Purchasing Cookware--Need Input

**Cele** · 06-11-2006, 11:22 AM

I have a set of T-fal which is ready to give up the ghost after close to 15 years. I did my research and anodized cookware appears to be a good investment. I bought a set of Calphalon from Amazon.com. It was an excellent price. To this day I believe I got a bum set. EVERYTHING stuck in those pans...it was miserable. I shipped them back and got my money back.

Now I don't know what to purchase. I want something that will last, but I also want non-stick. So, if you love your pans, tell me what you have. Would you buy them again?

**dwallyfam** · 06-11-2006, 11:43 AM

I have to say I use cast iron. If they are kept well oiled nothing will stick to them and they last. I have had some pans for 12 years.

Kellie

**Sara Noel** · 06-11-2006, 12:03 PM

I posted this article last week. Not sure if you read it already, but maybe it will help.
[ame="http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/showthread.php?t=73104"]Frugal Village Forums[/ame]

**QuilterMom** · 06-11-2006, 06:11 PM

We got rid of our nonstick due to the Teflon issues. We purchased Wolfgang Puck stainless steel cookware (individual pieces that we wanted at TJMaxx and Marshall's for a fabulous price instead of a full set that contained pieces we wouldn't use) and we love it.

**PrairieRose** · 06-11-2006, 06:45 PM

I have an old set of RevereWare that I've had for years and years.......We use it all the time and lurve it. My mom has a set that is about 38 yrs. old and it's still going strong.

**baronmom** · 06-11-2006, 09:28 PM

I have Towne Craft cookware. They were very expensive, but I love them. They have a lifetime warranty. They make food taste so much better than the old pans that I had.

**dhmunoz** · 06-11-2006, 10:17 PM

I use Anolon cookware and I love it. They are anodized and very nonstick...I've had them for 4 years so far with no problems at all. I would buy them again and again. They're not cheap, though.

I've heard that the Pampered Chef cookware is great.

**Laurie in Bradenton** · 06-12-2006, 08:25 AM

I have Paul Revere wear also and have used it for the last 20 years. Wouldn't change it for the world and I got it used! My copper bottoms could use a bit of work but other than not shining they cook great.

Laurie in Bradenton

**psjkmom** · 06-12-2006, 01:25 PM

I love my cast iron skillet. Once it's properly cured (which is an easy thing to accomplish) it's as non-stick as Teflon and non-toxic.

**suesue** · 06-12-2006, 08:56 PM

Has anyone ever tried the "waterless" cookware that is on the market?

suesue

**canadian gardener** · 06-12-2006, 09:06 PM

I have and love some Lagostina stainless steel sandwich construction (inner core is heat conducting aluminum) and love them. They are an Italian make, and they were sold at Costco.

I can't use my cast iron anymore, my wrists can't handle the weight.

As for the care and useage of cast iron or stainless sandwich ply, I believe in the old saying

"HOT PAN COLD OIL WON'T STICK" which I taught the kids. Works for any non stick pan.

So the point of that being, gently preheat your pans if you plan to fry or saute something, then pour in cold oil, THEN when the oil is right, put the food in.

And use the old chef's trick, where you let the food stick on the pan for a few minutes, cooking on a low enough heat that it won't char because in a few minutes the crust forms, and it will loosen off the pan just with a little pressure from a spatula or flipper thingy.

That said I do have 2 teflon type coated non stick pans, one of which is strictly for omelettes and crepes, and the other I use for stir frying.

I don't see the point in Teflon for anything you wish to boil, steam or simmer. Moist heat with the exception of soft custards and cornstarch gravies won't stick anyway.

If you do go with Teflon types, pay attention to the heat. It's when heated they give off the most poison.

**MirandaK** · 06-13-2006, 11:30 AM

Originally Posted by QuilterMom

We got rid of our nonstick due to the Teflon issues. We purchased Wolfgang Puck stainless steel cookware (individual pieces that we wanted at TJMaxx and Marshall's for a fabulous price instead of a full set that contained pieces we wouldn't use) and we love it.

DH and have also bought some nice individual pieces at TJ Maxx and Homegoods. Plus you can buy one piece to try it out before you invest in multiple pieces.

**juliek** · 06-13-2006, 03:43 PM

I wasn't impressed with the $140 Pampered Chef frying pan I had. The size was awesome, but the coating only lasted about a year before I had to pitch it. (Stupidly forgetting the supposed warranty.) I never used anything but nylon or bamboo utensils. The only good thing about that experience was that I kept the glass lid and it perfectly fits my favorite cast iron skillet.

I like our stainless Farberware pans, clad around aluminum I think. Very even heat, would have to say better than my cast iron.

**jen k** · 06-20-2006, 10:33 PM

i have a mish mash of pans, some (okay most) are crap. stay away from glass for pots and pans. things tend to stick or burn to the bottom. i have a stainless steel pot (don't know the make because it's about 18 years old) and i love it. i use it to boil and deep fry with oil. my other favorite pan is a 12 inch cast iron frying pan. yeah, it's heavy, but not only does the food not stick (i agree canadian gardener about the hot pan/cold oil, things don't stick advice), but i think it cooks the food more evenly because it distributes the heat throughout the pan (careful not to burn yourself on the handle if you have an iron handle). it's easy to season a new pan, just rub oil or butter on the interior walls. you could just buy one piece and see what you like or you could see what your friends or relatives have and borrow one or two pieces of each kind.

as a side note, i heard something about teflon being a concern but don't remember exactly what that was. could someone refresh my memory on that one. i have alot of bake ware that has teflon coating and i'd like to know if it's safe or if there's something i should look for.

**Cele** · 07-03-2006, 05:42 PM

Thanks everyone. I ended up going with a brand no one mentioned...Cook's Essentials. The set met all of my criteria: nonstick, anodized, cool touch handles, pour spouts, and reasonably priced.

I'm actually home this week instead of traveling (yay!) so I hope to try out every piece in the set before I fly out Sunday.

Here's the kicker: I listed my old set of T-Fal on Freecycle yesterday thinking maybe someone might want old pans/bakeware. I had 30 requests for it in under two hours! I chose a lady who fled her abusive husband and is trying to put her life back together. I'm really happy they went to someone who will use and enjoy them.