The $16.99 ALDI Pan Set I Use For Everything

Crofton is the unsung hero of cookware essentials. The ALDI brand is ideal for cooks of all skill levels, but especially those just dipping their toes into cooking or starting to build their cookware collection. Like many other big-name brands, Crofton’s cookware products are reliable, affordable, and stylish — a trifecta of qualities worthy of any newcomer or pro’s attention. 

As the satisfied owner of Crofton’s Dutch oven, cast iron roaster, and deep cast iron skillet, I fancy myself an expert on the brand’s cookware—which brings me to Crofton’s Nonstick Fry Pan Set, just one of the many incredible cookware essentials available this week at an ALDI near you.

Why I Love ALDI’s Crofton Nonstick Fry Pan Set

Every kitchen should have a good nonstick skillet, and this set provides two for a fraction of the cost of just one name-brand skillet. At $16.99, Crofton is serving up blue and green colorways of the  8-inch and 10-inch nonstick pans that boast easy-release surfaces, stay-cool handles, and the ability to be used on all cooktops, including induction. 

Ceramic pans are great for anyone looking to cook with less butter or oil. They’re also useful when you’re making meals with acidic ingredients such as tomatoes, citrus, or vinegar, since the ceramic pan’s non-reactive design makes it so that your food retains all of its natural flavor. 

What to Cook With Ceramic Nonstick Cookware

I tend to use my nonstick cookware for cooking breakfast. Anything from eggs to pancakes can be whipped up with ease, as well bacon, sautéed veggies, toast, and more. Whether I use the 8-inch pan or the 10-inch pan usually depends on whether or not I have guests, though I’ve found that a 10-inch works wonderfully as a one-pan-does-all type of scenario. 

Other areas where these pans will stand out are when cooking meats such as chicken or pork, steak, and fish. The pans do an excellent job at dispersing heat evenly while providing a nice surface for the perfect sear and an even cook. They can also be used for simmering soups in a pinch, so long as you have a lid large enough to cover the pan tightly. 

As with all cookware, there are a few maintenance things to keep in mind. Avoid harsh scrubbing with steel wool or abrasive pads, stick to handwashing, and use low to medium heat. Remember that once it’s scratched, it’s time to let it go. 

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