Scanpan is a brand of non-stick cookware that is highly respected and considered to be one of the best in its class.
The Scanpan range includes various different pans including the Classic, the Professional, and the CS+.
In this review, we are going to be taking an in-depth look at the Scanpan brand, in general, to see how they perform and what features they offer.
What is Scanpan?
Scanpan is an abbreviation of “Scandinavian Pan”, named for the cookware’s origins in Denmark and the Scandinavian roots.
First manufactured in 1956, Scanpan is an environmentally conscious brand that specializes in non-stick cookware that is PFOA free.
The company has been around since then and continues to produce high-quality products today.
They have become known as a leader in their field, with many other companies looking to them for inspiration. Their pans are designed to be used on all types of stove tops including induction, gas, electric, and even wood-burning stoves.
The Cooking Performance
One of the main features of Scanpan cookware is its non-stick nature. This means that it will not easily stick to food when cooking, which makes cleaning up much easier.
It also allows you to use less oil or butter during your recipes, which can help save money and reduce fat intake.
Another benefit of using a non-stick pan is that it helps prevent foods from sticking to the bottom of the pan while baking, which can cause burnt bottoms.
You may find that some of the pans do require more oil than others, but overall, they work very well.
Scanpan uses their own technology when it comes to this non-stick nature, but we will discuss that in more detail later.
Another feature of Scanpan cookware that sets it apart from other brands is its ability to heat evenly.
Unlike most other pans, Scan pans are made out of cast iron, which heats up quickly and evenly.
This makes it perfect for stir frying, searing meats, grilling, and roasting. Cast iron pans tend to get hot fast, so if you want to keep things simple, you should go with a lighter-weight pan like the ones below.
If you’re looking for something heavier, the 10″ skillet is great for large batches of dishes such as chili.
Scanpan is ruthless when it comes to quality control, eliminating the use of PFOA in all of its products.
PFOA is a chemical found in Teflon, which is commonly used in cookware because it is non-stick.
However, there are concerns about whether, or not, PFOA is safe to use, especially in children.
Because of these issues, Scanpan is committed to making only non-stick cookware without this chemical.
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Scanpan
The Design
This cookware features a thick aluminum base and core, with the core being recycled aluminum.
Whilst a fair amount of aluminum cookware can be a little unreliable due to being made with spun or stamped aluminum.
This kind of aluminum can warp over time, causing the pan to crack.
To combat this, Scanpan uses a type of aluminum called “coreless”. Coreless aluminum is made by melting down scrap metal and pouring it into molds, which is a process known as casting.
The metal is then cooled and cut into pieces before being sent off to be processed into new pans.
These cores are then removed before the pans are finished. This process ensures that no matter how long the pans last, they will still look good and retain their shine.
However, it also has a more practical effect, as it produces a stronger product that is easily able to handle problematic foods such as acidic and alkaline heavy products.
Heat distribution and retention are also much stronger, whilst also making for cookware that is near impossible to warp.
As well as being incredibly practical, the exterior of the Scanpan cookware is also incredibly stylish, modern, and sleek.
The handles on each side of the pan are designed to fit comfortably in the hand and feel natural, whilst also being ergonomically designed to make them easy to hold and maneuver.
The design of the handles also allows you to rest your wrist naturally when holding the pan, which makes it much more comfortable to use.
The handles also have an anti-slip coating on them, meaning that you won’t slip when lifting the pan.
The Quality Control
Scanpan is ruthless when it comes to their quality control, eliminating the use of PFOA in all of its products.
PFOA is a chemical found in Teflon, which is commonly used in cookware because it is non-stick.
However, there are concerns about whether, or not, PFOA is safe to use, especially in children.
Because of these issues, Scanpan is committed to making only non-stick cookware without this chemical.
The Non-Stick Technology
As mentioned, Scanpan’s non-stick technology is one of the best around. The brand utilizes its own patented non-stick coating known as Stratanium and Stratanium+.
What is Stratanium and Stratanium+ ?
Stratanium is a proprietary non-stick surface treatment developed specifically for Scanpan cookware.
It consists of two layers: a thin layer of silicone resin applied directly onto the surface of the pan, followed by a second layer of ceramic microparticles.
Together, the two layers create a strong bond between the pan and the food.
When cooking, the heat from the pan transfers through the pan to the food, creating a perfect seal.
In addition, the silicone resin creates a barrier against moisture and odors, ensuring that food doesn’t become soggy or smell bad.
Stratanium+ is a version of Stratanium that includes a third layer of ceramic microparticles added to the top of the pan.
This extra layer increases the strength of the non-stick coating even further, allowing for better heat transfer and faster heating times.
How Does Stratanium Work?
When cooking, the heat from your stove transfers through the pan to your food.
As the heat travels through the pan, it causes molecules within the pan to vibrate at high speeds.
This vibration causes friction between the molecules, which generates heat. The heat generated by this friction heats up the pan and the food inside it.
When using a non-stick pan, the heat is transferred very quickly to the food.
This means that the food cooks faster than if it was cooked in a regular pan.
If the pan isn’t heated properly, however, the temperature will be too low to cook the food properly.
This can result in burnt foods, which may taste good but aren’t healthy. Using a good non-stick pan ensures that the food cooks evenly and quickly, resulting in delicious meals every time.
The Price of Scanpan Cookware
The price of Scanpan cookware varies depending on what model you choose, though the most expensive models vary at around $100-$200 whilst the cheaper models start at around $50- $60.
The Pros and Cons of Scanpan Cookware
Now that we have had an in-depth look at the various features that the Scanpan brand has to offer, let’s break it down into the pros and cons.
Pros
- Non-Stick Coating: This is probably the biggest pro of Scanpan pans. They are coated with a non-stick material that makes them easy to clean. You don’t need to worry about scrubbing the pan after each meal, just wipe it off with a damp cloth.
- Easy To Clean: With the non-stick coating, cleaning the pan is a breeze. All you need to do is simply wipe it off with a wet cloth.
- High-Quality Construction: The construction of these pans is excellent. They are made out of quality materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, polycarbonate, and Tritan™. These materials make the pans durable and long-lasting.
- Heat Distribution: The heat distribution of these pans is also great. Because they are coated with a non-stick material, the heat is distributed evenly throughout the pan. This allows the food to cook evenly without burning or overcooking.
- Heat Retention: The heat retention of these pans is also fantastic. Because the pans are coated with a non-sticky material, there is no loss of heat when cooking. This results in fast and efficient cooking.
Cons
- Costly: Although Scanpan cookware is affordable, it doesn’t come cheap. Some people might find the cost of these pans prohibitive. However, if you are looking for a high-quality cookware set that won’t leave you broke, then Scanpan is definitely worth checking out.
- Heavy: When compared to other brands of cookware, Scanpan cookware is quite heavy. It’s not so much that it weighs more, but rather that it feels extremely solid. Like I said earlier, because of its weight, it takes some getting used to.
- Not Dishwasher Safe: Unlike other brands of cookware that are dishwasher safe, Scanpan cookware cannot be washed in the dishwasher. This is due to the fact that the pans are coated with non-stick material.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a high-quality, well-constructed cookware set that won’t break your bank account, then the Scanpan brand should definitely be on your list.
They offer a wide range of different cookware options that range in terms of price so that no matter what your budget might be, you’ll be able to find something that suits you perfectly.
The cookware also features unique non-stick coatings that allow you to use them safely and easily.
In addition, the pans are very lightweight, which means that you can carry them around with ease.
If you want a cookware set that will last you for years to come, then Scanpan is certainly one of the best choices available today.
