Cookware

[SandyM]

I've used non-stick cookwear for as long as I can remember - for the last 12 years, it has been T-Fal. I've gone through 3 sets of T-Fal in that time period. Am I crazy, or should good cookwear, if taken care of, last longer than 4 years? Maybe if I switched to something that's NOT non-stick, it would last longer? But then I'd have to alter my cooking style, I'm sure (much like when I switched from an electric oven to a gas oven). Can I hear your opinions? Pro's and con's for non-stick vs. stainless? Thanks everyone!

[sneezles]

I have some T-Fal pans that I've had for 20 years. I don't use them everyday though. I have some stainless and hope to aquire more because I love the look. I almost always fry in cast iron pans. It takes awhile to season them but they are a breeze to care for once they are seasoned. And I have a set of Le Cruset that is also 20 years old but it's still going strong!

[Gail]

We're having a similiar discussion in the thread about a perfect fry/sauté pan, so I'm not going to restate myself.

Yes, I think a quality set of pans can last years and years. My mom still has Revereware that is older than the proverbial hills, while her T-Fal is in sad, sad shape. I've replaced my Copco (which I HATED) with stainless Cuisinart, the oldest of which is probably 17 years and still going strong.

I don't happen to think that one type of pans is perfectly suited to all types of cooking. I will tell you that my cheapie nonsticks died an early death, and I'm much happier with the more substantial ones I bought as replacements (my All-Clad non-stick for example.) I cannot stress enough, however, that since one person's cooking style differs dramatically from another's, the durability of certain cookware products is going to differ wildly.

Good luck!

[Shelly]

I prefer to have both kinds. I have never been able to buy a whole set of cookware before. I just have a mish-mash of pots and pans that I've acquired over the years, but I had a nice big 12-inch non-stick skillet that my mother bought for me when I got my first apartment, and I had that thing for at least 7 or 8 years. I haven't ever bought T-Fal, but she bought my skillet at Target, so it wasn't anything outrageously expensive.
I prefer non-stick skillets and bakeware, but just about everything else I have is stainless steel. Hopefully in the next year or two our finances will allow me to be able to buy a whole set of nice cookware (when it actually happens I won't know what to do with myself!!). I would like to buy a set of professional non-stick Calphalon. Right now I'm having to restrain myself from going over to Tuesday Morning (only 5 min. away!) and buying all the Calphalon I can get my hands on http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif:! I got a flyer in the mail last week advertising big discounts on Calphalon, but we're trying to buy a house, so we have to save money (sigh), so my Calphalon will have to wait (DEEP sigh) http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif. I don't dare buy anything new right now because I will have to answer to my fiance - "do we REALLY need it?" Oh well, I've waited this long............................. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by Shelly (edited 08-28-2000).]

[MrsReber]

I love my stainless cookware. It's not top of the line or anything, but I find that stainless is alot easier to cook with and I don't have to worry about non-stick coating coming off. I have never had to replace any of my cookware in the 6 years that I've had it. I do have one non stick stir fry pan, which I love,but I use it only for stir frying and sauces. I had non stick pans, but did not like the way the food cooked on them. They weren't top of the line pans, but I found they did wear out quickly. My mom still has some stainless pots that are older than I am (we're talking 30 years, here) I guess it's just a matter of what you're used to cooking with.

[BJB]

I agree, I think it all depends on a person's stye of cooking and what you learn to cook with. I started a discussion last spring on cookwear types. I had saved up and was finally ready to replace my odds and ends.

After much research, help from bb members, and talking to sales reps. I got a small set of All Clad stainless, and a couple of non-stick Calphalon saucepans, and a couple of non-stick cheaper skillets. I find I do love the stainless. I like how they brown, and as people said,they really do clean up very easily. I don't always have to worry about the kids scratching the non-stick surface. But, on the other hand, there is nothing like the non-stick for rice, or saucesor "sticky" things.

My next purchase is probably going to be the non-stick grill pan. Either All-Clad or Calphalon. Does anyone have one of those? Can you really heat it hot enough to grill?

I love this BB!