I am used to purchasing the T-Fal non-stick frying pans and pots so when I was sent the T-fal PerformaPro Frying Pan, I wondered how it would hold up against their non-stick products. The frying pan I received was their 10.5"/26cm sauté pan – part of an extensive series that you can buy as a kit or in separate pieces. There is no non-stick coating on these but, after testing it, I can see that having both types of pans in your collection will help you be a better cook.

The frying pan is just about double the weight of the same size frying pans that I have that are non-stick, but it is still not as heavy as cast iron pans. The surface of the frying pan is not smooth; there is a pattern of raised ovals which T-fal calls Techno Release, which is supposed to help keep foods from completely sticking to the surface. This is great for doing things like steaks, pork chops, chicken breasts and parts, vegetables and large items; but not great with things like pancakes, crepes, eggs and foods that will mold themselves to the bottom of the pan. Stick with T-fal’s non-stick pans for that.

The pan has a thick base, which means it works on all stovetops. The handle is rivetted in place and has a nice silicone wrap around the bottom side of it, making it easier to hold. If you are doing steaks or thick cuts of meat, these frying pans are great for browning the outside of the meat on stovetop, and then placing in the oven to finish it off. The pan is oven safe up to 400 °F/209 °C. This is something that you would not be able to do with most non-stick frying pans. It is also dishwasher safe, which makes clean up a breeze.

After the first use, I did notice some residue left on the frying pan, but it did not diminish from how it performed. You will see in the review video a quick recipe that I just put together on the spot using shrimp, cream cheese, whipping cream, garlic, fresh vegetables and freshly made pasta. I would provide a proper recipe if I had one, but it worked well in the frying pan.

The PerformaPro pan is a great item to add to your cookware collection. I have mostly used non-stick pots and pans for cooking, but always envied the capabilities of putting stovetop cook wear in the oven when I have seen it done on cooking shows. I like that with the heavy base, it won’t be warping as cheap frying pans would, so it will sit flat on your stovetop for a long time. It comes with a lifetime limited warranty so you know T-fal is trusting its products will last.

The product is sold in store or online either as PerformaPro or as Techno Release. The frying pan alone is about $55: affordable for a good quality pan. You can get it as part of a kit with pots, other sized pans and lids for $190 and up.

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Contributor Steve Polyak |

Topic Product Review | T-Fal |