Nowadays, more and more interesting cooking devices appear. With their help, cooking is not only easier, but also faster. And the resulting dishes are distinguished by excellent taste characteristics and are healthy. One of such know-how is a double-sided frying pan.
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Features of the device
This frying pan is an ideal option for cooking steaks, sausages, fish and many other dishes. It allows you to cook delicious dishes without the usual grill grate and a tray for draining excess oil. Moreover, it is used not only on gas stoves, but also on electric ones, and even on an open fire in camping conditions. This frying pan is a truly universal solution! It consists of two deep bases that are connected to each other using hinges. Each is equipped with a handle with a magnet, which ensures reliable fixation of the device.
It is worth noting that today there are models on sale that are also used for making desserts, baking waffles and pancakes. And yet, the most common is the classic version, a kind of synthesis of a regular saucepan and grill, with which you can quickly and easily cook dishes without excess fat and with maximum benefit.
Using a double-sided frying pan eliminates the need for spatulas to turn food and helps keep your kitchen clean and free of grease stains.
The shapes of the device are varied: round, hemispherical or square. But the process of cooking is the same for any shape: the products are placed inside and tightly closed. As needed, the frying pan is turned over by the clenched handles.
Advantages and disadvantages
First, let's talk about the good stuff. The double-sided frying pan has truly enough advantages.
- Functionality and convenience. Thanks to the use of such a "gadget", the time for cooking is significantly reduced. In addition, no serious efforts are required to clean up the kitchen, and the process of turning is no longer a lottery: will it work or not.
- Almost all models have a non-stick coating, which means you don’t have to worry about overcooking your favorite steak or a piece of fish getting an unappetizing black crust. Even if you cook without oil, you won’t have to worry about this outcome.
- Safety. As a rule, such devices have fairly long handles that reliably protect against heating.
- Sealing of the device. In the production of double frying pans, special heat-resistant seals are used, which prevent boiling fat or water from leaking out.
- Variety of interior surfaces. Often one or both sides have a specific pattern, giving the finished dishes a grill effect.
- A reservoir for draining fat and a special hole for steam release. Thanks to these simple additions, the desired temperature is maintained inside.
- Pleasant appearance and easy storage of the device. Such a frying pan will find a place in any kitchen, regardless of size. And thanks to its interesting appearance, cooking in it is not only convenient, but also pleasant.
And yet, despite the many advantages, there are also disadvantages, although, in the opinion of some housewives, they are quite conditional.
So, the disadvantage is considered to be the impossibility of using the frying pan for baking in the oven - it simply will not fit inside.
Another nuance is that not all models can be used for induction cookers. But, you must admit, this disadvantage is also very, very relative.
Finally, the "minuses" of a double frying pan include the process of washing after cooking. But the happy owners of such frying pans claim that a bad start is better than bad. You just need to get used to it, figure out how to wash it so that the condensate does not pour out at the most inopportune moment. And over time, washing such a frying pan will be no more difficult than washing a regular saucepan or frying pan.
Types of Double-Sided Frying Pans
The division into types is somewhat arbitrary, but thanks to it you have the opportunity to choose the most suitable option for your own conditions.
For example, the presence of a non-stick coating is not recommended for use over an open fire, as excessive heating will cause it to deteriorate.
For induction cookers, only frying pans made of ferromagnetic alloys (in other words, without aluminum) are used. Thanks to them, the device will heat up sufficiently, but not excessively.
Large rectangular frying pans with special markings can be used without an adapter for two induction cooker burners at once. However, the frying pan must occupy 70% or more of the total surface of the combined burners.
It is worth noting that there are also models on sale that run on electricity. Although, of course, such a device cannot be called a frying pan in full, it is more like an electric grill.
According to their purpose, devices are divided into the following types.
- Pancake pan. A classic pancake pan, ideal for making omelettes, pancakes and some types of pastries. This pan has low sides and a smooth bottom. Pans for this purpose are usually made of lighter alloys and have fairly thin walls. But a non-stick coating is a must.
- Grill pan. Has a characteristic bottom pattern reminiscent of the "imprints" of a barbecue grill. Usually, such models have higher walls. They also have a thicker bottom and walls. Ideal for frying fish and meat. And if one of the sides has a smooth surface, they are also used for baking, simulating the cooking process in the oven.
Model rating
Here are just a few popular models.
- Berlinger Haus. This is a well-known German company. Its products are of high quality. Double-sided frying pans of this brand have a three-layer marble coating, guarantee heat resistance and uniform heat distribution.
- Tescoma. A Czech company that makes unusual models of frying pans, consisting of separate blocks with a lock. The frying pan is made of aluminum with a non-stick coating, and the outside is bright enamel.
- "Master of heat". Frying pans with this name are offered by Leomax. These frying pans are valued for their affordable price and the integrity of the design. But the Teflon coating inside is quite thin, so long-term use is impossible. In general, the optimal combination of price and quality.
How to choose
Of course, it is up to you to decide how exactly the double-sided frying pan will look like, which will happily settle in your kitchen. But there are some points that you should pay close attention to.
For example, the material from which the frying pan body is made. As an option, you will be offered an aluminum body with a coating.
If your ultimate dream is a steak, then stainless steel is the right choice. By the way, if you want, you can easily cook a casserole or an omelet in such a frying pan. The only caveat: such models, as a rule, do not have a non-stick coating, which means you need to grease the surfaces with a thin layer of oil or fat, and it is better to use a special brush for this.
There are also models made of cast iron. However, they are extremely rare. The material is quite heavy and the structure is very difficult to turn over. But for field conditions, this is an excellent choice.
When choosing from the proposed non-stick coating options, give preference to titanium. It is resistant to heat, is not afraid of mechanical impacts and is chemically neutral. But such a coating is not a cheap pleasure.
A budget option for non-stick is Teflon. The only drawback is its short lifespan. As an alternative, you can use a ceramic coating or marble chips.
Want to cook quickly, tasty and healthy? Buy a double-sided frying pan. A large assortment of models on offer guarantees a decent choice.
