Aldi's Affordable Egg Gadget Rivals A Pricier Brand For Cheap

Choosing the right pan is a simple way to take your omelet to the next level, but high-quality, hinged models can cost you a pretty penny. Fortunately, Aldi offers a Crofton unit that fulfills all the same functions at a fraction of the cost.

A good omelet/frittata pan takes much of the hard work, like flipping and shaping, out of the equation, letting you focus solely on flavor and stove heat. However, a quality option from top brands can cost up to $50, so unless you eat omelets every day, you may not get your money's worth. Aldi's Crofton pan, however, costs only $12.99, offering the same design features and nonstick coating that make competing tools great. This is a smart choice if you cook omelets only occasionally or are looking to stock a kitchen on a budget.

Keep in mind that, in this case, affordable does not mean low-quality. Crofton products are 100% free of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEO). These are two difficult-to-remove chemicals that can cause harm to humans and marine life, respectively, and are sometimes found in low-quality nonstick cookware. Provided you take good care of this pan, you should have an affordable, long-lasting, safe-to-use option for any future breakfast.

The Crofton omelet pan may be novel to some people, so knowing how to use both of its sides in tandem can save you time and effort when making breakfast. Because of its unique design, it also requires some unique maintenance that can be easily handled with the right tools and know-how.

One of the best things about a hinged pan is that you can start the eggs on one side and saute the toppings on the other. Since it is a little on the large side, be sure to use your biggest stove eye to ensure both sides receive equal heat. Omelets tend to stick if they get too hot, and you don't want your veggies and meats to be undercooked before adding them. Once the bottom of your omelet is ready, close the lid, get a firm grip, and flip to scatter the toppings and finish the top. The flip takes some practice, and it is important to do it quickly so your omelet doesn't accidentally flop over and ruin its shape.

Common mistakes can ruin your pan's coating, like cleaning it in the dishwasher or using it above 500 degrees Fahrenheit. However, since the Crofton model is all about the flipping action, you will also want to maintain its hinge. A food-grade lubricant and penetrant spray, like Food Grade CRC, can do wonders, provided you apply only a thin layer and let it dry before cooking with it.