The Paderno World Cuisine 12 5/8" carbon steel ceramic coated frying pan has a forged handle and is very sturdy. Ceramic is non-toxic and non-reactive, which eliminates the release of chemicals, toxins and gases into both the food and the atmosphere. These non-stick ceramic coated pans are PFOA-free. Ceramic is energy-efficient, as it retains heat well and in turn requires less. It is economical as ceramic coating will never "wear off" under standard usage, and ensures the pan"s longevity. Its natural non-stick quality allows for healthier preparation since less fat is required during the cooking process. They can reach up to 800F, which is significantly more than non-stick coated pans that can only heat up to 500 F.