KitchenAid Reviews

The outer frame was welded at a slight angle, making that half of the rack appear bent. Although the 'bend' brought the surface of the rack closer to the countertop, it should not have a material impact on cooling. None-the-less, I was a bit put out by the lack of quality control from a name that has always been synonymous with quality. The rack is large and heavy-weight. Due to its size, I found the best place to store it was on a hook on the wall.

A very good baking pan, heavy enough to provide even heating and non stick performance. I have always baked in them (I have two) but this Christmas I used one for caramels and one for fudge. When the candy had cooled, I flipped the pans over, tapped the bottom and the whole block of candy, plopped right out. When I am done cooking in them, I just throw the pans in the dishwasher and they are ready for the next task. Great handles, make picking them up, while they're hot, a breeze.

Like the other Kitchenaid nonstick bakeware, this square pan is made from very heavy gauge metal and, unlike Ecko and even Wilton, the nonstick coating is thick and durable.

Don't gouge the surface with metal implements, don't overheat the pan (450 F max), and don't use an abrasive nylon pad like a Scotchbrite to clean it. The nonstick surface is so effective that there should be no need for harsh cleaning. Even seriously baked on foods should come off after an hour of soaking in warm water.

There is one odd issue. The square pan isn't really square. The sides are slightly curved, apparently to improve the appearance. If you want absolutely square brownies, you won't like this because the edge brownies will have a curved side and the size will vary a bit. Most people aren't that anally retentive, so this won't be a problem.

Bought this pan recently from Amazon for $97 with free shipping: a bargain considering it retails from stores (and KitchenAid's website) for $140. Incidentally, Amazon are now showing that this pan should retail for $175. My experience with many web stores are that they display the manufacturers suggested retail price as just about anything they like to make their 'sale' price look like a real bargain. If you're into cooking and want good cookware, you'll have done your research so you shouldn't get sucked in to this sales ploy.
Anyway, I love this range of cookware, it is the best I have ever used, and like other reviewers (check out the 8-in skillet review) I think it's as good as, if not better than All-Clad. The range is five layered whereas All-Clad is three, the handles have three rivets (All-Clad have two) and the lids fit much deeper so you can hang the pans with the lids on. You can put them in the dishwasher and they are cheaper than All-Clad. They actually feel smoother and better finished than All-Clad.
Also, All-Clad don't place their main range on sale ever, whereas you can pick up some bargains in the five ply range if you keep your eyes open. They are shiny, classic design and the handles are curved, chunky and comfortable to grip. Bar keepers friend brings up the shine on the pans and removes water spots.
Unlike other reviewers I don't have a problem with the handles heating up on the stove and in the dishwasher - you can't change the laws of physics, and I cook with a towel over one shoulder to grip hot handles with anyway (too much Food Network?). I intend to replace all my pans with this range, it's excellent.