Tillie Doyle
Lagostina is a French cookware company that manufactures a variety of pots and pans, including the Accademia and Lagofusion lines. The company's non-stick coatings contain PTFE (polytetrafluorethylene), a plastic polymer that is stable when heated and inert, with no chemical reactions to food, water, or detergents. While the company does not explicitly mention the use of Teflon in its products, PTFE is often associated with Teflon coatings. The Lagostina pans are known for their even heating, durability, and ease of use, but some users note the lack of a helper handle and flared rims as minor inconveniences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Non-stick coating | Contains PTFE (polytetrafluorethylene), a plastic polymer |
| Non-stick coating safety | Inert substance with no chemical reactions with food, water, or detergents. Harmless if ingested and not harmful to health |
| Cleaning | Use soft cloths and avoid scouring pads or abrasive detergents. Stains can be removed with a damp cloth or nylon sponge |
| Weight | 1825 grams (4.02 pounds) empty |
| Handle | Stainless steel, well-crafted, and comfortable. No helper handle |
| Heat retention | Good heat retention |
| Flared rims | Does not have flared rims, which may result in messier pours |
| Country of manufacture | Made in Italy |
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What You'll Learn
Lagostina pans are made with PTFE, not Teflon
Lagostina's non-stick cookware is made without PFOA and has a durable non-stick surface that allows for effortless cooking, even with tricky breaded and delicate ingredients. The non-stick coating is so safe that it is used in medical science to coat pacemakers and artery replacement tubular prostheses.
While Lagostina does not use Teflon in its non-stick coatings, some of its product lines are hybrid designs that utilize ceramic or Teflon/PTFE coatings. For example, the Berndes Signocast/Vario Click and Anolon Nouvelle Copper Nonstick product lines use ceramic or Teflon/PTFE coatings, while the Lagostina Accademia product line does not. The Accademia line is a 5-ply hybrid stainless steel frying pan that offers extremely even heating. It is a good choice for those who want the best of both clad and disc-base products.
The main drawbacks of the Lagostina Accademia product line are that it is not available in many parts of the world, it does not have a helper handle, and the pots and pans do not have flared rims, which can make pouring messier. Additionally, while Lagostina describes the Accademia line as dishwasher safe, some users prefer to hand wash their pans to be extra careful. Overall, the Lagostina Accademia pans are a solid choice for those looking for even heating and a durable non-stick surface, but they may be inconvenient to acquire due to limited availability and may have some design drawbacks.
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$24.14 $29.36
The pans are safe for health and are inert
The Lagostina pans are made of stainless steel and have a non-stick coating. This coating is made of PTFE (polytetrafluorethylene), a plastic polymer that is "slippery" and consists of tetrafluoroethylene molecules, containing only carbon and fluoride. PTFE is chemically inert, meaning it does not react with food, water, or detergents. This makes it safe for health, and if ingested, it is harmless and non-toxic. In fact, PTFE is used in medical science to coat pacemakers and artery replacement tubular prostheses.
The safety of Lagostina pans is further enhanced by their even heating capabilities. The pans distribute heat evenly, preventing hot spots that can lead to excessive overheating and smoke production. While any cookware that is excessively overheated will produce smoke, Lagostina's non-stick coating ensures that this smoke is not harmful to humans or pets, except for birds due to their sensitive respiratory system.
The non-stick coating on Lagostina pans is also PFOA-free, ensuring that no harmful chemicals are released during cooking. The pans are designed to be easy to clean, which is essential for maintaining their non-stick properties and preventing the buildup of any potentially harmful residue. To clean, it is recommended to use soft cloths, avoid scouring pads and abrasive detergents, and follow the washing cycle with the drying cycle to prevent stains.
In addition to their non-stick properties, Lagostina pans are known for their solid construction and great heat retention. The pans are quite heavy, made in Italy, and have unsealed rims. While some users prefer a flat handle for a safer grip, the Lagostina pans feature a well-crafted and comfortable stainless steel handle that does not get hot quickly. The pans are also dishwasher-safe, although some users prefer hand washing for better care.
Overall, the Lagostina pans are safe for health and are inert due to their non-stick PTFE coating, even heating capabilities, PFOA-free construction, and ease of cleaning. They provide a solid and durable cooking option for those seeking both performance and peace of mind regarding their health and safety.
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They are heavy and have great heat retention
The Lagostina Accademia 11-inch (28cm) skillet is a 5-ply hybrid stainless steel frying pan. It weighs 1825 grams (4.02 pounds) when empty, which is significantly heavier than the All-Clad Stainless 12-inch skillet, which weighs 1265 grams (2.79 pounds). The weight of the Lagostina pan means that it can get uncomfortable to handle, especially when it is filled with food.
The pan's weight is partly due to its 5-ply construction, which includes two extra-thick layers on the bottom. This construction gives the pan excellent heat retention properties. One user describes the pan as having "great heat retention". The pan is also said to heat very evenly for a cladded pan, providing the best of both worlds in terms of even heating and responsiveness.
The Lagostina Lagofusion SS pan is described by one user as "quite heavy" and having "great heat retention". The user goes on to say that they have "no drawbacks" to report about the pan, except for the unsealed rims. The user has also tried the 24cm version of the pan, which they found to be too lightweight and flimsy.
Lagostina also offers cast iron cookware, which is known for its exceptional heat retention properties and even heat distribution. Their cast iron products are described as "heavy gauge durable enameled cast iron construction" that is "warp-resistant" and built to last.
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Lagostina pans are dishwasher-safe, but hand-washing is recommended
While Lagostina does not explicitly state whether or not their pans contain Teflon, they do mention that their non-stick coatings contain PTFE (polytetrafluorethylene), a plastic polymer that provides a "slippery" surface. This suggests that their pans may have Teflon, as Teflon is a brand name for PTFE-based coatings.
Regarding the cleaning of Lagostina pans, while some sources mention that the pans are dishwasher-safe, it is generally recommended to hand-wash them. Here's a detailed explanation:
Lagostina pans, such as those from the Accademia series, are often described as dishwasher-safe by the company. However, some users prefer to hand-wash their pans to ensure their longevity and maintain optimal performance. Hand-washing can help prevent any potential damage or discoloration that could occur from the high temperatures and harsh conditions of a dishwasher.
The Lagostina website provides care instructions for their products, recommending the use of soft cloths for cleaning and advising against scouring pads or abrasive detergents. They also suggest removing stains with a damp cloth and, if needed, specific products for steel, like their "Polvere di Stelle" cleaner. Additionally, they address concerns about overheating, assuring customers that their non-stick coatings are safe and will not produce harmful fumes, even if overheated.
While the dishwasher-safe label offers convenience, hand-washing Lagostina pans allows for more controlled and gentle cleaning. This is especially important for stainless steel pans, which can develop stains and discolouration if not properly cared for. Hand-washing also gives you the opportunity to thoroughly inspect the pans, ensuring no food residue is left behind, which could impact the cooking surface and affect the taste of future dishes.
Furthermore, hand-washing allows for more targeted cleaning, addressing any stuck-on food or stains immediately. Techniques like deglazing, where a small amount of liquid is added to the pan while it's still hot, can aid in removing stubborn residue and also create a delicious pan gravy. By taking a more hands-on approach to cleaning, you can ensure that your Lagostina pans remain in optimal condition, prolonging their lifespan and maintaining their performance.
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The pans are not available in the USA
Lagostina's non-stick coating contains PTFE, or polytetrafluorethylene, a plastic polymer that is also known as Teflon. This substance is chemically inert and safe for health, even if ingested.
Unfortunately, the Lagostina Accademia line of pans is not available in the USA. This is likely due to the company not wanting to cannibalize sales from its subsidiary, All-Clad. If you are based in the USA and want to purchase a Lagostina Accademia pan, you will need to import it from outside the country, for example, from Amazon UK. This can result in heavy shipping fees, which may be off-putting for some customers.
The only exception to this rule is the 4-quart, 24cm Lagostina Risotto Pan, which is available in the USA. This pan is unique in that it features a cherrywood lid bonded to stainless steel and welded handles, unlike the riveted handles found on the rest of the Lagostina Accademia line.
While the Lagostina Accademia pans are highly regarded for their even heating, they do have some drawbacks. Firstly, they lack a helper handle, which can make them uncomfortable to use, especially when they are full. Secondly, they do not have flared rims, which can result in messier pours. Finally, they are quite expensive.
If you are looking for an alternative to the Lagostina Accademia pans that is available in the USA, you might want to consider the Demeyere Proline. This pan addresses the issues of the Lagostina Accademia, including the lack of a helper handle and flared rims, but comes at a higher price point and may not perform as well thermally.
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Frequently asked questions
The Lagostina Accademia pans are made of stainless steel and do not have a Teflon coating. However, the company that owns Lagostina, Groupe SEB, also owns the Anolon Nouvelle Copper Nonstick product line, which does utilize a Teflon/PTFE coating.
The non-stick coating on Lagostina pans is made of PTFE, or polytetrafluorethylene, a plastic polymer. PTFE is chemically inert and safe for health, even if ingested.
Lagostina pans can be cleaned with a soft cloth or nylon sponge and soapy water. They should not be cleaned with scouring pads or abrasive detergents. For stains, a damp cloth can be used.
