Scanpan Cookware Review: Must-Know Pros and Cons

Scanpan is regarded by many as one of the best cookware brands.

Its pans are made with pressure cast aluminum and a 5-layer non-stick coating, resulting in excellent food release and long-lasting durability.

But is it the right cookware for you? What are the downsides? Is it worth the price?

I’ve been testing Scanpan cookware for several months, and in this in-depth review, I’ll share with you:

• How it’s made
• How it looks and feels (with lots of pictures)
• How it performs in the kitchen
• Its downsides
• How much it costs
• And much more

So, if you’re ready to find out if Scanpan is the right cookware for your home, keep reading.

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Use the links below to navigate the review:

• Design
• Cooking Performance
• Scanpan vs. the Competition (Test Results)
• Price
• Downsides
• Scanpan FAQs
• Bottom Line: Should You Buy Scanpan Cookware?

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Design

Let’s begin this review by taking a close look at Scanpan’s design.

Scanpan has multiple collections, but I’ll focus mainly on the Classic since it’s, by far, the most popular.

I’ll also highlight the other collections’ designs to give you an idea of what’s available.

Scanpan Classic

Scanpan Classic features a simple, timeless design that complements any kitchen. Let’s take a close look, starting with the exterior.

Exterior

The pan’s exterior is a rich black, offering a nice contrast against the brilliance of a thick aluminum base. The core is made of 100% recycled aluminum, which is melted, poured into molds, and is pressure (squeeze) cast.

Most aluminum cookware is made with stamped or spun aluminum, which means the metal is essentially bent into shape. Under pressure or rapid temperature change, this type of cookware can easily warp.

The pressure casting process Scanpan uses eliminates this issue. It produces a harder, more durable product, can handle alkaline and acidic foods, and is virtually impossible to warp.

Furthermore, the casting process produces a pan that delivers superior heat retention and distribution.

The pans have a recessed stamp featuring the brand’s logo, origin, and the presence of its proprietary non-stick coating, STRATANIUM.

The pan’s interior and exterior are covered in STRATANIUM, offering a fully non-stick experience inside and out.

Having a non-stick exterior helps repel objects that come in contact with the pan while it’s hot — everything from splattering grease to stray plastic bags that might accidentally brush up against it.

Interior

The Scanpan Classic collection features STRATANIUM non-stick coating. According to Denmark-based Scanpan, it’s the first cookware manufacturer to bring PFOA and PFOS-free non-stick cookware to the marketplace.

STRATANIUM is the result of a two-year research and development process. It is a 5-layer non-stick coating produced from interlocked hard particles and wave-shaped layers.

Take a close look, and you can see a slight texture on the surface. That construction reinforces the surface to withstand metal utensils, high temperatures, and harsh detergents in the dishwasher.

The non-stick coating contains polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), just like any other traditional non-stick offering. It’s designed to last long and stay intact as long as you follow the instructions (don’t overheat it).

The pan’s sides are sloped so you can easily flip food, and the rims are straight to keep ingredients contained.

Handles

The Scanpan Classic collection features black Bakelite handles or knobs on its lids, pots, and pans. The handles are designed to stay cool on cooktops and are oven-safe up to 500°F.

Scanpan boasts rivet-free technology to attach the handles securely to the pan. The locking system makes it so that you won’t have to worry about keeping the spaces around the rivets clean.

The company name is etched on a stainless steel band across the top of the handle. It draws your eyes and provides excellent visual contrast against the black upper handle and base.

Lids

Lids are made from oven-safe glass trimmed in stainless steel. The knob-style handle is a great design detail in terms of function, especially when using it in the oven. The design offers a firm grip, even with a bulky oven mitt or a heat-resistant silicone glove.

While the 12.5-inch fry pan does not come with a lid, you’ll be glad to know that any 12.5-inch Scanpan lid is compatible.

In fact, all Scanpan lids are interchangeable between pots and pans of the same diameter, regardless of the collection.

Other Collections

Most Scanpan collections either feature the STRATANIUM or STRATANIUM+ non-stick coating (I’ll get into the difference between these coatings in the next section).

Only the Scanpan Maitre D’ collection features an uncoated stainless steel cooking surface; the others are non-stick.

Some collections offer variations in construction and design features, including:

• Riveted handles
• Stainless steel lids and handles
• Domed lids
• Stainless/glass combination lids
• Stainless clad exteriors with non-stick or stainless interiors
• Saucepans with pour spouts

Here are a few highlights from the other collections:

Classic Induction (view on Amazon): Similar design to Classic, but with induction compatibility.

Professional (view on Amazon): Stunning brushed stainless handles and domed lids make it stand out.

Pro IQ (view on Amazon): This collection features brushed stainless steel trim around the lids, stainless knobs, and stay-cool handles. Suitable for induction cooking.

CTX (view on Amazon): Satin-finished 5-ply stainless exterior with hybrid stainless/glass lids that make it easy to see what you’re cooking. It’s compatible with all cooktops, including induction.

HAPTIQ (view on Amazon): Polished 5-ply stainless with non-stick interior and glass lids with stainless handles. Great stainless/non-stick set that is induction compatible.

Maitre D’ (view on Amazon): Mirror-polished finish stainless collection; smaller in size for specialized cooking and serving presentation. Available with a copper or stainless steel exterior.

CS+ (view on Amazon): This induction-compatible collection also features STRATANIUM+ and is stainless clad (5 layer construction). The brushed exterior and dark non-stick interior complement each other well.

Pro S+ (view on Scanpan.com): This collection is almost identical to the Professional but features a STRATANIUM+ surface (rather than STRATANIUM).

TECHNIQ (view on Scanpan.com): Features STRATANIUM+ non-stick coating inside and out; glass lids with stainless handles. This collection also features some stainless pieces without non-stick.

Overall, Scanpan’s cookware designs are traditional, but the glass/stainless combination and domed stainless lids set them apart from other brands in the marketplace.

Besides the heavy-duty construction, the main attraction of this brand is the proprietary non-stick coating. I’ll get more into that next.

Cooking Performance

Scanpan uses durable, pressure cast aluminum as the foundation of most of its cookware. As a result, you get nearly warp-proof cookware with exemplary heat retention and precise temperature control.

But, the best part of Scanpan is its ultra-durable non-stick coatings.

Scanpan offers two kinds of patented non-stick coating:

STRATANIUM: Traditional non-stick with a finely textured surface that delivers excellent searing, braising, and deglazing results.

STRATANIUM+: This coating is harder than steel and designed to be 50% more durable than STRATANIUM. It features a prominent textured surface for exceptional searing and excellent food release, making it suitable for home or professional use.

The textured surface is unique to Scanpan. Most non-stick pans have a completely smooth surface, ideal for sliding eggs and flipping pancakes but less than optimal for searing and browning.

With Scanpan, especially the collections that feature STRATANIUM+, the textured surface creates micro-holes that mimic the surface of a classic griddle pan.

That offers the best of both worlds: easy food release and exceptional searing and browning capability.

You can experience STRATANIUM in the following collections: Classic, Classic Induction, Professional, PRO IQ, and CTX.

STRATANIUM+ is featured in these collections: TECHNIQ, CS+, Pro S, and HAPTIQ.

Excluding the Maitre D’ collection, all Scanpan collections feature either STRATANIUM or STRATANUM+. These special non-stick coatings are the stars of the brand.

Here’s why:

• They are PFOA and PFOS-free
• They provide excellent food release
• They can withstand up to 500°F in an oven
• They can be used with less oil for healthier cooking
• They are metal utensil-safe (I still recommend wood or plastic)
• They were tested extensively before production to ensure quality
• They have a 5-layer construction made from interlocking hard particles and wave-shaped layers for a tough, reinforced surface that lasts

Bottom line — Scanpan delivers exceptional non-stick performance, durability, and versatility.

Scanpan vs. the Competition (Test Results)

Scanpan cookware boasts excellent heat conductivity and retention. But how does it perform compared to competitors?

To find out, I conducted a simple test. I poured two cups of cold water into Scanpan, GreenPan, HexClad, All-Clad, Calphalon, and Misen fry pans.

I placed each pan on the same burner (one at a time) and set the heat on high to see which pan boiled water the quickest.

Here are the results:

Pan	Time to First Bubbles	Time to Boil
Scanpan 12.5-inch fry pan	2 minutes and 3 seconds	3 minutes and 5 seconds
HexClad 12-inch fry pan	1 minute and 40 seconds	2 minutes and 30 seconds
All-Clad 12-inch skillet	1 minute and 55 seconds	2 minutes and 55 seconds
Calphalon 12-inch fry pan	1 minute and 45 seconds	2 minutes and 40 seconds
Misen 10-inch fry pan	1 minute and 50 seconds	2 minutes and 25 seconds
GreenPan 8-inch fry pan	1 minute and 47 seconds	2 minutes and 41 seconds

Scanpan took between 10 and 40 seconds longer than the other pans to boil the water. Not a significant gap, but it’s worth noting.

These results were not surprising because the Scanpan frying pan has a much thicker bottom than the other pans I tested.

But the thick construction is what keeps the pan hotter, longer. 

After each pan reached boiling, I poured out the water and set the pans on a heat-safe countertop. After five minutes, I placed my palm on the cooking surface.

The Misen pan was the warmest, followed by a tie between Scanpan and HexClad, and All-Clad and Calphalon tied for third warmest. GreenPan maintained the least amount of heat.

Heat retention is important because it allows the pan to maintain a high temperature when you place cold ingredients inside, resulting in more even and consistent cooking.

It’s the reason why cast iron skillets are so effective at searing burgers and steaks; they have excellent heat retention. Scanpan’s thick cast aluminum base has the same effect.

Overall, Scanpan has excellent heat conduction, retention, food release, and searing ability. Plus, it’s ultra-durable.

Price

Scanpan is a best-in-class choice for premium quality non-stick cookware.

It is made in Denmark and manufactured under strict standards. Therefore, the brand’s offerings are more expensive than most non-stick cookware.

Of course, you’ll get some variations in price based on the product you select or even where you purchase it.

The chart below shows the current prices on Amazon of Scanpan’s most popular products.

Downsides

Even with all of its benefits, there are a few downsides to consider before buying Scanpan cookware.

Price: Compared to other non-stick cookware, the cost is quite high. It’s more expensive because it’s built to last. However, no non-stick cookware will last forever, and Scanpan is no exception.

Maintenance: Since the non-stick coating has more texture than the typical pan, you need to keep this cookware clean to prevent sticking. Cooking sprays can create a residue that interferes with its non-stick properties. Use high smoke point oils and scrub the pan thoroughly with warm water and soap after each use. The recessed logo on the base can attract a fair amount of gunk and requires diligent cleaning.

Induction Compatibility: Some Scanpan collections are not suitable for induction cooking, so read the fine print before deciding which collection to buy. Here are the collections that are induction-compatible: Pro IQ, CTX, HAPTIQ, and CS+.

Heat Conduction: Although Scanpan heats relatively quickly (and very evenly), my test proved that other pans could heat up faster. Scanpan has thicker construction than most non-stick pans, which means it takes longer to absorb heat fully. While I don’t see this as a major downside, it’s something to consider if you’re always on the go and need a thinner pan to whip up meals quickly. 

Longevity: Some claim the non-stick coating lasts only as long as lower-priced options, while others claim it lasts for years. Based on my testing, Scanpan’s 5-layer STRATANIUM coating will last longer than most, around five years on average. Eventually, the non-stick coating will degrade, so don’t expect it to last a lifetime like stainless steel or cast iron.

Heavy: These pans are thick and heavy, great for heat retention and overall durability, but they can be difficult to maneuver around the kitchen.

Simple Design: If you appreciate simplicity, you’ll love Scanpan. But if you’re looking for colors or fancy design features, you won’t find it. 

FAQs About Scanpan

Below are answers to the most common questions about Scanpan cookware.

Bottom Line: Should You Buy Scanpan Cookware?

Now that you know what sets Scanpan apart from the competition, it’s time to decide if it’s right for your kitchen.

Let’s quickly recap its standout features before I offer my recommendation.

• Scanpan’s main selling point is its impressive 5-layer non-stick coating. It’s significantly more durable than other non-stick coatings and features a textured surface that slides like traditional non-stick but sears like cast iron.
• The durable cast aluminum base is virtually warp-proof and provides excellent heat distribution and retention.
• The design is simple and timeless, without bright colors or flashy features. It’s cleanly designed cookware with understated elegance.

The bottom line — Scanpan is one of the best non-stick cookware brands on the market and an excellent value, despite the relatively high price.

So, if you’re looking for durable, high-performing non-stick cookware with a simple yet stylish design, Scanpan is a great choice.

You can find cheaper and more elegant-looking non-stick cookware, but very few brands can match Scanpan’s durability, searing ability, and heat retention.

If you’re ready to buy or want to read more reviews and check the current pricing, you can find Scanpan on Amazon.

You can learn more about how Scanpan compares against its biggest competitors in the articles listed below.