Chef's Secret 5-Ply Stainless-Steel Pancake Pan/Griddle with See Through Glass Lid

I couldn’t live without this cool pan. I use it nearly everyday for cookies, roasted veggies and meats. The handles make it so easy to get out of the oven and the lid is wonderful. A good buy!

I received today and used it today. I follow directions and washed the pot with soapy water and vinegar. I went one step further and used a nylon brush and scrubbed the exterior and interior of the griddle. I then rinsed it and did it again. I then washed it with soap alone. I know it sounds like a lot of cleaning, but with people complaining about brown spots I wanted to make sure I got all the factory film that may have been on there.I used the griddle to make pancakes, my purpose on buying this thing. I spray a bit with non stick spray and let it warm up on my induction stove top on medium heat - #6. I prepared my pancake batter as it heated so I say I waited about 10 minutes before actually putting the batter on the surface. The pancakes came out a beautiful golden color and more importantly DID NOT STICK. I also made sausages and I'm so happy with the glass lid- minimal splatter.As for wash up, I had a little of the sausage stick on there and so I poured hot water over it and cleaned off with bar keeper's friend. EVERYTHING came off.The griddle is solid and sturdy. the glass lid is of a great quality. I think those who are complaining of the brown spots need to do a bit more scrubbing with the soap, vinegar and bar keeper's friend.. The instructions does say that the brown stuff will come off, eventually. For those who wash the griddle thoroughly like I did probably will see no brown spots. Another thing is the cooking temperature- do not cook on high heat! let the thing warm up on medium heat, and just be patient as it warms up. I'm happy with my purchase and happy to get rid of the non stick double griddle I had that was peeling.... I will probably get the double griddle later down the road....**UPDATE*** I wanted to add photos of the griddle in action.

first off, I love stainless steel pans. Properly heated and oiled, next to nothing sticks. I have made pancakes, with a few burnt ones when i was adjusting to the heat vs a non stick pan. After i found the sweet spot it has been smooth sailing. My kids love grilled cheese sandwiches, and quesadillas. The lid for this pan makes melting the cheese much quicker.Quick cleanup with a scrubbing pan, and no need to worry about scratching like you would with a teflonor other type of pan.

Lighter tan I expected. Good for vegetables or hashbrowns.

Superior workmanship on this pan. If you get anything stuck on set it on the stove with water, heat and it loosens. Wouldn't advise the dishwasher for it though or any pots in general. If it discolors Barkeepers friend will take care of it. Also like the fact not cooking my meals in chemicals.

The reviews that say this pan is surgical stainless steel are outdated and no longer apply. There is nothing on the box or on the bottom of the pan that indicates surgical stainless steel. It doesn't even say 5-ply anywhere on pan or box--rather it says multi-ply. Who knows what that really means. The information printed on the box is weirdly vague, which makes me suspicious of the quality right out of the gate. Bottom of pan is magnetic, so should work for induction cooking though. Handles are spot welded on, as others have indicated. There is some kind of oil(s) on the pans for shipping (not sure why ... and yuck!) so the pans have to be carefully cleaned before first use, using soap and vinegar, in order to stop them from turning brown when exposed to heat. I suspect everyone complaining of discoloration did not read the instructions about cleaning before using. Based on the reviews, I was expecting surgical stainless steel though so I am sorely disappointed and sending them back (like an idiot, I bought three for gifts before checking one out first). As an aside, in response to the reviewer who said there is no difference between regular stainless and surgical stainless steel cookware--the difference is that regular stainless steel leaches chromium and nickel into your food.