Diamond Earth 28cm Deep Pan with Detachable Handle

Let's see how we go with this one – My 28-inch Baccarat wok/stir fry pan has lasted some 17 years but now it's time for a new pan. After researching extensively I decided to try the Kleva brand Diamond Earth 28cm deep pan with the detachable handle. Overall the reviews I read have been very good. The pan is said to be German-engineered, is PFOA free, lead free, cadmium free and mercury free, so I invested. This pan is not inexpensive so I'm hoping it will last the distance.

On receiving my parcel I was surprised that there were no instructions with the product. Nothing on the box and no pamphlet or sticker included. So I checked online and found an informative "brochure".

The recommendation is to hand wash and dry the pan before using it for the first time. This goes without saying. But then one must apply a little cooking oil and wipe off with a paper towel, and then place the pan onto the hotplate on medium heat until the oil starts to smoke. Apparently "seasoning or conditioning" the pan in this way will ensure its optimum performance over time. Yep, that works for cast iron cookware too. Note, on the pamphlet found online the manufacturer has failed to mention the part about popping it onto the hotplate! This snippet of info is, however, included with the online warranty information.

Another confusing morsel of information is that the online pamphlet says "Never use your cookware in the oven". However, on the online store Klevarange promotes the use of the pan for baking:

"Detachable Handle: Removable handle making it oven safe for baking and roasting once detached. High Temperature Resistance: Maximum oven temperature of 280°C."

Now I'm scratching my head! Is it oven safe or is it not?!

And, most importantly, let's not overlook the fact that there's a link that takes you to a 10 year warranty form that you must complete and "register in oder to subscribe your guarantee". As someone who once owned a cookware store I feel that this information MUST be conveyed to the purchaser in a clear and transparent manner, as not everyone will have thought to look for the warranty information! On that note we must all bear in mind that Australian consumers have rights under the consumer guarantees and can make a claim for a problem with a product under the consumer law, regardless of any warranty.

Now for the cooking. I've used the pan several times. Mostly to cook eggs: scrambled and pan-fried (with barely any oil) and also bacon. Yes, I'm very happy with it thus far. I've noted the manufacturer's recommendation that the pan should be used only a medium heat and, from the reviews I've read I've learned that even a wooden implement can scratch the surface. Bearing this in mind I'm only ever using a soft but sturdy silicone spatula.

Watch this space as I road test this pan further.

EDIT December 2024 The man of the house used the pan one evening when I was busy doing something else. I had previously suggested to him that we could only use a silicone spatula when lifting or stirring food in the pan. In one ear and out the other, unfortunately. He used a plastic wok spatula and left several marks on the surface of my beautiful pan. I'm quite disappointed that a simple plastic wok charn would leave such marks! Surely the coating should be more robust! Fortunately there are no deep scratches and hubby has now invested in a silicone egg flip!