Why "no wobble"?

J

JenniferM

Member
Why is it that "wobble" is a concern when buying or using pans? Is it so they sit flat on solid surface stove tops? Does a wobble impede cooking somehow? Or is it just a goal to keep the pan level in all cases? Also, what creates a wobble so I know what to avoid doing when using my CI?

Thanks much for any responses to what I am certain are relatively elementary questions for seasoned CI'ers. :bow::grin:
 
Purely as a collectible, you'd want to get the best example of a piece available. If you have two identical pieces except for a wobble in one, then the flat one is the more desirable collectible.

More practical, as a cooking tool, a wobble is indicative of a warp or pronounced downward bow in the cooking surface. When used on a flat surface, particularly a ceramic cooktop, a bow makes for a "spinner". Such a piece will only contact the cooking surface in the very center and will spin like a top if you lightly push the handle sideways. At the very least this is annoying to cook in. It also tends to make the center a hot spot.

To prevent warping, avoid rapid and uneven changes in temperature. Don't put a cold skillet over a high heat burner. You'll heat just the part above the heating element rapidly at first, causing it to expand. Either heat slowly over med-low heat, or preheat in the oven. Also do not wash a hot skillet under water, the rapid cooling can cause warping as well. I always make sure I can comfortably hold my hand on the bottom of the pan before I wash it.
 
To add to what John said............from a user standpoint, if a pan has a downward bow in the middle, even if not a "spinner," grease or cooking liquid will pool in the middle. Conversely, if a pan "sits flat," but has an upward bow in the middle when cooking, grease or cooking liquid will run to the edges. In either case, not fun to try to fry in. Of course, some of the folks whose frying pictures I've seen on Facebook, it doesn't matter since they float whatever they're frying in grease anyway.
 
Excellent points Kevin! Thank you. Fortunately, none of mine have a wobble. Just noticing in looking for a #10 that I see it referenced in a lot of the listing details.
 
A friend of mine who deals in CI told me that in his experience, Wagner pans are prone to this, generally in size 10 and up. He noted that there'd be no wobble if the pan was used on a gas stove…I countered with I'd just take a lid off my cookstove and let the pan sit in the hole. Well, not really a good solution to the problem and either way, you'd still have pooling of cooking oil.

Say, couldn't cooking with a "spinner" add a flair to your cooking style?
 
You can keep the grease from pooling in the middle of your "spinners" by keeping them in constant rotation, like a centrifuge.:chuckle:
Hey maybe we're on to something here...
"The amazing FAT REDUCING pan! It centrifugally extracts unwanted fats from your food. Just give the handle a spin and watch those extra pounds melt away!!!" :icon_rofl:
 
BenjaminO said:
You can keep the grease from pooling in the middle of your "spinners" by keeping them in constant rotation, like a centrifuge.:chuckle:
Hey maybe we're on to something here...
"The amazing FAT REDUCING pan! It centrifugally extracts unwanted fats from your food. Just give the handle a spin and watch those extra pounds melt away!!!" :icon_rofl:
Click to expand...


Wait, is that not the reason why you are frying in a frying pan, to keep all that yummy grease. Good for the heart.:laughup:

Sorry, but I just could not help myself.

What are pour spouts for. Forget it keep frying.:tasty:
 
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MikeZ said:
A friend of mine who deals in CI told me that in his experience, Wagner pans are prone to this, generally in size 10 and up. He noted that there'd be no wobble if the pan was used on a gas stove…I countered with I'd just take a lid off my cookstove and let the pan sit in the hole. Well, not really a good solution to the problem and either way, you'd still have pooling of cooking oil.

Say, couldn't cooking with a "spinner" add a flair to your cooking style?
Click to expand...

I would have to agree. I have two that have slight warping. Also I see MUCH more WW on eBay that are advertised as having warping to one degree or another.
 
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