Cookware

[boatfixer]

Time to replace our stove top cookware. Just curious to what your opinions, suggestions are on all stainless vs non-stick. The last set we bought was stainless exterior, heavy bottom and non-stick interior. Of course the interior is always the first to wear-out. Liked it alot, just wish interior lasted more than 8 yrs

[reinhard1]

i like the all stainless. my favorite is the one my daughter gave me. is is double plated with some kind of oil in the middle so the whole surface area is equaly heated. it's fairly expensive she said for pans but worth the money. one is a large stir fry type pot. use it for a lot of things. no matter what i cook i just soak it in soapy water after cooking and put it in the dishwasher. i think this thing will last a lifetime. i haven't bought any non-stick in awhile and what i have have scratches on it. never fails, i try to use just plastic tools on them but somewhere in between i get lazy to look for one and think i am carefull with a metal tool. good luck.

[OnAFly]

We've got new Calphalon Non-Stick cookware. So far I like it. You have to hand wash everything which is a pain, but oh well. It definitely heats up better than our old cheapo set.

[SkunkedAgain]

never fails, i try to use just plastic tools on them but somewhere in between i get lazy to look for one and think i am carefull with a metal tool. good luck.

That's what makes the difference. One needs to know if they are the kind of person that will "occasionally" use a metal fork/spoon/knife for whatever reason. I've done it a few times too. The reality is that you can not be that careful. You will always scratch the non-stick. If you (or your family) don't have the absolute discipline to avoid using metal utensils then go with stainless steel cookware.

[reinhard1]

ya, i fail at that. slowly aquiring stainless steel. good luck.

[pushbutton]

Been using cast iron for going on 10 years now and they are seasoned perfectly, it takes a little while to get this accomplished and learn how to cook with and wash them, but i now do have piece of mind when i eat. Could never show that discipline with the non stick, and always had some sticking issue with the stainless without using a lot of oil, butter, ect. Sure there re some tricks of the trade with the stainless that i never learned though.....

[Finns]

I use non-stick most of the time. Keep nonmetal utensil on the counter top by the stove. I keep metal utensils under the counter/cabinet untill cast iron or steel pans/pots are being used. Cuts down on the temptation to grab what is handy.

[pureinsanity]

I like nordicware.

A friend of mine works there and I have given him some crappy cookware and he has turned it into good cookware. The products are great as well!

[Moose]

+1 for cast iron. usable on the cooktop in the oven and on the grill.

[motley man]

Cast Iron all the way! May 12" fry pan never leaves the stove top. Dutch oven, and smaller pans for soup etc.

[delcecchi]

Time to replace our stove top cookware. Just curious to what your opinions, suggestions are on all stainless vs non-stick. The last set we bought was stainless exterior, heavy bottom and non-stick interior. Of course the interior is always the first to wear-out. Liked it alot, just wish interior lasted more than 8 yrs

I don't buy expensive non-stick because the coating dies after a while. And all you really need non-stick is the frypan anyway.

All-Clad is the top of the line but sort of expensive. Sometimes you can get it on the auction site for reasonable. Or any other of the "tri-ply" stuff, with the layer of aluminum between two layers of stainless, is good if you like the way it feels. I bought some Tramantonia (sp) at TJ Maxx a while ago, and like it pretty well.

It's not All-Clad, but it was only about 1/3 as much too.