When it comes to kitchen essentials, finding the perfect skillet (or frying pan) can be a game-changer. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a casual home cook, the right skillet can elevate your culinary creations to new heights. Enter the Vermicular skillet—a Japanese marvel that’s as functional as it is stylish. In this blog post, I’ll share my experience with the 26cm and 20cm black oven-safe Vermicular skillets and why they’ve become indispensable in my kitchen.
The Vermicular Skillet: First Impressions
At first glance, the Vermicular skillet stands out with its sleek, black design. It’s not just any skillet; it’s a piece of art that you’d be proud to leave out on your kitchen counter. The minimalist design and robust construction give it a masculine, almost industrial look that instantly caught my eye. But beyond its aesthetic appeal, this skillet is packed with features that make it a joy to use.
Versatility in Cooking
One of the things I love most about the Vermicular skillet is its versatility. I use it for a variety of dishes, from gyoza and pull-apart bread (will update the recipe soon!) to Japanese-style omelettes. The even heat distribution ensures that my food cooks perfectly every time, with a beautiful sear and just the right amount of browning.
Gyoza
Making gyoza at home has never been easier. The Vermicular skillet’s smooth surface means the dumplings don’t stick, and the even heat distribution ensures they cook evenly. The 26 cm size is perfect for 2 people, while the 20 cm is great for a smaller portion.
Pull-Apart Bread
When it comes to baking, the Vermicular skillet excels. I’ve used it to make pull-apart bread, and the results have been fantastic. The cast iron retains heat well, giving the bread a lovely crust while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. Plus, the skillet’s oven-safe feature means I can start on the hob and finish in the oven without needing to switch pans.
Japanese-Style Omelettes
Japanese-style omelettes (Tamagoyaki!) require a skillet that heats evenly and maintains a consistent temperature. The Vermicular skillet delivers on both fronts. The 20cm size is perfect for rolling the omelette layers, and the smooth surface ensures that each layer slides off effortlessly.
Perfect for Busy Mornings
The 20cm skillet is also the perfect size for making packed lunches (Bento!) on busy mornings. Its compact size allows for quick and efficient cooking, making it easy to prepare a variety of small dishes in a short amount of time. Whether it’s frying up some vegetables, making a small omelette, or heating leftovers, the 20cm Vermicular skillet is a lifesaver for hectic mornings. Plus, the grip is incredibly comfortable, making it easy to handle even when you’re in a rush.
Easy Maintenance
One of the main reasons I’ve fallen in love with the Vermicular skillet is its ease of maintenance. Cast iron skillets are notorious for requiring a lot of care, but the Vermicular skillet breaks the mould. Its smooth surface makes cleaning a breeze. A quick wipe with a damp cloth or a gentle scrub with a soft sponge is all it takes to keep it in top condition. Their original cleaning spray is also perfect to keep the skillet looks & feels brand-new. Just simple, straightforward cleaning.
A Stylish Addition to Your Kitchen
Let’s be honest: looks matter. A kitchen tool that’s both functional and beautiful is a rare find, and the Vermicular skillet is exactly that. Its sleek black finish and minimalist design make it a stylish addition to any kitchen. Even when I’m not using it, I hung them visible because it looks that good. It’s a conversation starter and a testament to the fact that form and function can coexist beautifully.
Why Choose Vermicular?
There are plenty of skillets on the market, so why choose Vermicular? For me, it’s a combination of quality, design, and functionality. The attention to detail in the craftsmanship is evident, and it’s clear that this skillet is built to last. The fact that it’s made in Japan, a country known for its meticulous approach to manufacturing, adds to its appeal.
On a more practical side, the Vermicular skillet feels remarkably lighter than others, thanks to its exceptionally comfortable grip. It’s also a breeze to clean, making it a joy to use.
| 20cm | Weight (kg) | Weight (lb) |
| Vermicular Oven Safe Skillet 20cm shallow | 0.7 kg | 1.5 lb |
| Turk Classic Fryingpan 20cm | 1.0 kg | 2.2 lb |
| STAUB Wood Handle Fry Pan 20cm | 1.3 kg | 2.8 lb |
| 26cm | Weight (kg) | Weight (lb) |
| Vermicular Oven Safe Skillet 26cm shallow | 1.1 kg | 2.4 lb |
| Turk Classic Fryingpan 26cm | 1.7 kg | 3.7 lb |
| STAUB Wood Handle Fry Pan 26cm | 2.0 kg | 4.4 lb |
The Vermicular skillet (also wood handle frying pan) range offer a variety of sizes to suit different cooking needs. In addition to the 26cm and 20cm options, they also provide other sizes, ensuring there’s a perfect fit for every dish.
Vermicular size options: 20cm (shallow), 24cm (deep), 26cm (shallow/deep), 28cm (shallow/deep)
Long awaited EGG & TOAST pan recently came out, but it might be only in Japan as of today – July 2024.
Cooking Tips with Vermicular
To get the most out of your Vermicular skillet, here are a few tips:
- Preheat Properly: Give your skillet a few minutes to preheat before adding your ingredients. This ensures even cooking and helps prevent sticking.
- Use the Right Tools: Avoid using metal utensils, which can scratch the surface. Opt for wooden, silicone, or plastic utensils instead.
- Season Lightly: A light seasoning with oil before cooking can enhance its performance and make cleaning even easier.
- Avoid High Heat: Medium to medium-high heat is usually sufficient for most cooking tasks. High heat can damage the surface and isn’t necessary for achieving great results.
- Read through the instructions: The Vermicular skillet isn’t “non-stick”. It can stick if I fail to control the heat properly. It’s always a good idea to read through the instructions as soon as you open the box! After learning some tips from there, you will be able to use it just like a non-stick pan:)
Final Thoughts
The Vermicular skillet has quickly become one of my favourite kitchen tools. Its versatility, ease of maintenance, and stylish design make it a standout choice for anyone looking to upgrade their cookware. Whether you’re making gyoza or Japanese-style omelettes, this skillet delivers exceptional results every time.
If you’re in the market for a new skillet or frying pan, I highly recommend giving the Vermicular skillet a try. It’s an investment in quality that will pay off with every delicious meal you create. Plus, it looks fantastic sitting on your kitchen counter – a perfect blend of form and function.
Where to Buy
Vermicular skillets are available online and some department stores in Japan. Be sure to check out their website for more information on the different sizes and models available. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it. Happy cooking!
Brand Information
Aichi Dobby, Ltd. founded in 1936 and based in Nagoya, Japan, started as a small-town factory producing precision hydraulic components for ships and cranes. Despite being a small factory, it was unique in handling both the casting process, where iron is melted and shaped, and the precision machining process, where the cast iron is finely finished. The company faced challenges in 2001 but was revitalised when Kuni Hijikata (current third-generation President & Co-CEO) joined, followed by his brother Tomo Hijikata (Executive Vice President & Co-CEO) in 2006. Together, they launched the Vermicular brand, known for premium cast iron cookware. In 2019, they opened the Vermicular Village, a multi-purpose facility along the Nakagawa Canal in their hometown – Nagoya, where visitors can experience the brand’s craftsmanship firsthand.
