After hearing the name of Sardel Cookware, you will be eager to read the Serdal Cookware review. Don’t worry this is the detailed guide with pros and cons of Serdal Cookware.
A number of start-ups have recently forayed into the cookware industry. Out of them, Sardel Cookware has taken the industry by a storm with their well-built products and fair pricing.
The brand was found by three Italian brothers who were fed-up with poorly made cookware. So, they launched a range of strong, sturdy stainless steel cookware that are easy to use and durable.
Let us delve into its detailed review discussing its performance, safety, durability, aesthetics, pros and cons.
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Sardel Cookware Range
Sardel sells cookware made of stainless steel and carbon steel.
When you scout around for stainless steel cookware, most options you find are made of 3 ply stainless steel which has a single layer of aluminum sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel.
Sardel, on the other hand, has 3 layers of aluminum at the core and a layer each of stainless steel at the top and bottom. This way, it has superior construction quality and better performance compared to many other brands.
The main advantage of Sardel’s stainless steel range is that owing to the 5 ply construction, it heats up quickly, retains the heat and you get a more precise control over heat adjustment.
The non-stick skillets from Sardel have a 5 ply stainless steel base and non-stick coating on top of it. The coating is infused with stainless steel and is free of PFOA. This along with the honeycomb design ensures a durable and tough non-stick surface.
The company has also recently launched a range of carbon steel skillets. It heats up as fast as stainless steel and once seasoned, it develops a non-stick surface, thus giving you the best of stainless steel and cast iron.
Sardel 5 Ply Stainless Steel Cookware
The stainless steel range comprising skillets, saute pan, saucepan and stock pot are sold individually at prices ranging from $80 to $155. When bought as a bundle, the prices are discounted.
The skillets are available in 10 and 12 inch sizes with and without non-stick coating. The saucepan has 2 Quart capacity, while the Saute pan has 4 Quart capacity. The large stockpot has an 8 Quart capacity.
They sell two bundles. The first comprises a 10 inch skillet, saucepan, stock pot and two lids. The full bundle comprises their entire stainless steel range including the 2 non-stick pans with a total of five lids.
Pros
- Excellent build quality with 5 ply stainless steel
- Heat resistant handles
- Uniform heating and heat retention
Cons
- Takes around 2 weeks for delivery
Safety
Stainless steel and carbon steel cookware sold by most brands are safe. The concern is always with non-stick cookware. And Sardel passes this test with flying colors.
The non-stick range is considered to be safe and healthy. Being infused with stainless steel, the coating is quite durable and doesn’t flake off that easily.
That being said, non-stick cookware shouldn’t be heated above 500F as it could discolor the coating and also emit toxic chemicals into the air.
Sardel markets their non-stick range saying it is free of PFOA. But, this isn’t something specific just to Sardel as all teflon cookware sold since 2013 are PFOA-free.
Performance
Uniform heating and heat retention are important parameters when it comes to analysing the performance of a frying pan. Sardel excels in both these aspects.
As mentioned, Sardel offers 5 ply stainless steel with 3 layers of aluminum. That is why irrespective of the burner size, the pan heats uniformly throughout with no hotspots.
Further, you can adjust the temperature of the pan quickly, thus giving you a better control over the cooking process.
When conducting the famous flour test by spreading a thin layer of flour on the pan and heating it, the flour gets uniformly brown with no burnt spots. So in practice, you get perfectly seared fish and meat when cooked in Sardel’s stainless steel skillets.
The non-stick pan too heats up uniformly. It also releases food quite easily with a slight stir or shake.
Another advantage of the stainless steel range is that it has long, ergonomically designed handles that are hollow. So even when used on for a long stretch, they don’t get hot. The handles are always comfortable to touch.
Build Quality and Aesthetics
As mentioned, Sardel cookware is made of 5 ply stainless steel which ensures superior performance. Due to its excellent construction quality, the skillets don’t warp even when heated to 480 degree F.
The weight distribution is just perfect. You find the pans neither too heavy, nor too light. Also, the long, well-designed handle gives enough leverage for tossing and flipping food easily.
As the cooking surface has rounded edges, it is easier to flip the food with spatula. The closed rims also protects the cookware from splitting.
Durability
One of the common problems with non-stick pans is that their coating peels off quickly. As Sardel uses stainless steel infused coating, it is quite durable and doesn’t peel off that easily.
The 5 ply stainless steel is also well-constructed that the manufacturers claim it can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance.
Moreover, the manufacturers offer a 30 day risk-free trial. So, if you are not satisfied with its quality and performance, you can return it.
Ease of Cleaning
The non-stick range of skillets from Sardel is quite easy to clean. With a few drops of dishwashing liquid and a soft sponge, you can get rid of the grease and stains in no time.
The stainless steel range can also be cleaned the same way. But, as expected it takes a bit more effort compared to the non-stick pans. If you have burnt food, you may have to soak the pan for a while before scrubbing it. Alternatively, the manufacturers recommend boiling soapy water to dislodge the burnt residue and then cleaning it as usual with a scrub.
Stovetop/ Induction Compatibility
All ranges from Sardel cookware can be used on induction, gas, electric and glass cooktops. The non-stick cookware are oven-safe up to 480F and the stainless steel cookware upto 500 F.
Dishwasher Safety
The stainless steel cookware range from Sardel is dishwasher safe.
Pricing
Being a direct to consumer brand, Sardel is able to cut-off middle men and sell high quality products at reasonable prices.
Their non-stick range however tends to be a bit more expensive as the coating is laid on 5 ply stainless steel.
Sardel Carbon Steel Cookware
Sardel sells carbon steel skillets in the sizes 10, 11 and 12.5 inches. They are sold starting from $75 onwards.
Safety
Carbon steel, as the name suggests, is made of 99% iron and 1% carbon. As it is made of natural material, without any additives or coating, they are completely safe even when heated to a high temperature.
Performance
The carbon steel skillets from Sardel are excellent in terms of heat retention and the ability to achieve a perfect sear.
It needs to be seasoned before first use. And once it is correctly seasoned, it works as good as a non-stick pan.
Due to its excellent construction, the pan heats up quickly and has no hot spots. You can saute vegetables, sear fish and meat and make omelette easily and to perfection.
A drawback however is that the handles of the carbon steel pans get hot when kept on the stove top for an extended duration.
Build Quality and Aesthetics
The carbon steel pans from Sardel are quite lightweight and they appear durable too.
The weight distribution between the pan and the handle is excellent. The handles are long enough to toss food easily and textured so that you get a good grip.
The cooking surface has a rounded corner that makes it easy to access the food with a spatula. However, a drawback is that this results in a lesser cooking area. For example, the 10 inch skillet has just an 8 inch cooking surface, while the 12 inch skillet has a 11 inch surface.
Durability
Just like cast iron, carbon steel cookware are also quite durable and they last a lifetime. However, it needs to be maintained properly to prevent rusting and preserve the seasoning.
Ease of Cleaning
Sardel’s carbon steel pans are fairly easy to clean due to its non-stick nature. In case of burnt food getting stuck, you may boil the pan with soapy water and then scrape off the food residue.
However, it needs to be dried off after washing to prevent rusting.
Stovetop/ Induction Compatibility
The carbon steel cookware is compatible on gas, induction, electric and glass stoves. It is oven safe too and can be heated up to 600F.
Dishwasher Safety
Just like cast iron, carbon steel skillets are not dishwasher safe. They react with the detergent and the seasoning gets stripped off.
How To Season Carbon Steel Skillet
- First apply a thin layer of oil over the pan. Preferably, use an oil with a high smoke-point, like canola or grapeseed.
- Wipe off any excess oil with a dry paper towel so that it appears like there is no oil on the pan.
- Heat the pan on the stove top till the oil begins to smoke. Turn off the heat and allow it to cool.
- Repeat it a few times till you notice the color of the cooking surface turning blackish in color.
Conclusion
Overall, with excellent construction quality and reasonable pricing, Sardel cookware is a value-for-money option to consider. Their products are well-built and they last a lifetime with proper maintenance and care. So, if you are looking to buy pans and pots once and for all, then the Sardel Cookware would definitely be an excellent option to consider.