the white enamel coated steel with maple handle gives it the classic look. wood on the handle protects your hand from the heat, and the wide opening makes the pan easy to clean. the flat bottom conducts heat quickly, making it energy efficient. please do not heat it empty. challenge is to be patient. the challenge is to make it past those first weeks, and months, and years. the challenge is to try to live right now, the best way you can, even if that means barely making it. the challenge is to accept that the future will come. one day at a time. 