Proteus

2021

Developed for bachelor program dissertation.

An skillet with interchangeable cooking surfaces, an ergonomic handle, and a vintage modern design.


Brief


Design a space-efficient, durable skillet to solve issues like non-stick coating wear and storage challenges. This project was inspired by the aim to innovate kitchenware, with skillets identified for improvement.


Research


Issues with Current Skillets

Limited Lifespan of Non-Stick Pans

Non-stick pans degrade from use, posing health risks and environmental waste due to their fragile coating.

Storage Challenges

Bulky pan handles and the need for various cookware types clutter small kitchens and strain budgets.

Ergonomic Challenges of Handles

Skillet handle issues, including heat-conductive materials causing burns, non-oven-safe plastic, slippery grips, and imbalanced weight, impair safety, usability, and the cooking experience.

Pan Warping

Warping in pans, caused by thin materials or poor tempering, leads to uneven surfaces and cooking.

Suboptimal Pan Curvature

Pan curvature influences cooking: steep sides limit searing, shallow sides hinder tossing.


Development


Mood Board

Idea Generation

3D Modeling Iteration

Design Language

The design modernizes vintage French copper cookware with an updated handle, colors, angles, and a larger cooking surface.

Ergonomics

The handle features an ergonomic design with thumb and index finger support for comfortable extended use, made from stainless steel for better heat dissipation.

Made out of Stainless Steel

Heat Pass Through

Comfortable and Grippy

Indentation for the Thumb

Bump for the Index Finger

Materials and Manufacturing

The skillet features a multi-clad base, a layered cooking surface with stainless steel and PTFE for non-stick versions, and durable blackened stainless steel handles, offering enhanced durability and warp resistance.

Cladding Process

Punching Process

Handle Bolted to the Base

Tap on the white dots to learn more

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Orthographic Drawing

Mechanism

The cooking surface attaches and secures to the base with four pins and cutouts, using small handles turned clockwise to align and fix it to the main handle.

Pins Connected to the Handle

Cut Outs in the Base

To Detach: Turn the Small Handle Counterclockwise and Lift Up

Named after Homer’s “Old Man of the Sea,” the “Proteus” pan symbolizes flexibility and adaptability, with a logo where “us” mimics a pan in copper, echoing its material and name.

Branding


Final.Design


The Teflon Surface for Cooking Fragile Foods. Example: eggs and fish

The Stainless Steel Surface for General Cooking. Example: pastas and sauces

The Cast Iron Grill Surface for Grilling. Example: burgers and steaks

The Cooking Surfaces Fits in the Dishwasher with No Handles in the Way

Change the Damaged Teflon Cooking Surface with New One

The Cooking Surface Fits in the Oven and the Main Handle Stay Cool

Features

The skillet offers an interchangeable surface, oven and burner compatibility, easy cleaning with dishwasher-safe design, a contrasting copper base, and an ergonomic handle.


© 2024 Amirali Mirhashemian. All rights reserved.