It's no secret that budget-conscious Australians love Aldi: the discount supermarket sets itself apart from other chains with its wide range of products at affordable prices – especially when it comes to its own brand products, which are often of equal quality and a fraction of the price.
Apart from everyday groceries, Aldi is also known for its regular offerings of home appliances, skincare, cosmetics, tech products and other gadgets, which are valued as cost-effective alternatives to more expensive branded items – you can even buy TVs at the supermarket!
Another recent example is the store's Crofton stainless steel cookware line, which shoppers have praised as an affordable knockoff of popular brand Hexclad, famously favored by Gordon Ramsay.
Aldi fans praise affordable non-stick frying pan knockoffs
In the Aldi Fans Australia Facebook group, one member posted a photo of a recently purchased Crofton frying pan, describing it as “virtually identical” to its HexClad equivalent, which has a honeycomb pattern, stainless steel body and non-stick coating.
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“I saw this in the store today and couldn't pass it up,” she wrote. “A very expensive brand of frying pans endorsed by Gordon Ramsay looks almost identical and this is 1/8 the price. If it's as good it's a once in a lifetime purchase!”
It's worth noting that HexClad's 30cm stainless steel pan is a hefty $250, while Aldi's pan is just $35 – but are they really of comparable quality?
“I have it too and have encouraged everyone to buy it as it's so delicious,” one commenter wrote.
“This is better than any T-fal pan I own,” agreed another.
“I've had a similar frying pan and skillet from Crofton for over six years and they're still in good condition,” a third member said.
“I found this pan to be excellent and cheap,” said another.
Aldi's Crofton brand has made headlines before for its cast-iron Dutch ovens, frying pans and griddles, which are (not-so-subtle) knockoffs of France's Le Creuset cookware.
Shoppers complain about Crofton frying pans
But despite the attractive prices, some shoppers warn to avoid these cheaper alternatives if you want your cookware to last.
“They're usually pretty cheap. They work, but they don't last,” warned another consumer.
“It's not going to be the same as HexClad,” a third member said.
“I threw this out the other day,” wrote another disgruntled customer. “It lost its non-stick properties.”
Some shoppers have warned consumers that cooking with aluminum-coated nonstick pots and pans can lead to ingesting toxic chemicals. HexClad frying pans are also made from aluminum, but they're actually sandwiched between two layers of high-grade stainless steel, ensuring that the aluminum never comes into direct contact with food.
“I felt the quality of Crofton was pretty poor,” another Aldi fan wrote in the comments section.
Tips to make your nonstick pans last longer
At this point, others have argued that their experience using the pan was actually pretty good — that is, as long as you don't put the pan in the dishwasher to avoid dulling its non-stick properties.
On that note, another customer said, “High temperatures and the dishwasher are the quickest way to ruin non-stick cookware, due to the harsh chemicals in dishwashing powder and tablets.”
“Don't use spray-on oils as they leave a thin film on the pan and eventually destroy the nonstick coating,” commented another on how to preserve nonstick pans.
“Once the pan has cooled, gently hand wash it,” said a third.
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For $35, it's definitely worth giving this affordable cookware a try, especially with the ever-increasing cost of living. Just be sure to take care of your pan so it lasts as long as possible.
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