Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.
I was recently sent a non stick skillet to try out. Now, I normally try to avoid non stick pans and skillets because the nonstick coating contains PTFE and PFOA. What is that you wonder?
Okay, I will try to explain: PTFE is a synthetic waxy substance that releases toxic fumes when heated too high. Did you know that you should never turn your nonstick skillets above a medium heat? I’m pretty sure most people do though, and not only do the fumes get into the air, but they also get into your food.
The fumes are documented to be harmful to both birds and small pets. And you can know if they are harmful to your pets, they are sure to be harmful to you.
PFOA is often used to to make this as well, and the EPA has classified as a ‘persistent pollutant of the environment’.
As well, most nonstick pans don’t seem to last long before the nonstick coating begins to come off. Once the coating starts to come off, the pan becomes even more toxic. In fact, you are supposed to throw away your pans once the coating begins to come off.
I agreed to review this nonstick pan because it’s different.
The nonstick coating is made without PTFE and PFOA, instead it is made with 100% Greblon ceramic coating from Germany. It is said to work better and last longer than traditional nonstick pans.
As well, even at high heat it does not release toxic fumes into the air, or your food.
I do like cooking on nonstick, so I was eager to try this out.
How did it work?
It was definitely a nonstick pan and I didn’t have any problems with my food sticking. I liked how the the ceramic was slightly textured on top, it has a honey comb pattern which really helped spread the heat evenly. It cleaned up very nicely as well.
A couple things to note. I would advise treating your Ozeri pan just like any other nonstick. That means nylon or wooden utensils to stir/turn your food. Hot soapy water and a soft rag for washing. I definitely wouldn’t advise putting it in the dishwasher, the dishwasher soap may be a little hard on your pan.
The directions that came with the pan clearly state that using lower heat and olive, coconut or butter for the grease. Nonstick sprays should be avoided.
My only complaint with my Ozeri pan is the fact that it’s made with aluminum. Now aluminum is a great heat conductor and you don’t need to use high heat with it because it could actually get too hot and burn your food. Ultimately it’s a energy saver, needing less heat. But, I try to avoid cooking with aluminum because I do know it can transfer to your food, and aluminum deposits are found in the brains of Alzheimer patients.
I did some research and decided that this pan is likely okay because my food doesn’t touch the aluminum, instead it touches the ceramic coating which is fine to cook on. At any rate, I really like it, and the 10″ pan I was sent to try, is the perfect size for our family.
Final thoughts: I don’t use nonstick a whole lot, but I do believe that when this pan wears out, it is likely I will buy another one. (I read reviews on Amazon and the primary complaint seemed to be the nonstick didn’t last long. However, it also seemed that those having problems were cooking with higher heat, and using PAM or similar sprays.)
You can buy the Ozeri pan from Amazon for $29.99 currently. (That was an affiliate link)
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
Oh my goodness, this is so funny. I have this exact same pan! I’ve been using it for about 2+ years now, give or take. The hubby is big into these types of pans, while I prefer the old time cast iron lodge pans. So you’ll find me cooking with the lodge and my husband will pull out the Ozeri. I am fine with the way the Ozeri pan has held up, it has taken some abuse I must admit. The honey comb pattern was a little different for me, not bad, just different. We cook with natural fats (butter, lard, coconut) so the nonstick issue has never become a problem for us over these past few years. If I did not use these natural fats, I bet I would be finding issue with the non stick but again I’m still happy to say that this pan is still kickin’. Thanks for this review Kendra, that was interesting. I’m still sticking to my Lodge though. Since I use natural fats, the Lodge is 100% slick non stick. 😉
I’m so glad to hear that about the natural fats! I was pretty sure that was the issue behind the bad reviews on Amazon, but I truly find it hard to beleive that that many people would fail to read how to properly care for something and all that… 🙂
I too really like cast iron, but I’m bad about taking care of the one I have. Too many times I do something too it and have to reseason it yet again :!