The Cuisinart ASP-38CR 15-Inch Paella Pan is marketed as having a non-stick surface and is constructed with steel for quick and even heating according to the manufacturer's description. But, whether it truly delivers on that non-stick promise might depend on how you use it.
From what we've gathered, experiences with this pan are a bit mixed. Many folks really like its large size and design, perfect for making big meals. It's also easy to clean and comes with a handy lid, which is a nice bonus. People have often mentioned that it handles rice and other ingredients well, cooking them evenly and making it great for group cooking sessions.
However, there are a few issues you might want to consider, especially if you're planning to cook traditional paella. Some feedback points to uneven heat distributionāheating up too much in the center and not enough at the edges. This could be a problem when you want to get that perfect socarrat, the crispy bottom layer of rice that paella is known for.
There's also some mention of durability concerns with the non-stick surface. While it works fine initially, a few users noticed it scratches more easily than they'd like. And in some cases, the red paint on the panās exterior showed wear.
So, while it seems like a decent option for general cooking, if you're aiming for a specialized paella experience, you might run into a couple of obstacles.
All in all, the pan has some good features, especially its size and ease of use, but it's worth keeping these mixed experiences in mind if you're planning to use it for cooking a lot of paella.