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Add to SafariWhen comparing Almond FP1001 vs Lodge Cast-Iron with Handle Holder, the Slant community recommends Almond FP1001 for most people. In the question“What are the best nonstick pans under $50?” Almond FP1001 is ranked 3rd while Lodge Cast-Iron with Handle Holder is ranked 4th. The most important reason people chose Almond FP1001 is:
While most nonstick surfaces still contain very small amounts of PTFE, this pan uses a ceramic nonstick surface, which contains no potentially harmful materials (PTFE, PFOA, cadmium, lead, etc.).
Specs
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Good option if you'd like to avoid potentially harmful materials
While most nonstick surfaces still contain very small amounts of PTFE, this pan uses a ceramic nonstick surface, which contains no potentially harmful materials (PTFE, PFOA, cadmium, lead, etc.).
Pro You don't have to look for a fitting lid
This pan already has a lid, so you don't have to find one that fits. This can be very difficult to do, because the size of both the lid and the pan has to be an exact match. A difference of less than an inch is often the deciding factor.
Pro Great quality lid
The lid is made of good quality materials and will outlast this pan. When, in the future, you are looking for a new pan, you can reuse this lid and save some money on your next purchase.
Pro Easy to clean
The ceramic nonstick coating of this pan can be cleaned easily. You only have to use water and non-abrasive materials.
Pro Comes preseasoned for immediate use
The Lodge skillet is perfect for people not familiar with cast-iron cookware because it comes with a layer of seasoning and can be used right away. The non-stick properties improve with further seasoning. This can be done by either cooking greasy foods in it for the first few times or seasoning with oil/lard (see Care Of Traditional Cast Iron Cookware).
Pro Suitable for all kinds of cooking mediums
This cast-iron skillet can be used with these heat sources: gas/electric/induction stovetops, oven, grill, broiler, and open campfire.
Pro Extremely durable
Metal utensils can be used freely in this frying pan. The skillet will last for generations if treated properly.
Pro An extra handle for easier handling
Since the skillet is heavy, it has an extra handle for added balance when moving the pan.
Pro Comes with a silicone slip-on holder for burn-protection
The silicone handle holder protects from burns, as the short handle of this skillet gets very hot, especially after using in an oven. The holder slips on and off easily, providing a good grip.
Pro Perfect for searing meat
Once hot, the skillet holds heat for a very long time so it is perfect for searing meat.
Pro Very versatile use
This skillet can be used for a wide variety of cooking such as searing, roasting, frying, baking, and one pan stove-to-oven recipes.
Pro No fear of overheating
Cast iron can handle temperatures well above any home oven (melting point above 2000 ºF). This skillet will need to be reseasoned if left on heat, empty, for a long time or if it's often subjected to temperatures around 500 ºF.
Cons
Con The lid is a mismatch for the pan
This pan can be used in temperatures of up to 410° F (210° C) , but the lid can be used in temperatures of up to 500° F (260° C). This makes the lid feel more like an afterthought rather than an actual feature.
Con Easy to burn your hand
The handle will heat up considerably fast when used in an oven. If you are careless, you will most likely burn your hand, so make sure to use an oven mitt.
Con Easy to damage the nonstick surface
The ceramic nonstick surface is as easy to damage as any other nonstick surface. You should still avoid using metal utensils and be careful how much force you apply to the surface because it's easy to scratch and chip. You should avoid washing it in a dishwasher and putting it under running water before it's cooled down.
Con Short lifespan
This pan's ceramic coating is no different from other nonstick coatings in terms of lifespan. It will wear off over time. Depending on how you use and maintain this pan, it will serve you well from six to twelve months.
Con Takes a long time to heat up evenly
For more even heat distribution this skillet needs to be heated in an oven for 20-30 minutes or alternatively on a stovetop for 10 minutes, rotating by 45 degrees every few minutes.
Con Needs to be cleaned and dried immediately after use
After cooking, food should be removed immediately and the skillet should be cleaned. It can be scrubbed with a nylon/plastic brush if needed. Then it should be washed in warm water, dried off completely and wiped down with cooking oil.
Con Very heavy
Weighing in at 7.5 lbs, this skillet might not be suitable for someone with weaker wrists.
Con Heat diffuser needed for small burners
The heat might not transfer evenly if the burner is smaller than the skillet, so an additional heat diffuser might be needed.
Con Can scratch ceramic glass stovetops
This skillet is heavy and might be a bit uneven (pebbly) on the outside. When using ceramic glass stovetops, you must only lift the pan out as sliding it around can damage the surface.
Con Silicone handle holder can slip off
Some users reported that the holder needs to be gripped tight, especially if the cook has difficulty lifting the skillet.
Con Not dishwasher safe, rusts if soaked in water
The Lodge Cast-iron skillet should not be put in the dishwasher or soaked. It will rust and chip if exposed to water for too long. The pan needs to be dried off completely directly after washing.
Con Not suitable for cooking acidic food
When cooking with tomatoes, citrus, pineapple, or other acidic foods, the seasoning can strip away and the pan will need to be reseasoned. Without seasoning, the iron may leach and give food a metallic taste.
Con Rough, pebbled cooking surface
Some users dislike rough cooking surfaces of these skillets, because they take time and frequent use to get smoother.
