Fissler frying pans. Are they worth the price?

Question

I just saw a good deal on frying pans from Fissler. The two pans included in the deal are the "crispy" and "protect" models. However, it is still a lot of money (169 €). Before I place an order I am looking for feedback from people who have used Fissler frying pans for a while. Are they worth the price?

Answer 1

That price is absolutely ridiculous, and there is no way the frying pans are worth it. To Americans: that's $250 for 2 frying pans! Even All-Clad retails for $100 for a frying pan, and it is among the most expensive cookware. Now, in this case, many people can justify that price for All-Clad, because they heat fast and evenly and will last for several lifetimes with proper care.

While the Fissler pans may be well-made, I would have a very hard time justifying that kind of money. In particular, the Protect model is nonstick, and nonstick surfaces wear out. There is no way around this. The better ones will last longer, but still you get a couple years of good use before the surface degrades. You're far better off buying a series of cheap restaurant-supply nonstick pans, and replacing them regularly. I can find decent ones for about $20-25, which means you can get one for probably €20. See my answer to What is a good brand for teflon pans? for where to get the best value... and why you shouldn't be spending big money on teflon-coated stuff.

I do not feel the "crispy" model is a safe buy, because it emphasizes a gimmicky crisping surface over versatile everyday use. It also does not describe what, if any, sort of copper/aluminum core it uses to ensure fast, even heating. For a pan at this price range, I would expect a multi-ply construction, with aluminum or copper core. To my mind, this does not bespeak money well spent. At a lower price, it might be an entertaining gimmick, but for that much money you will want a solid, versatile all-around pan.

In fact, with good deals, you could fully equip a kitchen with cookware for that price. I have a 7-piece multi-ply set that I'm quite happy with, and it only cost about $160. Throw in a cheap nonstick pan and a cast-iron skillet, and you're set.

Answer 2

Disclaimer: I've never touched, let alone used, a Fissler pan.

One of the primary things to look for in a good frying pan is for it to be "tri-ply" or "fully clad" (i.e., for it to be stainless steel with an aluminum core). Manufacturing such pans is generally more expensive, but good ones perform wonderfully and last forever. For the price of the Fissler I would hope that it is tri-ply, however, I couldn't seem to confirm that on the website. You could get an excellent All-Clad or Mauviel for that price.

As for the "crispy", I don't really think the ridges on the bottom of the pan are useful. In fact, they'll probably inhibit you from making a proper pan sauce.

As for the "protect", I'm generally against spending that much money on a non-stick pan, because non-stick pans don't last forever (their coating eventually wears off, regardless of how well you treat them). I'd save your money and buy a great stainless steel pan and get an inexpensive non-stick pan for the few instances you might need it (e.g., cooking eggs).

Answer 3

They look good enough, but consider a number of things. First of all the price :) OK, let's make that last of all...

1. Nonstick coating. Should only be used for eggs and pancakes. For the rest of your cooking needs, it's not recommended (from my point of view) as the coating will eventually deteriorate and you end up eating the coating... Bon Appetite.

2. Heat resistant handle. Can you put it in the oven at 200ºC?

The rest looks good, but I'd look for something a bit less expensive, and instead of buying a package deal, I'd just buy one good pan and see how it goes.