The Circulon A1 Select is a hard-anodized aluminum skillet with a ScratchDefense nonstick coating, sold here in an 8-inch size. The coating is the selling point: Circulon claims it resists scratching from metal utensils far better than standard nonstick, and the raised circle pattern on the cooking surface is meant to keep food off the coating. It suits cooks who want a small, low-maintenance pan for eggs, omelets and quick searing and who don't want to baby their cookware. Against cheaper nonstick pans it trades a higher upfront cost for longer life; against cast iron or stainless it gives up browning and oven-to-table durability but wins on cleanup and weight.
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Lowest price we've seen: $39.99 on Nov 9 at Kohl's. Tracked across 2 stores since Nov 9.
Owners rate it highly, with most praise going to how well the nonstick surface survives daily use and metal utensils. Complaints are the usual nonstick ones: it eventually loses its release and needs replacing.
