https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 12 Apr 2026 23:13:08 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pots-amp-pans#post-2043164 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 08:15:23 +0000 mrschickpea 2043164@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NCSUchick27: I have this set as well and love it! Got it as a wedding gift! </p> <p>I have a few non stick pans as well and a cast iron! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pots-amp-pans#post-2043141 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 07:49:06 +0000 ineebee 2043141@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MenagerieMama: I consider myself an experienced and confident home cook, and I still recommend having a Teflon non-stick pan around the house for cooking fish and eggs. Cast iron is great, but taking correct care of it isn't really worth the time for me. Yes, the Teflon can start to corrode after a lot of use, but that's just the nature of the beast. Get a new one once a year, and make it a cheap, good one so that you don't waste your money.</p> <p>If you've ever seen the way America's Test Kitchen does their equipment tests, you'll trust that their recommendations are fool-proof. They recommend the T-Fal Professional Nonstick with the thermospot thing in the middle. It is an amazing pan, and it is relatively cheap. They are a show/magazine for serious home cooks, and even they recommend having at least one nonstick pan around. As long as you take decent care of it and throw it out once it starts to wear, then you are golden. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pots-amp-pans#post-2043022 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 00:26:46 +0000 sarac 2043022@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just a normal old metal stove. I've never had a problem with scratching. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pots-amp-pans#post-2043013 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 00:12:13 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2043013@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@maddyz: @sarac: what kind of stove top do you have? Any issues with the finish? I have steered clear of cast iron because I'm worried my smooth top stove will scratch. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pots-amp-pans#post-2042969 Tue, 27 Jan 2015 23:09:48 +0000 maddyz 2042969@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I cook lots. The pots I use the most are our cast iron (I cook everything in it including tomatoes) an enamel dutch oven and a stainless steal pot.</p> <p>Yes, you have to treat the cast iron differently than the other pots, but it's not hard and things don't stick once you get used to it. It's always on the stove I use it that much. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pots-amp-pans#post-2042572 Tue, 27 Jan 2015 18:05:33 +0000 NCSUchick27 2042572@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have the Emerilware stainless steel set, and it is great. It is actually made by All-Clad, but is much cheaper than their regular pots and pans. We can't afford to buy the regular All-Clad stuff.</p> <p>We also have a few of the Emerilware non-stick skillets, and they are also great. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pots-amp-pans#post-2042529 Tue, 27 Jan 2015 17:40:27 +0000 blackbird 2042529@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sarac: I was under the impression the acidity stripped the finish. But yeah I always use an oil like canola. I've just never gotten that nice finish on mine. Even when I start with stuff like bacon to appropriately season and break it in </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pots-amp-pans#post-2042473 Tue, 27 Jan 2015 17:01:55 +0000 sunny 2042473@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a mix of various surfaces for different purposes. Cast iron, stainless steel and non-stick teflon. </p> <p>Teflon breaks down over time and I am ok with replacing them every few years. The Kirkland Signature set I bought 6 years ago is starting to get worn. I have thrown away 1 pan and I'll probably need to chuck another 1 soon. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pots-amp-pans#post-2042458 Tue, 27 Jan 2015 16:54:50 +0000 yoursilverlining 2042458@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sarac: I LOVE cast iron too! We have one that's so well seasoned I can cook eggs in it - they don't stick at all. </p> <p>We also have all-clad stainless that are nice, but most of my cooking I do in cast iron. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pots-amp-pans#post-2042433 Tue, 27 Jan 2015 16:46:48 +0000 MaryM 2042433@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a full set of Revereware when we got married. It's what I grew up with my mom using. </p> <p>We needed a bigger sautee pan so we got an Emerilware stainless piece. It's amazing. I don't use a ton of oil, but we don't have issues with sticking.</p> <p>We have one small teflon pan, but we only use it when making a single egg or something else for just one person. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pots-amp-pans#post-2042432 Tue, 27 Jan 2015 16:46:34 +0000 shopaholic 2042432@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>While I love our All-Clad SS, I do use our Calphalon non-stick (teflon?) frying pans for anything like eggs. BBB and C&amp;B always have them in a 2-pk for a great price, so I figure it's worth getting even if I have to replace them. We're on about year 6 and still no need to replace them. For other items, I agree cast iron, but specifically enamel-coated cast iron is wonderful! I only hand wash those, but they clean so easily! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pots-amp-pans#post-2042429 Tue, 27 Jan 2015 16:46:20 +0000 MenagerieMama 2042429@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sarac: I think I am too intimidated by cast iron! I feel like it's probably the best but I'm scared of keeping it seasoned and washing it properly and cooking the wrong things in it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pots-amp-pans#post-2042426 Tue, 27 Jan 2015 16:45:30 +0000 looch 2042426@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think the best solution is a mix of pots and pans, not a set. I have some ceramic frying pans that can go in the oven, some triple ply stainless pots and a few enameled cast iron. And a stock pot.</p> <p>I put everything in the dishwasher, except the ceramic, I don't have time or desire to scrub all my pans by hand. I am also too cheap for All Clad and we have an electric range, so my pots get very hot very fast. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pots-amp-pans#post-2042415 Tue, 27 Jan 2015 16:41:52 +0000 FannyMae 2042415@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I feel like this is the story of my life! When I got married I was giften some Jamie Oliver Tefal set, which had a non-stick coating that gradualy wore away, dinted, scratched etc. Then I went out and bought a bunch of Esteele pans - some stainless steel and some with non-stick. Those were the worrrrrst, the coating barely lasted 2 years, with black spots, worn spots ughhh.</p> <p>I went shopping this weekend, as there was 50% off pots and pans. Bought myself 3 new pans by Woll, hoping so much that they last longer than 2 years! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pots-amp-pans#post-2042409 Tue, 27 Jan 2015 16:38:58 +0000 sarac 2042409@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@blackbird: I put vinegar and tomatoes in mine all the time - are you not supposed to? I haven't had any trouble. The meat searing thing is stressful for sure - do you use a little oil? I always make sure to oil after I've cleaned to try to really preserve my nice dark finish.</p> <p>ETA: I'm reading about this - I'd literally never heard of it. Sounds like it's fine as long as you've got a really good seasoning, not just the one that comes on a new pan. I've never experienced a metallic taste after cooking tomatoes. </p> <p>I swear I'm not some sort of cast iron industry representative! I just really, really enjoy cooking in it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pots-amp-pans#post-2042390 Tue, 27 Jan 2015 16:27:56 +0000 catlady 2042390@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@blackbird: Yes, you can use oil or butter on the ceramic ones (well, we do at least!). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pots-amp-pans#post-2042379 Tue, 27 Jan 2015 16:20:05 +0000 blackbird 2042379@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sarac: You know, i've really struggled with cast iron. Every time i sear a piece of meat in it, it's like i have to start over with it because shit gets burned on like whoa. I never get that nice, seasoned, nonstick finish. Drives me insane. And they aren't compatible with vinegars or tomatoes, which is tricky. I feel like I spend so much time troubleshooting the damn things. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pots-amp-pans#post-2042375 Tue, 27 Jan 2015 16:17:39 +0000 sarac 2042375@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If longevity is what you want, then uncoated cast iron is what you need. I've just finally thrown out all of our old, well used Calphlon wedding stuff. Cast iron just cannot be beat for durability and general awesomeness. We have four pieces right now - a big skillet and a little one, a dutch oven, and a wok. I'll probably add another skillet and maybe a griddle, someday, but honestly, that's all I need. And I cook a TON. </p> <p>Also, never any concern about toxic coatings, or scraping the coatings, or anything. People get all intimidated because you can't use soap to clean them, but I honestly find it easier. Just scrape them out, soak them first if need be, and then set them out to dry. And they seriously do last forever. Our small skillet was an old hand me down that's about 60 years old. I don't expect to ever replace this stuff. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pots-amp-pans#post-2042366 Tue, 27 Jan 2015 16:09:08 +0000 blackbird 2042366@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@catlady: Can you use oil in them at all? I had some calphalon pans, but DH used oil in them once....and of course, now they're ruined. So I need a new fry pan. For eggs, for searing meat, everything, if i can. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pots-amp-pans#post-2042361 Tue, 27 Jan 2015 16:01:03 +0000 catlady 2042361@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MenagerieMama: Yes, they are supposedly safer than teflon pans (non-toxic and chemical free). They won't last forever like a stainless steel pan but I think they are supposed to be more durable than teflon. We've had ours for 3 or 4 years now and they are fine. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pots-amp-pans#post-2042349 Tue, 27 Jan 2015 15:49:49 +0000 MenagerieMama 2042349@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@catlady: ceramic coated! I don't know anything about that. Is that like a nontoxic form of Teflon? How durable? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pots-amp-pans#post-2042336 Tue, 27 Jan 2015 15:39:14 +0000 catlady 2042336@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I love our ceramic coated pans (ours are Henckels). They are non-stick and super easy to clean. We use them almost every day. We have some All-Clads too but we don't use them as much because they are harder to work with (both for cooking and cleaning). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pots-amp-pans#post-2042324 Tue, 27 Jan 2015 15:29:14 +0000 mediagirl 2042324@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>All Clad stainless steel. We have had it for 5 years with no issues. Just don't put it in your dishwasher. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pots-amp-pans#post-2042301 Tue, 27 Jan 2015 15:09:50 +0000 MrsBrewer 2042301@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a set of Calphalon stainless steel pots and pans. We love them! We also have a few non-stick fry pans too for eggs, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pots-amp-pans#post-2042291 Tue, 27 Jan 2015 15:02:58 +0000 PurplePeony 2042291@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MenagerieMama: I don't actually have a stainless frying pan, so I'm not sure about that. My saucepans are stainless and I've never had an issue with things sticking. The main thing you can do to prevent sticking in any pan is to shake it right after you put the food in, though! Make sure the pan is good and hot, dump in the meat (for whatever reason, meat is the only thing I usually have a problem with, my veggies don't usually stick), grab the handle, and shake until the part that's in contact with the pan has seared. That'll prevent it from "gluing" itself to the pan and then you can leave it to cook for however long it's supposed to. (ETA: I said "any pan" above, but you can't do this with nonstick because you're not supposed to heat them without food in them.)</p> <p>I'm also not shy about using a fair amount of olive oil when I cook, though. And I do use a nonstick pan for eggs and pancakes. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pots-amp-pans#post-2042270 Tue, 27 Jan 2015 14:52:59 +0000 lamariniere 2042270@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MenagerieMama: truth be told I do have one non stick pan for things like eggs, it's Mauviel. I don't have a lot if sticking and burning issues with stainless...but maybe it depends on what you are cooking? The only meat I cook is chicken, and I'm pretty liberal with olive oil to keep things from sticking. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pots-amp-pans#post-2042262 Tue, 27 Jan 2015 14:50:10 +0000 hilsy85 2042262@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MenagerieMama: we don't have an issue with sticking with our stainless steel, although I do have a nonstick pan for eggs, pancakes, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pots-amp-pans#post-2042249 Tue, 27 Jan 2015 14:44:22 +0000 MenagerieMama 2042249@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PurplePeony: @lamariniere: How is the stainless steel for the sticking/burning issue? Am I just being a super weenie about cooking and I've made up all these concerns in my head? Mostly I just want a personal chef :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pots-amp-pans#post-2042241 Tue, 27 Jan 2015 14:41:07 +0000 lamariniere 2042241@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have been very happy with my All-Clad stainless. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pots-amp-pans#post-2042222 Tue, 27 Jan 2015 14:33:38 +0000 PurplePeony 2042222@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My favorite pots and pans (and I have several different brands) are the tri-ply stainless steel ones from Sur La Table. They're very similar to All-Clad but less expensive and I think the handle is a lot more comfortable. I never understood why All-Clad is so popular because the handle digs into my hand when I lift the pan and it hurts! Anyway, I'd recommend not getting a set, just get a couple open-stock pans in the sizes you use most. That way, you can mix and match if you want a cast-iron skillet, a nonstick skillet, a couple stainless pots, etc. (Although the 9-piece set seems to be on sale for a really great price right now, so maybe I take that back? <a href="http://m.surlatable.com/product/PRO-1037019/Sur+La+Table+Tri-Ply+Stainless+Steel+9+Piece+Set)" rel="nofollow">http://m.surlatable.com/product/PRO-1037019/Sur+La+Table+Tri-Ply+Stainless+Steel+9+Piece+Set)</a> </p>