When space is tight, it’s easy to assume that you’ll have to compromise on other aspects as well. When things compress, they generally lose some durability or the structural changes have some negative impacts- the reason why futons are rarely quite as good as either a couch or a bed.
Not everything suffers from such changes though. The Cristel stainless steel cookware line with removable handles has proven only more convenient than traditional pans, with only one real downside- we have more space and room to fill up now that the handles don’t consume so much of our storage. OK, that’s not quite true- the handles aren’t quite as stable as normal ones, and they can be a bit more slippery in the hand. Flipping omelets can be a little worrisome.
But it’s a small price to pay for largely interchangeable handles that, like lids, can rapidly take up an entire drawer and more for a set of pots and pans. We’ve been testing out one of Cristel’s Made-in-France L-series frying pans, and like the simplicity and sleekness, with a solid bottom that is perfectly weighted to keep heat even on the surface.
They also make a variety of other models, sizes, and even fixed-handle collections- something for more or less every taste and style and need. Suitable for all types of stovetops, even induction, they can also handle both dishwashers and even use in the oven. Manhattanites and other urban dwellers, take note- Cristel cookware stacks easily and cooks well, and offers a limited lifetime warranty. Expect to spend around $170 or so on the Strate line with removable handles.
