I had been scouting these pans for months before I got them on sale. I had high hopes but also a bit of trepidation - in case they just couldn't live up to my expectations. GREAT NEWS, Y'ALL - they passed with flying colors. For first use I added a little coconut oil and a sprinkling of cornmeal to the bottom, as I was nervous the bread would stick - but not a sign of sticking as the loaves just dropped right out. Gorgeous almost-straight sides and an unusual squat shape - especially for the smaller size - really make these special and set them apart from my other bread pans. I just love them and can't wait to use them again. And the quality of the materials and the construction mean they'll last forever AND then be handed down to some younger baker when I'm done with them. Yay for Netherton Foundry and Hawkins New York!