Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Amazon Prime includes:
Fast, FREE Delivery is available to Prime members. To join, select "Try Amazon Prime and start saving today with Fast, FREE Delivery" below the Add to Cart button.
Amazon Prime members enjoy:- Cardmembers earn 5% Back at Amazon.com with a Prime Credit Card.
- Unlimited Free Two-Day Delivery
- Streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows with limited ads on Prime Video.
- A Kindle book to borrow for free each month - with no due dates
- Listen to over 2 million songs and hundreds of playlists
- Unlimited photo storage with anywhere access
Important: Your credit card will NOT be charged when you start your free trial or if you cancel during the trial period. If you're happy with Amazon Prime, do nothing. At the end of the free trial, your membership will automatically upgrade to a monthly membership.
Add an Accessory:
Image Unavailable
Color:
-
-
-
- To view this video download Flash Player
- 8 VIDEOS
Utopia Kitchen Saute Fry Pan - Chefs Pan, Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet - Frying Pan 12 Inch - Safe Grill Cookware for Indoor & Outdoor Use - Cast Iron Pan (Black)
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | Utopia Kitchen |
Material | Cast Iron |
Special Feature | Oven Safe |
Color | Black |
Capacity | 2.94 Liters |
About this item
- These Cast iron skillet are suitable for both stovetop and oven for evenly cooking variety of different meals; Cast iron cookware is less smoother than the Non-Stick cookware
- Hand wash before first use and dry immediately; rub with a light coating of vegetable oil after every wash
- Iron deficiency is fairly common worldwide especially among women so cooking food in a cast iron skillet can increase iron content by as much as 20%
- Its superior heat retention will keep your mouth watering food warm for a long time
- Allow cast iron skillet to cool completely before washing them in hot soapy water with a sponge using a regular dish washing liquid soap; it is not dishwasher-safe
Customer ratings by feature
Consider a similar item
- Utopia Kitchen Set 4-Piece Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet – Even Heat Distribution – Multipurpose – Suitable for all Cooktops - Cast Iron Set – Grill pan – Frying Pan – Indoor & Outdoor Cookware$52.99$52.99 $53.98$53.98This bundle contains 2 items
Frequently bought together
Discover similar items
Similar items that may deliver to you quickly
From the brand
UTOPIA KITCHEN COOKWARE
Our Brand is focused on providing the finest quality cast iron Pans and non-stick pans for your kitchen.
Product Description
UTOPIA KITCHEN CAST IRON SKILLET
BRING PERFECTION TO YOUR COOKING
Indulge yourself in a premium cooking experience with Utopia Kitchen’s glossy & pre-seasoned Cast iron skillet. Our cast iron skillet are available in different sizes, providing you with ample cooking space for different types of dishes while being compatible with various heat sources.
UTOPIA KITCHEN CAST IRON SKILLET
Cast Iron Skillet 12" | Cast Iron Skillet 10.25" | Cast Iron Skillet 8" | Cast Iron Skillet 6.5" | |
Customer Reviews
|
4.6 out of 5 stars
25,428
|
4.6 out of 5 stars
25,428
|
4.6 out of 5 stars
25,428
|
4.6 out of 5 stars
25,428
|
Price
| $24.99$24.99 | $17.99$17.99 | $11.99$11.99 | $8.99$8.99 |
Item Diameter
| 12 Inches | 10.25 Inches | 8 Inches | 6.5 Inches |
Capacity
| 3.2 Quart | 2.2 Quart | 0.9 Quart | 0.4 Quart |
Handle Support
| Double Sided | Double Sided | SingleSided | Single Sided |
Pre - Seasoned
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Item Weight
| 7.83 Pounds | 4.85 pounds | 2.86 pounds | 1.7 pounds |
Induction Stovetop Compatible
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Gas Stovetop Compatible
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Dish Washer Safe
| ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
Oven Safe
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
REMOVING RUST FROM CAST IRON SKILLET
PREPARATION & MAINTENANCE OF CAST IRON SKILLET
Where is it made?
It's made in China
Did the large cast iron frying pan cook evenly?
Yes
Is it a preseason cast Iron Skillet ?
Yes, it is a preseason chef pan, comes factory pre seasoned with 100% vegetable oil to prevent rust, which is food-grade flaxseed oil & do not contain any chemicals. It is recommend to Re-season the chef pan for better performance.
cast Iron Skillet cooks meals quickly?
Yes
Will the Cast iron skillet last longer?
Yes, If the care instructions are followed
Videos
Videos for this product
3:19
Click to play video
Customer Review: Utopia 12.5" cast iron skillet
Neba
Videos for this product
1:17
Click to play video
What I would watch out for with this Cast Iron Pan...
Orion Studio
Videos for this product
1:43
Click to play video
Is Cast Iron Everything it Claims to Be?
Diapers on a Plane
Looking for specific info?
Product information
Brand | Utopia Kitchen |
---|---|
Material | Cast Iron |
Special Feature | Oven Safe |
Color | Black |
Capacity | 2.94 Liters |
Compatible Devices | Gas |
Product Care Instructions | Hand Wash Only |
Maximum Temperature | 450 Degrees Celsius |
Is Oven Safe | Yes |
Model Name | Iron skillet |
Has Nonstick Coating | No |
Is Dishwasher Safe | No |
Recommended Uses For Product | Stovetop and oven cooking |
Product Dimensions | 17 x 12 x 2.2 inches |
Item Weight | 7.54 pounds |
Manufacturer | Utopia Kitchen |
ASIN | B00X4WQMAS |
Item model number | UK0040 |
Customer Reviews |
4.6 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #923 in Kitchen & Dining (See Top 100 in Kitchen & Dining) #1 in Chef's Pans #8 in Skillets |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | May 4, 2015 |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Product guides and documents
Compare with similar items
This Item Utopia Kitchen Saute Fry Pan - Chefs Pan, Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet - Frying Pan 12 Inch - Safe Grill Cookware for Indoor & Outdoor Use - Cast Iron Pan (Black) | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | |
Price | $24.99$24.99 | -19% $21.99$21.99 Typical: $26.99 | $28.99$28.99 | $29.90$29.90 | $21.44$21.44 | $21.79$21.79 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 | Get it as soon as Monday, May 20 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Heat distribution | 4.2 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.3 | 4.3 | — |
Easy to clean | 4.0 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 3.6 | 3.7 | — |
Sold By | Utopia Deals | ENNICE DIRCT | Amazon.com | La Cuisine US | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
capacity | 2.94 liters | 3 liters | 12 inches | 2 quarts | 12 inches | 4 liters |
material | Cast Iron | Cast Iron | Cast Iron | Cast Iron | Cast Iron | Cast Iron |
diameter | 12 inches inches | 12 inches inches | 12 inches inches | 12 inches inches | — | — |
has nonstick coating | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
dishwasher safe | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
oven safe | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
model name | Iron skillet | CHER-CASTIRON | 12" Round Cast Iron Skillet with Helper Handle, | — | Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet | MCCI |
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the performance of the saute fry pan. They say it works well for searing meats, and for everything from pancakes to grilled cheese. They also appreciate the size, value, and quality. However, some customers have concerns about the stickiness, pre-seasoning, ease of cleaning, and weight.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the quality of the pan. They mention it's a very good cast iron skillet, with excellent craftsmanship. Some say that the pan is sturdy and easy to clean.
"...The pan seems perfectly level with no warping at all. It is a heavy pan but that is why it works so well." Read more
"...The color is absolutely gorgeous and I’m using a lid from the big pot that they sell in the color teal as well, and it looks fantastic! Seven" Read more
"...It turned out fantastic! First time I ever had one turn out great. I had always used glass or ceramic bakeware in the past...." Read more
"...Perfect for making pan pizza!!!" Read more
Customers appreciate the value of the saute fry pan. They say it's worth every dime spent, and is worth its weight in gold. Some mention that the skillet is so cheap that they bought it for their car.
"...Good value." Read more
"...Great price for what you get. We got the green one and it is not as dark as shown in the picture. It is more pastel green than dark green." Read more
"Recommended, good quality, good price, shipping. Would buy again" Read more
"...Worth every penny" Read more
Customers like the size of the saute fry pan. They mention it's amazing, perfect for pan searing, and heavy. Some say that it'll cook a significant amount of food, minimizing the need for other dishes.
"...The color is awesome, the size is just right, it cleans very easily, heat distribues well in the pan, not liking the handle getting the heat as well." Read more
"...Love the large size -especially when cooking for gatherings or meal prep. The enameled surface on the bottom and handle makes it easier to clean up...." Read more
"This pan is big, and heavy. Seems to be excellent quality." Read more
"I bought an 8" pan recently and when it came, it looked very small...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the performance of the saute fry pan. For example, they mention it works well for searing meats, and for everything from pancakes to grilled cheese. Some say it's easy to clean and works well on induction stoves. Overall, most are happy with the product's performance.
"Works great, comes with instructions on how to care for the cooking utensils." Read more
"...This skillet also works great for frying meat, eggs, and potatoes and baking cornbread and other dishes in the oven...." Read more
"It works great for making a grilled cheese sandwich or even a stake" Read more
"This cast iron skillet works extremely well in the kitchen - the food actually tastes better cooked in this vs. a stainless steel version...." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the weight of the pan. Some find it heavy, while others say it's light weight. Some say the weight keeps the pan in place while cooking and helps to get an even temperature. However, some customers say the pan is too heavy for their arthritic hands and gets heavy with food in it.
"Pan is heavy and contained care instructions which was appreciated.. My grandmother used a cast iron skillet for many foods she prepared and the..." Read more
"...even which is great, though keep in mind a large cast iron pan is VERY heavy...." Read more
"This pan is nice and heavy and durable" Read more
"...The pan seems perfectly level with no warping at all. It is a heavy pan but that is why it works so well." Read more
Customers are mixed about the ease of cleaning the saute fry pan. Some mention that it cleans very easily, while others say that it's not as easy to clean as normal pans.
"...Food does not seem to stick to the pan and it is very easy to clean...." Read more
"...Love that I can sear on stove then put in ovenWashed up easily with no stickingMaybe I need to order another one or a bigger one." Read more
"...It is not pre seasoned and it will take a little effort to clean and get right the first few uses. Great price for what you get...." Read more
"Heavy duty, easy to clean, even cooking, grate for stir-fry, steak, etc...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the pre-seasoning of the saute fry pan. Some mention that the color is beautiful and it is pre-seasoned, while others say that it wasn't seasoned enough and had a smell.
"HIGH QUALITY, PRESEASONED CAST IRON SKILLET WITH EXCELLENT MANUFACTURE...." Read more
"...It is not pre seasoned and it will take a little effort to clean and get right the first few uses. Great price for what you get...." Read more
"Love that it’s preseasoned and loved that it came with a book on how to take care of it. I use almost every night." Read more
"This is a true cast iron pan, must be seasoned, and the process is time consuming. Worth every penny" Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the stickiness of the saute fry pan. Some say that the seasoning on it is completely non-stick and keeps their foods from sticking to the pan when they use it, while others say that it still sticks a little and everything sticks to it severely.
"...off, its already pre-seasoned and I fryed chicken in it, a couple of pieces did stick but I lifted them with a plastic spatula and had no issues..." Read more
"once you have it seasoned it is almost non-stick or as non-stick as anything else and it's nice to be able to use steel wool on something without..." Read more
"...Even though it said it was pre-seasoned I still had some sticking issues. I re-seasoned the pan and it's not sticking now." Read more
"...Food does not seem to stick to the pan and it is very easy to clean...." Read more
Reviews with images
-
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
I also appreciate that I can sear and then pop in the oven to finish off! Every dish I make in this cast-iron so far comes out so delectable!
For easy clean up: while still hot, wipe surface with paper towel to remove any remnants of food, for stuck on food-shake some kosher salt in the pan (the coarseness makes a great cleaning agent), wet bristles of a good scrub brush and scrub the salt around to remove any debris. Set pan back on the burner, wipe surface with paper towel, turn burner on, allow surface to dry completely, apply a small amount of avocado, canola, or olive oil to surface and spread around to coat a light/thin layer, let the heat penetrate the pan until you see a few streaks of smoke, turn burner off let cool!
I’ve attached a couple pics of the most recent culinary divinities I made 🫶
I also appreciate that I can sear and then pop in the oven to finish off! Every dish I make in this cast-iron so far comes out so delectable!
For easy clean up: while still hot, wipe surface with paper towel to remove any remnants of food, for stuck on food-shake some kosher salt in the pan (the coarseness makes a great cleaning agent), wet bristles of a good scrub brush and scrub the salt around to remove any debris. Set pan back on the burner, wipe surface with paper towel, turn burner on, allow surface to dry completely, apply a small amount of avocado, canola, or olive oil to surface and spread around to coat a light/thin layer, let the heat penetrate the pan until you see a few streaks of smoke, turn burner off let cool!
I’ve attached a couple pics of the most recent culinary divinities I made 🫶
Top reviews from other countries
Wir haben sehr lange recherchiert und waren schon recht enttäuscht, dass bei allen Eisengusspfannen irgendwer immer irgendetwas kritisiert.
Aber wir sind immer wieder auf diese Pfanne als besten Kompromiss aus allen möglichen Berichten und Rezensionen gestoßen und da sie gerade recht günstig bei Amazon zu haben war (keine Versandgebühren trotz Versand aus USA), haben wir sie einfach bestellt.
Nach ausgiebiger Benutzung können wir nun folgende Kritikpunkte auch an dieser Pfanne nachvollziehen:
Die Rückseite (Auflagefläche) der Pfanne ist komplett unbearbeitet und dadurch bedingt durch das Gußverfahren (wahrscheinlich Sandguss) sehr rau. Wenn man die Pfanne im Originalzustand auf einem Glaskeramik- / Ceran- / Induktionskochfeld verwenden würde, wären garantiert viele Kratzer auf dem Kochfeld die Folge. Also habe ich die Pfannenrückseite mit Schleifpapier erst mal eben geschliffen.
Ich habe einfach einen großen Schleifpapierbogen auf eine ebene Fläche fixiert, die Pfanne draufgestellt und dann in leicht kreisenden Bewegungen und mit mit etwas Druck die Pfanne darauf bewegt. Das Ganze erst mit grobem, dann mit mittlerem und danach mit feinem Sandpapier. Natürlich ist dann die eingebrannte Schicht in der glattgeschliffenen Fläche weg und das Metall blank. Aber da wir die Pfanne nie mit Spülmittel reinigen und immer sofort nach der Reinigung trocknen und einölen, macht das absolut gar nichts. Die bräunlichen Verfärbungen des Randes auf Foto 1 sind kein Rost, sondern eher Anlauffarben des eingeölten Eisens vom Benutzen bei hohen Temperaturen. Auf jeden Fall sind die Kontaktflächen zur Kochfeldfläche hin jetzt sehr glatt und die Pfanne liegt absolut eben und kippelfrei auf.
Was auch bei dieser Pfanne stimmt ist, dass die Innenseite mittig minimal etwas höher ist, als außen, wodurch das Fett leider immer nach außen an den Rand läuft und nicht in der Mitte bleibt. Wirklich schlimm finde ich das nicht und beim Braten bewege ich die Steaks immer etwas durch das außen zusammenlaufende Fett und lege die Steaks dann in die Mitte der Pfanne bzw. wechsele die Positionen der Steaks immer etwas ...
Dass die Pfanne immer etwas gebraucht aussieht und die Bratfläche nicht steril glatt wie bei einer Teflonbeschichtung ist, entspricht ja wohl der Art dieses Pfannentyps und kann deshalb ja wohl nicht wirklich kritisiert werden.
Wir benutzen diese Eisengußpfanne häufig und sehr gerne. Nach Benutzung schabe ich mit einem Pfannenwender aus Holz eventuell anhaftende Reste ab, spüle sie nur mit heißem Wasser aus, trockne sie ab und öle sie danach ringsum komplett mit etwas Rapsöl ein.
Übrigens musste die Pfanne nicht erst (wie bei einigen anderen Herstellern vorgegeben) aufwendig irgendwie "eingebrannt" werden, da das schon der Hersteller gemacht hat.
In dieser Pfanne Steaks zu braten ist von Anfang an und immer noch immer wieder ein Genuß.
Und deshalb vergebe ich trotz der oben beschriebenen (zugegeben nachvollziehbaren) Kritikpunkte trotz allem die volle Punktzahl. Erst recht bei dem eigentlich recht günstigen Preis und der Tatsache, dass man nicht Gefahr läuft, eine Beschichtung zu überhitzen und sich damit gesundheitliche Risiken einzuhandeln ...
Ich würde diese Pfanne jederzeit weiterempfehlen (mit der oben beschriebenen Nacharbeit bei Verwendung auf modernen, kratzempfindlichen Kochfeldern) ...
Reviewed in Germany on March 4, 2021
Wir haben sehr lange recherchiert und waren schon recht enttäuscht, dass bei allen Eisengusspfannen irgendwer immer irgendetwas kritisiert.
Aber wir sind immer wieder auf diese Pfanne als besten Kompromiss aus allen möglichen Berichten und Rezensionen gestoßen und da sie gerade recht günstig bei Amazon zu haben war (keine Versandgebühren trotz Versand aus USA), haben wir sie einfach bestellt.
Nach ausgiebiger Benutzung können wir nun folgende Kritikpunkte auch an dieser Pfanne nachvollziehen:
Die Rückseite (Auflagefläche) der Pfanne ist komplett unbearbeitet und dadurch bedingt durch das Gußverfahren (wahrscheinlich Sandguss) sehr rau. Wenn man die Pfanne im Originalzustand auf einem Glaskeramik- / Ceran- / Induktionskochfeld verwenden würde, wären garantiert viele Kratzer auf dem Kochfeld die Folge. Also habe ich die Pfannenrückseite mit Schleifpapier erst mal eben geschliffen.
Ich habe einfach einen großen Schleifpapierbogen auf eine ebene Fläche fixiert, die Pfanne draufgestellt und dann in leicht kreisenden Bewegungen und mit mit etwas Druck die Pfanne darauf bewegt. Das Ganze erst mit grobem, dann mit mittlerem und danach mit feinem Sandpapier. Natürlich ist dann die eingebrannte Schicht in der glattgeschliffenen Fläche weg und das Metall blank. Aber da wir die Pfanne nie mit Spülmittel reinigen und immer sofort nach der Reinigung trocknen und einölen, macht das absolut gar nichts. Die bräunlichen Verfärbungen des Randes auf Foto 1 sind kein Rost, sondern eher Anlauffarben des eingeölten Eisens vom Benutzen bei hohen Temperaturen. Auf jeden Fall sind die Kontaktflächen zur Kochfeldfläche hin jetzt sehr glatt und die Pfanne liegt absolut eben und kippelfrei auf.
Was auch bei dieser Pfanne stimmt ist, dass die Innenseite mittig minimal etwas höher ist, als außen, wodurch das Fett leider immer nach außen an den Rand läuft und nicht in der Mitte bleibt. Wirklich schlimm finde ich das nicht und beim Braten bewege ich die Steaks immer etwas durch das außen zusammenlaufende Fett und lege die Steaks dann in die Mitte der Pfanne bzw. wechsele die Positionen der Steaks immer etwas ...
Dass die Pfanne immer etwas gebraucht aussieht und die Bratfläche nicht steril glatt wie bei einer Teflonbeschichtung ist, entspricht ja wohl der Art dieses Pfannentyps und kann deshalb ja wohl nicht wirklich kritisiert werden.
Wir benutzen diese Eisengußpfanne häufig und sehr gerne. Nach Benutzung schabe ich mit einem Pfannenwender aus Holz eventuell anhaftende Reste ab, spüle sie nur mit heißem Wasser aus, trockne sie ab und öle sie danach ringsum komplett mit etwas Rapsöl ein.
Übrigens musste die Pfanne nicht erst (wie bei einigen anderen Herstellern vorgegeben) aufwendig irgendwie "eingebrannt" werden, da das schon der Hersteller gemacht hat.
In dieser Pfanne Steaks zu braten ist von Anfang an und immer noch immer wieder ein Genuß.
Und deshalb vergebe ich trotz der oben beschriebenen (zugegeben nachvollziehbaren) Kritikpunkte trotz allem die volle Punktzahl. Erst recht bei dem eigentlich recht günstigen Preis und der Tatsache, dass man nicht Gefahr läuft, eine Beschichtung zu überhitzen und sich damit gesundheitliche Risiken einzuhandeln ...
Ich würde diese Pfanne jederzeit weiterempfehlen (mit der oben beschriebenen Nacharbeit bei Verwendung auf modernen, kratzempfindlichen Kochfeldern) ...
Sebbene arrivi già pretrattata, come prima cosa l'ho lavata e poi ho applicato un sottile strato d'olio su tutta la padella (manici e parte di sotto inclusa), per poi metterla in forno a 200 gradi per 30 minuti. Questa operazione è nota in inglese con il nome di "seasoning" e consiste fondamentalmente in una reazione di polimerizzazione in cui l'olio si lega permanentemente alla ghisa, formando uno strato antiaderente. Questa operazione non va ripetuta ogni volta, magari ogni sei mesi od ogni anno a seconda di quanto la si usa.
Comunque, fatto tutto questo, il giorno dopo ho usato la padella per cucinare un roastbeef: rosolato in padella e poi infilato al forno, è venuto ottimo. Ha fatto una crosticina deliziosa in pochissimo tempo, e con i residui rimasti in padella ho potuto realizzare un'ottima salsina. Attenzione solo a una cosa: si riscalda moltissimo ed è pesante, quindi va maneggiata con estrema cura.
Per quanto riguarda la manutenzione, lavarla è stata semplice: ho usato solo acqua calda, ho asciugato con un panno e poi ho messo un po' sul fuoco per fare asciugare qualsiasi traccia d'acqua.
In definitiva, questo prodotto è CONSIGLIATISSIMO. E' anche così pesante da potere essere un'ottima arma contro gli intrusi xD
The seasoning on this pan is quite thin and a bit on the rough side as a result it will not perform as well as it could until some time has passed and it has a thicker seasoning coat. A thick smooth seasoning will let you oil a pan using a paper towel as opposed to needing a piece of linen.This seasoning is so coarse that all the paper towel does is leave lint, surface is too similar to a mild sandpaper. Usage over time will of course take care of this. For this reason I would give 4 stars. The reason I gave 5 stars was this pan is very well made and with the thin seasoning process allowed me to very easily grind it all off in less than a half an hour. The open casting was very nice and smoothed up very easily, in fact much easier than some of my US made pans. It also took to the re seasoning process very well and once again easier than some of my US made pans. Underneath the original seasoning is a very nice pan. That jumped my opinion to 5 stars. After 6 seasonings using my barbecue I then cooked a large pancake in it after it had time to heat up. When the pancake is flipped it is very easy to see where the pancake is brown and where it is not, this related to heat dispersion and this pan or at least the one I got was one of my best. The pan is pretty light for a 12.5 inch and does have a shorter handle, balanced out by a nice sized handle assist on the other side. I dont normally see a need to strip a pan, but if you do this is one that is worth the few minutes of effort to do so. On the other hand if one doesn't wished to strip it this pan will still be an excellent value, just take a little longer is all.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Update--
I dont usually add any follow ups, but in this case I will, my pan cooked very well, then yesterday when I was cooking some homemade burgers on a medium heat using my gas stove I heard a loud crack and lo and behold my pan cracked across the bottom in three directions.
This caught me totally by surprise as I never had this happen before. After doing some checking I didn't find any other pans that had done this, so my assumption is it is a one off, maybe something not right when casted, who knows. Anyway I don't see any warranty so I am probably out the pan. Still think it is a good pan, it seems I just got a bad one.