookware. But if you care for it, your kids will inherit it!

No comments about Berndes Stainless-Steel Chafing Dish.