Century Futuramic Casserole Skillet
- Thread starter rp2813
- Start date
What A Beauty . . .
Looks like a little copper flying saucer!
Looks like a little copper flying saucer!
spankomatic
Well-known member
Very cool!
Lovely to behold, but watch out!
For one thing, they're not immersible for cleaning so think about what you would want to wash out of it. Others here have reported some problem with uneven heating or poor thermostat response or something that makes you think of the old TV show Outer Limits that began, "We have taken control of your TV set" except something alien has control of the pan in which you are trying to cook your food. So maybe line the interior with foil and use it to keep bread or baked goods warm so it will be easy to clean and won't take control of food you are trying to cook.
For one thing, they're not immersible for cleaning so think about what you would want to wash out of it. Others here have reported some problem with uneven heating or poor thermostat response or something that makes you think of the old TV show Outer Limits that began, "We have taken control of your TV set" except something alien has control of the pan in which you are trying to cook your food. So maybe line the interior with foil and use it to keep bread or baked goods warm so it will be easy to clean and won't take control of food you are trying to cook.
Another Flying Saucer Abduction
These cool looking skillets abounded in the 50's because they were extremely inexpensive. The problem lies within the aluminum interior. There is a heating element under a very thin layer of aluminum making it difficult to get a hold on temperature control. When the heating element cycles it scorches and welds food to the thin aluminum floor. This pan works very well as a bun warmer which was suggested and also as a buffet server if the holding temperatures are kept very low.
These cool looking skillets abounded in the 50's because they were extremely inexpensive. The problem lies within the aluminum interior. There is a heating element under a very thin layer of aluminum making it difficult to get a hold on temperature control. When the heating element cycles it scorches and welds food to the thin aluminum floor. This pan works very well as a bun warmer which was suggested and also as a buffet server if the holding temperatures are kept very low.
I Don't Intend to Use It
I just felt it should be rescued since it's in such good condition. It's up for grabs if anybody wants it.
I presume it gets its "casserole" name because the sides of the pan heat in addition to the bottom, or because they're vertical. I saw one pictured on ebay that had a second short grip that could be used to replace the long handle, which would make it an attractive warmer on a buffet table. That's all I'd use it for, and I'd line it with foil or something. My Farberware Fry Pan is of far better quality, and immersible.
This futuramic is indeed cheap and flimsy. All form and not so much function. The heating system is nothing like the standard electric skillet. It makes that grainy Etch-a-Sketch sound when you shake it, like so many vintage electric appliances with heating elements do.
I just felt it should be rescued since it's in such good condition. It's up for grabs if anybody wants it.
I presume it gets its "casserole" name because the sides of the pan heat in addition to the bottom, or because they're vertical. I saw one pictured on ebay that had a second short grip that could be used to replace the long handle, which would make it an attractive warmer on a buffet table. That's all I'd use it for, and I'd line it with foil or something. My Farberware Fry Pan is of far better quality, and immersible.
This futuramic is indeed cheap and flimsy. All form and not so much function. The heating system is nothing like the standard electric skillet. It makes that grainy Etch-a-Sketch sound when you shake it, like so many vintage electric appliances with heating elements do.
I don't think the Century aluminum plant could process aluminum much thicker than 5 sheets of notebook paper. All of their products were so light that, unless they were nested together, a store could not put them out for a sidewalk sale if there was more than a gentle breeze.
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