Need to buy new pots/pans...

[ilovesabzi]

Hey guys!!

So, I've moved into a new place and realized it's time to buy some new cookware. I've been researching different kinds and I'm thinking stainless steel may be the way I go (but I'm not sure yet).

I wanted to see if anyone had any suggestions on particular brands and what the most eco-friendly/safe (i.e., no leaching etc...) types are.

Thanks a lot!!

[Sam Dude]

Personally, I prefer Teflon coated over stainless steel, but that's because I keep burning stuff and it's easier to clean.
:D

[MrFalafel]

LeCreuset all the way. I'm in the process of replacing my kitchenware with selected enameled cast iron cookware. Once you cook with this stuff, you can never go back other pots and pans.

http://www.lecreuset.co.uk/Product-Range-uk/Cast-Iron-Cookware/

[Lentil Burger]

LeCreuset all the way.They're not veggie. You need to have gorilla wrist transplants to lift them. :p

[MrFalafel]

They're not veggie. You need to have gorilla wrist transplants to lift them. :p

Good food must be earned ...

[meegie lee]

Le Creuset or any other enameled cast iron is...amazing.

For stainless steal I use Calphalon Try-Ply...the heat distribution is nice. Unfortunately I have an electric stove with tilted coils, so...:brood:

I have an Emeril-ware cast-iron grill pan, which is okay, not great. However, I am in love with my Lodge cast-iron skillet. Beware the intruder that would mess with me if that thing was in reach...:D

[ilovesabzi]

Thanks for the info!

The Le Creuset seems amazing but is a littttle out of my budget for the kitchen. :( Maybe in a few years...

So I stumbled across some "eco-friendly" cookware at Target. Has anyone heard of EarthPan? ( http://www.earthpan.com.au/store/brands.asp?BrandId=7 ) My biggest hesitation with this is the aluminum... I've heard it's better if there's copper (even though they're always covered with the stainless steel).

[hoodedclawjen]

i've got an earthpan- its ok as far as nonstick goes, and i haven't gone senile yet. the coating hasn't come off yet either- unlike my teflon ones :(.

stainless steel is great, thats what i usually use, but you do need to learn how to not burn or stick things to the bottom of them, or be a pretty mean scourer.

cast iron is good if you have superhuman strength or a chainwinch in your kitchen, but otherwise i find it a bit impractical for everyday use. cos i'm weak.

[Fyvel]

For pots I prefer stainless steel. For a frying pan, I love love love my cast iron. Yes it's heavier than most, but I don't move it around that much (I just leave it out on the stove :p). Picking it up with two hands helps too. And that little bit of extra exercise is good! :)

[hoodedclawjen]

For pots I prefer stainless steel. For a frying pan, I love love love my cast iron. Yes it's heavier than most, but I don't move it around that much (I just leave it out on the stove :p). Picking it up with two hands helps too. And that little bit of extra exercise is good! :)

you're gonna nip over and lift mine up for me a few times a day then- for your health? :p :D

[Fyvel]

you're gonna nip over and lift mine up for me a few times a day then- for your health? :p :D

You would use a cast iron skillet a few times a day? :p

I don't find them that unwieldy (especially with two hands). Definitely worth the 'trouble' (and I've got some kind of wrist pain thing going on that is currently under investigation as carpal tunnel or arthritis). I think I just really love love love the cast iron - once you've got it seasoned properly, things don't really stick and it makes things so nice and crispy and perfect with just a small amount of oil :smitten:

[hoodedclawjen]

You would use a cast iron skillet a few times a day? :p

if someone else was picking it up, sure. i'd probably consider serving cereal out of it, just to be cruel. :D :sealed:


I don't find them that unwieldy (especially with two hands). Definitely worth the 'trouble' (and I've got some kind of wrist pain thing going on that is currently under investigation as carpal tunnel or arthritis). I think I just really love love love the cast iron - once you've got it seasoned properly, things don't really stick and it makes things so nice and crispy and perfect with just a small amount of oil :smitten:

i think you're either heroically strong, or must really love those pans. when my bf had carpal tunnel issues he couldn't pick up a penny. i have heard good things about them, but hmmm. maybe your wrist pain thing is down to kitchen utensil related over-exertion. :shifty:

[Fyvel]

if someone else was picking it up, sure. i'd probably consider serving cereal out of it, just to be cruel. :D :sealed:

Meanie! :whack:




i think you're either heroically strong, or must really love those pans. when my bf had carpal tunnel issues he couldn't pick up a penny. i have heard good things about them, but hmmm. maybe your wrist pain thing is down to kitchen utensil related over-exertion. :shifty:

Well I don't have one of those monstrously huge skillets. Not the itsy bitsy tiny one, but the one in between (if that makes any sense). And I have been known to get my hubby to carry it over to the sink on particularly bad days when the pain is a bit more of an issue. And like I said, I don't move it around all that much - it stays on the stove and only goes from there to the sink (which is a matter of pick up, turn around, set down - ah the joys of small kitchens!).

[hoodedclawjen]

Meanie! :whack:

dude, don't whack me with a mangled cast iron skillet! :cry: moderator!!! moderator!!! personal attack!!!111 :p


Well I don't have one of those monstrously huge skillets. Not the itsy bitsy tiny one, but the one in between (if that makes any sense). And I have been known to get my hubby to carry it over to the sink on particularly bad days when the pain is a bit more of an issue. And like I said, I don't move it around all that much - it stays on the stove and only goes from there to the sink (which is a matter of pick up, turn around, set down - ah the joys of small kitchens!).

ahh, hmm yes. sort of this big, innit? *gestures*. i can just about drag that one across the floor if i rig the neighbours cat up to a small harness. :D

i hope your hands feel better soon, and applaud you on bagsying a husband whom you can pry off the sofa and call to your aid. does he give seminars? :)

[AddieB]

Personally, I prefer Teflon coated over stainless steel, but that's because I keep burning stuff and it's easier to clean.
:D

Teflon contains PFCs which aren't good for the environment or your health :no:

[Fyvel]

dude, don't whack me with a mangled cast iron skillet! :cry: moderator!!! moderator!!! personal attack!!!111 :p


:lol:

I would imagine it would be tricky to wallop someone over the head with a cast iron skillet but would be very effective, I'm sure :p



ahh, hmm yes. sort of this big, innit? *gestures*. i can just about drag that one across the floor if i rig the neighbours cat up to a small harness. :D

i hope your hands feel better soon, and applaud you on bagsying a husband whom you can pry off the sofa and call to your aid. does he give seminars? :)

:lol: and thanks. He usually only responds to complaints of pain, and then begrudgingly, while threatening to call the wahmbulance, so I'm not sure he's the sort that you would want to be giving a seminar :p

[ilovesabzi]

Haha you guys are funny... thanks for the help! I'm going to hit the stores tomorrow. :)

[hoodedclawjen]

good luck with your pots and pans! :D

[papayamon]

i'm under the impression that you shouldn't use cast iroon if you've got a smooth top stove. anyone know about that?

i'm thinking high end stainless steel for all new pots and pans in my kitchen. the thought of eating bits of chipped off teflon is a bit of a turnoff.

[desert-dweller]

i'm under the impression that you shouldn't use cast iroon if you've got a smooth top stove. anyone know about that?

I have one of those types of stoves as well and seem to remember something about enameled or bottoms that had any ridges were not good. I might have read it in the owners manual. Will have to hunt down that manual and check.

When we moved 5 years ago I bought the Emeril stainless and ended up ruining most of it because of my lack of cooking skills and using an electric stove (I had a gas stove in MA)..... I now have the Emeril that is a matte black and coated on the inside. I ruined one saucepan earlier this year (almost burned down the freakin' house because I forgot I was cooking quinoa and it went dry and filled the house with smoke, big dummy) but the rest is ok. Might replace it all at some point...