Q & A

(Questions and Answers)

Q: If SKK is so good, why haven’t I heard of them?

A: SKK is one of the leading manufacturers of handcast aluminum cookware in the world. Throughout Europe, the SKK brand is synonymous with uncompromised quality, combining old world craftsmanship with modern high-tech processes. Admittedly, SKK is still not very well known in the US. The barrier to entry has been the high cost of shipping (including customs, duties, taxes, and fees). At The Serious Chef, we have removed this barrier by absorbing these costs. We offer free international shipping and we prepay all customs fees. A package will never arrive at your door with “duty” still owed.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and various other factors, DHL has dramatically increased their shipping rates. Between 2021 and 2022 the cost to ship a frying pan from Germany to the U.S. rose from $135 to $185. Effective December 1, 2022, DHL added a *minimum* fuel surcharge of $53.27 per package. In 2023, DHL plans another 7.9% rate increase. Despite all of this, The Serious Chef will continue to offer FREE SHIPPING on the Transportation Costs, but we cannot afford to absorb the fuel surcharge too. If we did, we would lose money on every sale. This is the only part of the shipping charges that we pass along to our customers. We hope this is only a temporary surcharge and we will soon be able to return to 100% free shipping.

Q: I see “Ø” before many of the cookware dimensions. What does Ø stand for?

A: Ø = diameter. The first number after Ø is the distance from one edge of a round pot or pan to the opposite edge. This is the size of the pan. The 2nd number (after the “/” symbol) is the height of the pot or pan. For example: Ø 12.5"/2.2" (32/5.5 cm) means the pan is 12½ inches wide, and nearly 2¼ inches tall (or if you prefer the metric system: 32 cm wide and 5.5 cm tall).

Q: What is a hob?

A: What we in the US refer to as a cooktop (or stove), the rest of the world refers to as a hob. Quite simply, it is a built-in cooktop (gas, electric, or induction) that fits into a cavity (often made of granite) in the countertop.

Q: Standard (Pyrex) Glass Lids vs. Safety Glass Lids, and SKK knobs vs. Steam-Release knobs

A: Here at The Serious Chef, we prefer the Standard (Pyrex) glass lids. These lids are much heavier, befitting the quality and weight of SKK pots and pans. However, if you prefer a thinner, more lightweight lid, then choose the Safety Glass. We also prefer the standard SKK knobs over the Steam-Release knobs, because the Standard (Pyrex) glass lids are self-venting. There are 3 small bumps along the base of the lid (where it meets the pot or pan) that allows steam to escape. On the other hand, if you need greater steam-release control, then choose the Steam-Release knobs.