Test Drive: The Fry Family
The Fry Family includes both best-selling nonstick skillets from Great Jones, the Large Fry (10 ¼” diameter) and the Small Fry (8 ¼” diameter). These skillets feature a stainless-steel exterior with a nonstick ceramic interior.
The nonstick interior features a nontoxic German ceramic coating that's better for your health and the planet than traditional coatings. Thankfully, this coating is free from harmful chemicals and Teflon materials, so you can rest assured that you and your loved ones are safe.
These skillets are "fully clad," which means they're built with layers of bonded metals which helps to increase durability. In this case, the skillets feature an aluminum core, which promotes quick and even cooking. In addition, they feature the signature Great Jones handle, which is ergonomic and stays cool while cooking to prevent burns. The Fry Family is completely oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and it also works on induction stovetops.
Since receiving these skillets, I've used them several times. I've sauteed mushrooms to crisp perfection and made a small batch of oh-so-sweet caramelized onions in the Small Fry. And in the Large Fry, I've cooked wontons, tofu, potatoes, breakfast burritos, grilled cheese sandwiches, and more.
The Large Fry quickly became my go-to skillet, but I also adore my Small Fry. These two beauties allow me to multitask any meal without cluttering the stovetop too much.
The Large Fry quickly became my go-to skillet, but I also adore my Small Fry. These two beauties allow me to multitask any meal without cluttering the stovetop too much. And since I can put them in the dishwasher, they're a snap to clean. Both pans heat up fast on my electric stovetop and, if the browning patterns are to be believed, the heating is even.
I'm delighted to report that nothing burned or stuck even with my tendency to use too much heat and not enough oil. The nonstick surface is super slick and improved my cooking process. In addition, the handles seem well-balanced, and they never even got close to hot, which I credit to the Great Jones U-shaped handle.
Overall, I highly recommend the Fry Family for any home chef. I have a feeling that these skillets will provide years of happiness, and it's a steal at $125 for the pair.
Test Drive: Hot Dish
The Hot Dish is a 9"x13" stoneware casserole dish that's ready for anything from lasagna to brownies to a small holiday roast. It comes in three self-explanatory colors: broccoli, blueberry, and mustard. And it has an eye-catching pattern that makes any meal look a bit more appetizing.
Unlike many handle-free casserole dishes, the Hot Dish features the signature oversized handles made famous by The Dutchess. The handles are designed to be easy to grab confidently with oven mitts using all four fingers. In other words, no more worrying about dropping that beautiful meal you spent time and money preparing because now you can actually grip your casserole dish. And it’s microwave-safe, so you can quickly heat leftovers.
The Hot Dish weighs a hefty five pounds, giving it a sturdy appeal. The stoneware ceramic material can withstand temperatures of up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. It's designed to conduct heat evenly and slowly for a gentle bake, and it is dishwasher-friendly for stress-free cleanup. Additionally, the Hot Dish can double as a roasting pan and cook meals large enough for the whole family. And you can do it all while using minimal oil.
The moment I removed the Hot Dish from the box, I was in love.
The moment I removed the Hot Dish from the box, I was in love. I appreciate the weight (though at five pounds, I'm glad it has handles!) and love the design on this workhorse. And it proved equally perfect for a large eggplant lasagna and a double batch of brownies.
Cleanup was way easier than I expected, especially with the lasagna, which I finished in the broiler to crisp the cheese a bit. Everything that was stuck on wiped right off after soaking for a few minutes, and it looked like new when I pulled it out of the dishwasher. The same was true for the brownies, but I'm pretty thorough with cleaning out the pan with a spoon before it ever reaches the sink.
Nothing burnt and, while I didn’t pop the pan in the microwave, I love that it’s microwave-safe for leftovers. In addition, the Hot Dish is multifunctional, big enough to feed a group, and makes me feel safe with spacious handles. As you might have guessed, I have zero complaints.
I'd recommend the Hot Dish to anyone looking for a reliable baking pan that will last. At $75, it's half the price of comparable stoneware options, and you'll never want another casserole dish without handles again.
