I have a complicated relationship with small frying pans. I’d find one on sale and immediately fall in love, with both the price and the instant gratification. The honeymoon phase would last a few weeks, and then my beloved new pan would start failing under pressure. I’d use it for a few more weeks, sacrificing the food quality in hopes of a revival. It wouldn’t last, of course, and I’d start the hunt all over again.
Then, however, I got the Viking contemporary 8-inch nonstick frying pan, and the honeymoon phase is still alive and well after dozens of different uses. It’s the pan I turn to most often, but with a $130 price tag, it might not be affordable for home cooks on a budget.
Viking 3-Ply Non Stick Frying Pan 8-inch
Specifications
- Price: $129.95.
- Dimensions: 8-inch diameter cooking space; 15 inches long (with handle), 1.5 inches deep.
- Weight: 1.9 pounds.
- Color: Blue interior, silver exterior.
- Warranty: Limited lifetime.
- Materials: Stainless steel/aluminum.
- Dishwasher safe: Yes, but hand wash recommended.
Pros
- Lightweight.
- Durable and sturdy.
- Even heat distribution.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
- Longlasting nonstick coating.
- Ergonomic handle for easy holding.
Cons
- Pricy compared to similar pans.
- Handle might be too high for some shorter cooks.
- Inconsistent leveling on different stovetops, particularly gas-powered ranges.
The Unboxing and Setup
I received the 8-inch contemporary nonstick frying pan from Viking for this product review. It arrived securely in a box, wrapped in plastic. I hand-washed it with soap. After drying, it was ready to use.
The Experience
The first meal I made with the 8-inch contemporary pan was what most people turn to smaller pans for: eggs. The pan heated up quickly and the food slid out easily, without any sticking.
I expected a true nonstick for my first use, so this wasn’t surprising. What’s actually surprising is how well it’s held up since I received it this past summer: Over the last few months, I’ve used it for so many things: quick morning breakfasts, sautéing veggies, browning meat, and making tiny batches of sauce.
I have an electric stove and didn’t have any issues with the pan sitting level on top, but it should be noted that some buyers have complained that it’s not a good pan for grates, particularly gas-powered cooktops, as it doesn’t stay level to the burner and can be unbalanced by the long handle. This isn’t everyone’s experience, but something to be aware of.
While the handle makes the pan easier for me to use, a few buyers admit the handle is way too high for them. I’m 5’8” and comfortable using the handle as-is, but shorter cooks may feel like the handle is too long or unwieldy to manage.
The Maintenance
I normally hand-wash all my pots and pans, but since Viking claims this pan is dishwasher safe, I considered that during my testing. Even for the stickiest of sauces, the inside of the pan came out clean without impacting the nonstick coating or quality of the pan. Over the last few months, it’s gone through multiple hand-washing and dishwashing cycles without losing its integrity.
After washing, it’s easy to store inside standard kitchen cabinets. However, the tall handle might make it problematic to stack. I have a pan rack for easy storage, but if you don’t have this, you may want to keep the 8-inch pan at the top of your pan stack.
Viking 3-Ply Non Stick Frying Pan 8-inch
The Takeaway
The Viking 8-inch contemporary nonstick frying pan has become a staple in my kitchen, but it comes with a high price tag, especially compared to other pans that are the same size and have similar features. This pan is slightly more expensive than even high-end models, like HexClad and Caraway.
That said, the pan is durable, long-lasting, and has proven to work through any meal preparation it faces. Given the cost, I wouldn’t recommend it at its current price tag, but if the price drops and you can find a sale, it’s well worth grabbing.
