Swiss Diamond Cookware Review & Giveaway ($160 value)

A few weeks ago I was contacted by Swiss Diamond to do a product review of their cookware.  Having never previously heard of their brand, or of cookware made with diamonds for that matter, I was intrigued. What makes Swiss Diamond cookware unique is that it features a patented nonstick cooking surface reinforced with real diamond crystals, making it extremely durable. The nonstick coating makes it easy to prepare food (without oil!) and makes clean-up quick and easy.  

Since I've been making attempts to move away from Teflon and nonstick cookware in our kitchen due to health and environmental reasons, I was a little nervous about the nonstick surface. After doing some more research, I learned that most of the concerns about the health and environmental impacts of Teflon and nonstick surfaces have to do with PFOA, which is a chemical used in the manufacturing of nonstick cookware.  However, Swiss Diamond does not use the namebrand Teflon coating or PFOA in their nonstick coating. And, since the diamond surface conducts heat much better, the pans can be used at a lower heat than most nonstick pans.

My other initial concern was about the diamonds themselves due to environmental and political reasons.  However, the fine diamond powder that is used in the pans comes from industrial-grade diamonds sourced from European mines. I was told that industrial-grade diamonds are not actually that rare as it is only jewelry-grade diamonds that are hard to find. Swiss Diamond also told me that they are 100% certain that the diamonds do not come from conflict zones. 

I opted to test their 10-inch non-stick fry pan with a lid and was super stoked when it arrived in the mail last week. The first test? Sautéing broccoli -- without oil. I'm not against cooking in oil, but sometimes I just want something on the lighter side.  It was a miracle. No sticking, no burning, and everything turned out evenly cooked.  I also had great results with a tofu scramble and vegetable stir-fry and clean up was a breeze!

While cooking I was really impressed with the uniform heating of the pan and how quickly it heated up, even using a low temperature. The pan is a nice weight and feels sturdy, but is half the weight of a cast iron skillet making it easy to flip items one-handed (my favorite kitchen trick). I also found the handle to be really comfortable. 

I also appreciate that Swiss Diamond is focused on sustainability as all of their cookware is made in Switzerland with an eco-friendly production process, including the use of hydroelectric power from the Swiss Alps. Additionally, the pan's nonstick coating is PFOA-free and the aluminum bodies are recyclable. 

If cared for properly, the Swiss Diamond products have an extremely long lifetime (preventing landfill waste) and will not peel, crack, or blister. Some of their care suggestions include cooking at low to medium temperatures, using the right utensils (I used wooden spoons), washing mostly by hand, and not preheating the pan longer than 5 minutes. (See full use and care instructions here.)

If you're excited about trying this pan, it's your lucky day because Swiss Diamond is offering their 10-inch nonstick fry pan (with lid) (pictured above) to one lucky reader! To enter: you must have a US mailing address (sorry to my international readers!) and use the Rafflecopter below for up to 3 chances to win.  The giveaway will close on Sunday, December 23rd and the winner will be chosen randomly.  Good luck!

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