Scanpan CTX Frying Pan is the latest line of cookware by Scanpan. Scanpan is a Denmark manufacturer of cookware. They are known for their high end non stick pans that ranges from 80-100+. But the question is, is it really worth it to have a high end non stick? This review will take a closer look at the Scanpan CTX Frying pan. we will see how its designed and whether its worth your money.

Scanpan CTX Frying Pan Quick Summary

Categories	Scanpan 11 Inch CTX
Performance	Great
Colors	Brushed Stainless Steel
Brand Awareness	Europe and America
Country of Manufacturer	Denmark
Oven Temp Limit	500°F
Compatibility	All Stovetops Including Induction
Warranty	Limited Lifetime Warranty
Thoughts	A very well constructed pan. The closest rival is the All Clad D5. The major issue is the price tag. For nonstick cookware, once the teflon goes so does the pan. Hopefully the lifetime warranty is honored.
Reviewed Cookware	Scanpan 11 Inch CTX

Scanpan CTX Frying Pan Design

This section will discuss how the Scanpan CTX Frying Pan is design. We will be going over the handle, shape and construction of the pan.

Handle

The handle sure is a looker. It is rounded for a comfortable and ergonomic grip. The base of it has a Y heat choke to keep it cool while in use. Stainless steel also helps in preventing the transfer of heat. The major issue though is how rounded it is. If your hand is greasy, it has a tendency to rotate. Not something you really want when you have a hot scalding pan. One way they could have gotten around this is by using a texture finish. A wooden handle would have also worked as well. Either way, the metal handle makes it feel a lot more robust than the classic design. Those plastic handle makes it feel flimsy.

Shape

Scanpan CTX Frying Pan shape is a very traditional french skillet will no lip. There seems to be a trend among manufacturer to make these type of pans. But I really think its done to save cost. By omitting a rolled lip, all you would need to do is press out a sheet with a hydraulic press. This in turn will save them literally millions. However, in any high end pan, a rolled lip should be expected. That rolled lip helps you pour liquid and prevent it from following the side of the pan.
There is an upside to this design, the higher sidewalls helps you toss food. You need some practice and experience to do this effectively though. You can use a spatula but the sidewall makes it difficult to do so.

Scanpan 5-Ply Construction

The 5 ply construction means that there is 5 layers of metal bonded together. For their configuration, it is as follows. Stainless Steel, aluminum Alloy, Pure Aluminum, Aluminum Alloy and Stainless Steel. This construction is very much like that of All Clad d5 skillet. The extra heft allows it to store more heat and sear food better.
For pans like T-Fal, they typically have a very thin Aluminum wall and weight close to nothing. Those type of pans are not ideal for searing. But the Scanpan CTX is the closest solution if you want to make steaks on it. Just be aware, that non stick usually do not survive high heat very well. You run the risk of releasing fumes at temperature of 570 Degree Fahrenheit and above. I recommend that you keep the temperature below the manufacturer recommended 500 degree Fahrenheit.

Exterior Finish

The exterior is a brushed finish. This was probably done to show off its 5-ply metal construction. On other non stick pans, the outside is usually painted black to cover the aluminum. The paint usually scratch and wear off with use. The brushed finish is more durable and gives it a more high end feel.

Scanpan CTX Frying Pan Durability

As with any nonstick pan, the biggest issue is durability. They tout that the pan is dishwasher and metal utensil safe. And it probably is, but I question how long the non stick will last. Most manufacturer get the teflon coating from the same manufacturer. It is possible that they have developed their own proprietary teflon coating but I doubt it. Once that coating goes, there goes your pan.
They do have a limited lifetime warranty, so hopefully they will honor it. They key thing is the limited part. Some manufacturer will automatically deny your warranty due to mistreatment. Hopefully that is not the case with Scanpan. You are paying 100 dollar for a single non stick skillet.

Caring for your Scanpan Skillet

There are some ways you can prolong the longevity of the non stick finish. Always heat up your pan with oil in it. The oil will regulate the maximum temperature of the pan. This will prevent it from reaching temperature of 500 +. If you see smoke from the oil, it has reached past the optimal cooking temperature.
When you wash the pan, never use scotch brite or a metal scrub. This will just hasten the death of your pan. Clean it while the pan is hot, just be careful not to burn yourself.

Induction Ready

I think this is one of the best benefit of this skillet. Induction stove top provides really fast and even heat. How it works is by using a magnetic field to generate heat. Other pans that do not use metal with a strong magnetic attraction will not work on induction stove top. Metal like copper will not be at all effective in this situation. You need a layer of stainless steel on the exterior like the CTX model.

Thoughts

This is a high end non stick frying pan. Whether its worth it, is dependent on your wallet. There are situation when a heavy duty non stick is needed. Searing is the main reason and you cannot do that well with the vast majority of T-Fal Pans. However, T-Fal pans are incredibly affordable and the Scanpan CTX is not. Are you willing to spend a hundred dollar every few years? The weakest link is the teflon coating, once that goes so does your pan. Hopefully Scanpan will stand by their product and honor the warranty.

I hope you found this Scanpan CTX Frying Pan Review to be informative, If you would like to see more, please visit our Pots and Pans Review page.