Technical question: Saute pan with non-stick coating

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So I've got myself all flustered having just put £50 down on a saute pan with a non-stick coating.

To lay out all the features of the pan, it's hard anodised, with a tri-ply base (aluminium core), has a capacity of about 2.8 litres and its lidded.

I bought the pan with a few ideas in mind. Being non-stick and a saute pan kinda felt like a contradiction, since I won't be able to have it on a very high heat, but then I thought if it distributes heat properly it won't need it. What I've got in mind for it is things like on-the-hob stews and casseroles, risottos, curries, ragus, hob tagines, bolognese, fajita/taco fillings, braising, steaming and frying. I think that realistically, all this is achievable either on a low heat by slow cooking, or on normal heat, but obviously not up high. I frankly even feel it'll be fine for sauted vegetables and potatoes.

Now to detract from the fact that I seem to have it all sussed - I'm doubting myself because a friend of mine, who is a chef, seemed to find the idea of a non-stick saute pan ridiculous. So I'm now left wondering if I should return it and get a stainless steel pan with an aluminium base.

All you budding pan enthusiasts out there, do you think this pan will happily serve my needs, or have I bought a dud?
 
Apparently, non-stick coatings naturally degrade if you have them on the hob too high?

I never quite understood this, as a I have a £15 frypan from sainsburys that is non-stick and has lasted without degrading for 2 years.

What's the purpose of coating in oil if I may ask?
 
Ha ha, thanks for doing some research to bring some facts to the table!

I agree.. it probably is an overpriced frying pan! But I reckon it'll do what I want it to well.

As for the smoking, I've done that before, little did I realise I was toxifying my bacon! Saying that though, has the coating on your pan actually degraded? Because mine is still fine after 2 years.
 
Is it teflon coated, anodised generally refers to an aluminium oxide coating. I thought the anodised pans weren't teflon coated and thus were more versatile. Have you checked the manufacturers info on the pan you've bought because I have afeeling it will not be teflon coated.

edit: had a quick look, I might be wrong there. You do get teflon coated anodised pans.

doesn't appear to be teflon, here is said pan for reference:

http://www.meyergroup.co.uk/circulon/infinite.html
 
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