Ballarini Pisa Forged Aluminum 12-inch Nonstick Fry Pan, Made in Italy

I have owned two Ballarini 13-inch skillets over the past twenty years, both with black non-stick coating. Bought at a grocery store for $10-$15 apiece, they each lasted about ten years with moderate-to-high use. The last one finally gave up the ghost a year ago, no flaking of the coating but the non-stick property was fading. There was no warping at all, ever; the pans laid totally flat even on our ceramic cook-top. Anyway, the grocery store no longer carried this product and I couldn't find it anywhere else. Enter Amazon. There was no 13" available, only a 12" but I was thrilled to find it and OK with paying $40. Free markets and all. I bought it a few months ago and it is performing just like its predecessors. Completely happy with my purchase. I may have to buy another just to keep in reserve.I rarely take the time to write such a lengthy (and glowing) review. Frankly, such reviews can be annoying and not helpful. Sorry, but this is a really good product.Update: After 18 months of use, this is still my go-to pan. It even accepts gentle use with metal utensils and there has been no scarring of the surface finish. Still highly recommended. I bought one as a gift this year.

I’ve been trying to find a good replacement pan for a while now. I also wanted something that wasn’t made in China. (See photo)This pan was worth the wait. At first I thought the little dot that shows when the pan is heated up, was an unnecessary gimmick, but I actually appreciate that it’s there now. (See photo) I find that my old technique of holding my hand above the pan, was not as accurate as the dot!I’ve sautéed chicken, and it browned perfectly, I’ve made eggs that didn’t stick at all, and I’ve carmelized onions, which also came out perfectly. This pan does it all well, and cleans more easily than any other I own. Even in between 2 different things I was cooking in it, I simply took a paper towel and wiped once around the pan to start with a blank slate.It didn’t come with a lid, but I happened to have one that fit, so that worked for me, but you might want to buy one if you don’t already have one that will fit.

This item took so long to get to us that we re-ordered (at Amazon's suggestion). After we received the second one, the original one showed up, and I thought we should return it. But my husband (who is the purchaser for this item) loves it so much that he kept both of them so he'll have a replacement when the one he uses first wears out.

I purchased this pan in February of 2019 - and probably used it 4-5 times a week for eggs, and randomly for other things. I took good care, only used plastic, silicone and wood utensils.A couple months ago I noticed the non-stick coating started to flake off --- I guess I was eating it. And now I see bigger pieces of the coating pulling away.I don't know if this is normal wear and tear for the amount of cooking I have done - but it seems kinda new for this much damage.

After opening the packaging I noticed that the pan was dented/bent in at end opposite the handle.

Best pan ever!