Ballarini Ledro frying pan 32cm
32 cm, Frying pan, Aluminium
Stiftung Warentest: A comparison of pans without harmful substances
18/12/2024
Translation: machine translated
Stiftung Warentest compared 13 pans without environmentally harmful coatings. There were some surprises when it came to the non-stick coating.
Eggs, pancakes or fish should not stick in a pan with a non-stick coating, even with little fat. Stiftung Warentest compared 13 coated pans that do not have an environmentally harmful plastic coating.
Ceramic instead of plastic
Coatings made from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), known under the brand name Teflon, prevent food from sticking. However, polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) can be produced during the manufacture and disposal of the plastic. And these are bad for the environment and health.
The majority of pans tested rely on ceramic as an environmentally friendly alternative.
This was assessed: Frying properties, coating and handling
The main focus of the testers was on the frying properties, which accounted for 40 per cent of the overall score. Among other things, the pans had to prove how quickly the frying surface heats up and how the heat is distributed. If the base of the pan is unevenly hot, the food has to be moved repeatedly to achieve the same degree of browning.
The properties of the coating were weighted almost as heavily (35 per cent of the test score). In an endurance test, the testers fried eggs several times in succession, put the pans in a heating cabinet at 300 degrees Celsius and in the dishwasher at 60 degrees. A shaking test with a mixture of steel balls, corundum and water tested the abrasion resistance of the coating.
Finally, two female and one male testers assessed the handling of the handle, pouring and cleaning. In addition to handling, the safety of the pans was also included in the score.
The result: non-stick properties deteriorate in all
In terms of harmful substances, all the pans tested are recommended. None of the products were conspicuous in this respect. Nevertheless, Stiftung Warentest only awarded the overall grade of "good" twice. The test winner was the "Silence Pro" from Rösle (overall score 2.3), which we do not carry in our range.
At least: In terms of the durability of the non-stick coating, the "Ledro" from Ballarini (the second product with a "good" rating) performed even better than the test winner.
It was narrowly beaten due to its frying properties and scored 2.4.
Consider your own preferences when buying
There was no perfect pan in this comparison. As the individual ratings show, each model tested has its own strengths and weaknesses.
If the frying result is the main focus, then the "Astral" from the manufacturer Schulte-Ufer is recommended. In this category, it even beats the test winner, although it was only rated "satisfactory" overall. This model was downgraded due to the durability of the coating in the hardness test, which scored "sufficient".
Pots + Pans
EUR156,64
Schulte-Ufer SUS braising pan Astral with UniverSUS
28 cm, Casserole + Stewpot, Stainless steel
The "Durado" from WMF roasts just as convincingly. The testers also liked the pouring rim, which makes it easier to pour and serve sauces. However, the testers were less satisfied with the coating and gave it an "adequate" rating.
Testers' tips for a longer non-stick effect
As the test showed, the ceramic coatings on all pans do not last forever. Stiftung Warentest has a few tips on how to increase their lifespan.
- Do not use virgin olive oil, as it gums up at high temperatures
- Only use low to medium temperatures, i.e. fry slowly.
- Rinse by hand.
Header image: Uwe Conrad / unsplash
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