The Bottom Line
Pros
- Nonstick coating is more durable than many others
- Excellent at conducting and retaining heat
- Oven-safe up to 500˚F
Cons
- Heavy
- Hard-to-clean area between pan and handle
- Expensive
Description
- Heat Safe up to 500˚F
- Body made of pressure cast aluminum
- Dishwasher safe (although hand washing is recommended)
- Product line includes fry pans, roasters, woks, grill pans, saucepans, casseroles and more
- Versions available for induction cooktops, which have a magnetic steel bottom
Guide Review - Swiss Diamond Nonstick Cookware
Like many cookware experts, I normally advise consumers to buy less-expensive brands when it comes to nonstick pans. After all, nonstick coatings can scratch, no matter how high-quality the pan is, which renders the pan useless.
The exception to the rule is Swiss Diamond. This company's nonstick surface includes diamond crystals, which make a more durable surface and increase the nonstick properties. The company also claims the nonstick coating does not contain PFOA (A toxic chemical used in the manufacture of many nonstick coatings, which has been found to be persistent in the environment).
Although it seems like a gimmick, the diamond-reinforced coating is remarkably durable; I've had one skillet for more than 3 years and its surface is still unblemished. The Swiss Diamond coating is not as "slick" as many other nonstick coatings, which means that foods like eggs will still leave a slight residue. But the more matte finish also means that the pan can have many of the benefits that an uncoated stainless pan; i.e. it browns foods like chicken better and leaves more residue that can flavor a pan sauce.
The pan is made of pressure cast aluminum and is heavier than most inexpensive nonstick pans. Aluminum is a highly conductive material; this pan heats quickly and uniformly and responds quickly to changes in heat. The pan is heavy, which could be a problem for some people (the larger skillets are particularly weighty), but the handle is comfortably positioned. What's more, the handle is ovenproof up to 500˚F, a nice advantage if you want to finish cooking a dish in the oven.
The price for Swiss Diamond cookware starts at around $50 for an 8-inch fry pan, which is on the high end, but with such a durable nonstick surface it is a worthy investment.
