Non-teflon frying pans?

[oceania]

Is there a healthy and green alternative to non-stick frying pans or is it best to go with a stainless steel one?

I actually bought a ceramic coated on from Zellers that is supposed to be eco friendly as well but after less than 3 weeks I can see the coating coming off even though I don't use anything non-abrasive. On top of that, it's not non-stick even coated with oil and starting "browning". I would expect after several months of use, not weeks.

Any suggestions on what kind of frying to get and where?

[ghostryder]

Cast iron.

[izzyzz]

There is no replacement really. Cast iron is "healthier", but it's not nearly as "non-stick" as teflon. It does however become more "non-stick" the more you use it and is the next best thing. Stainless steel is the least "non-stick" of the pans. Some suggest cooking at lower temperatures (for longer time) to ensure food doesn't stick as much on these pans.

Also, beware of some manufacturers claiming their pans to have "non-stick" coating which does not use Teflon (Swiss Diamond comes to mind). They still use the same chemical compound developed by Dupont.

[radeonboy]

Cast iron.

+1 My mom got two of these, weigh a ton and need to take care of them but they are good I suppose. Got them at costco and wait for them to get on sale.

[oceania]

Thanks guys! Where can I buy one that's reasonably priced?

[izzyzz]

Lodge (U.S.-made) are the most famous brand as far as cast iron is concerned. Not expensive at all. They can be found practically anywhere the cookware is sold - WalMart, Canadian Tire, Costco, etc..

[mjl_toronto]

I've been looking for an alternative to non-stick 'teflon' pans as well. I used to use cast iron but now we have a glass top cooking surface that is not meant for cast iron pans. There were some non stick cookware that used titanium that were supposedly safer than teflon. Any opinions on those?

Here's another one I was considering: http://www.lifetimecookware.com/
It's stupid expensive but apparently they work and if it stops working (non-stick) then they'll replace with another one for as long as you own it.

[Rehan]

We haven't used Teflon pans for years, and we don't miss them at all. The cleanup isn't as easy, but that's not a big deal.

We got our cast iron pan at Loblaws for under $15. I don't know if they still carry it there, but it's worth checking out. Canadian Tire has one from Lodge on their site as well -- http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/8/KitchenBath/1/Cookware/PotsFrypans/PRDOVR~0420074P/Lodge%2BPre-sea%2BSkillet.jsp

[Xeros]

The trick with cooking with cast iron or even stainless steel is to ensure that the pans are hot before you put anything on them.

The heat has to be evenly distributed on the cooking surface before you place your food on it. Otherwise if you put the food on too soon, it will stick.

[dougmania]

I just bought a stainless steel pan.
it is pretty nice, except everything sticks, but better than those teflon cancer pans. ;)
nothing to flake off, and able to use any tools without worry.
Clean up is not THAT bad, boil a little water in the pan and it will loosen all the stuck stuff.

Cast iron seems a little too much maintenance for me. Not allowed to wash it with soap (my wife would have a fit), "seasoning" with oil on the stove all the time, the handle gets too hot (not too safe), and the pan is "sticky" from the oils it accumulates. but that is just me.

[GREENER]

Has anyone tried one of these Starfrit cast iron pans?
http://www.shopxscargo.com/product_catalogue/cat_product_details.asp?category_id=14&product_code=25824&sub_category_1_id=66&category=Cookware

[old_type]

once u go cast iron u won't look back

the thing is, make sure you know how to maintain it

like just wash with brush/water
oil/heat after, etc

i find that my cast iron is almost performing better than a non-stick that i have

the only problem is finding a BIG cast iron...with a decent handle

[st7860]

teflon is only nasty if you overheat it.

[Rehan]

I checked Loblaws this evening and they had a 12" round cast iron pan for $12.99.

[Keelie]

I bought this pan over a year ago and its the best non-stick pan I've ever owned. I use it for everything, use it on high heat, not one scratch, still looks like the day I bought it.

Heritage chef pan is a little pricey, but you can get the same one but with a bamboo handle, second link, at CanTire for $20. Personally I hate the look of the bamboo handle, but I bought one as a cheaper back up for the heritage chef, pans themselves are identical. The Heritage chef can be used in the oven.

https://www.starfrit.com/Products/kitchen/Cookware/Ceram-Eco/Heritage/Chef/Poeles/32200.aspx?sc_lang=en

https://www.starfrit.com/Products/kitchen/Cookware/Ceram-Eco/Starfrit/Eco%20Chef/Poeles/32221.aspx?sc_lang=en

[oceania]

I bought this pan over a year ago and its the best non-stick pan I've ever owned. I use it for everything, use it on high heat, not one scratch, still looks like the day I bought it.

Heritage chef pan is a little pricey, but you can get the same one but with a bamboo handle, second link, at CanTire for $20. Personally I hate the look of the bamboo handle, but I bought one as a cheaper back up for the heritage chef, pans themselves are identical. The Heritage chef can be used in the oven.

https://www.starfrit.com/Products/kitchen/Cookware/Ceram-Eco/Heritage/Chef/Poeles/32200.aspx?sc_lang=en

https://www.starfrit.com/Products/kitchen/Cookware/Ceram-Eco/Starfrit/Eco%20Chef/Poeles/32221.aspx?sc_lang=en

I just checked Canadian Tire's website and don't see that frying pan unfortunately.

[Keelie]

I just checked Canadian Tire's website and don't see that frying pan unfortunately.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/8/KitchenBath/1/Cookware/PotsFrypans/PRD~0426770P/Starfrit%2BEco-Chef%2BNon-stick%2BCeramic%2BFrypan%252C%2B26%2Bcm.jsp

Theres also 2 reviews, check them out, they seem to love it as much as I do!

[lawlensw]

I bought a cast iron wok, too. The lady told to follow the special way to treat the wok. The the wok won't stick, it works very well!!!

http://www.familywok.com/chinese_cooking_articles.php?in=22

[oceania]

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/8/KitchenBath/1/Cookware/PotsFrypans/PRD~0426770P/Starfrit%2BEco-Chef%2BNon-stick%2BCeramic%2BFrypan%252C%2B26%2Bcm.jsp

Theres also 2 reviews, check them out, they seem to love it as much as I do!

I went to the store today and I saw it on sale for $29.99 however I decided to buy a cast iron one instead because a) there's still a coating on it which will eventually come b) it's made in China and I don't really trust the quality or safety of the things produced from there.

I'm assuming the cast iron is longer lasting?

I bought a Lodge one 14" for $24.99

I used it today and I'm really impressed it with. It's weird not using soap on it thought.

A couple of questions:
Do you have to wash it and "oil" it right after use?
Or can you oil it when you're going to use it?
It says explicitly to use vegetable oil, I don't use vegetable oil only olive or coconut is that ok to use?
Any other tips to make it last longer?

[Keelie]

I went to the store today and I saw it on sale for $29.99 however I decided to buy a cast iron one instead because a) there's still a coating on it which will eventually come b) it's made in China and I don't really trust the quality or safety of the things produced from there.

I'm assuming the cast iron is longer lasting?

I bought a Lodge one 14" for $24.99

I used it today and I'm really impressed it with. It's weird not using soap on it thought.

A couple of questions:
Do you have to wash it and "oil" it right after use?
Or can you oil it when you're going to use it?
It says explicitly to use vegetable oil, I don't use vegetable oil only olive or coconut is that ok to use?
Any other tips to make it last longer?

Weird, its only 19.99 reg price, even on the website :confused:

[tkl]

Is there a healthy and green alternative to non-stick frying pans or is it best to go with a stainless steel one?

I actually bought a ceramic coated on from Zellers that is supposed to be eco friendly as well but after less than 3 weeks I can see the coating coming off even though I don't use anything non-abrasive. On top of that, it's not non-stick even coated with oil and starting "browning". I would expect after several months of use, not weeks........


I bought the same thing. Piece of crap, I might even return it as it has a " lifetime " warranty and I keep all receipts.

[blahing]

Has anyone tried one of these Starfrit cast iron pans?
http://www.shopxscargo.com/product_catalogue/cat_product_details.asp?category_id=14&product_code=25824&sub_category_1_id=66&category=Cookware


I have one that I got for almost double the price at the bay. It works really well. It comes seasoned but it doesn't work so well like that. There is a layer of black seasoning which is better if you burn it off with high heat. Much better than the non stick pans I have from costco.

[abu_sme]

I've been trying to find a good cast iron frying pan for months. I tried a lodge one and even after putting on 5 layers of seasoning stuck got stuff in the pore of the uneven surface to easily. I have been looking for the old ones (wagnerware, griswold) that are machined smooth on the cooking surface but they are both hard to find and relatively expensive because the place to find them seems to be eBay and then shipping just kills it.

[oceania]

I've been trying to find a good cast iron frying pan for months. I tried a lodge one and even after putting on 5 layers of seasoning stuck got stuff in the pore of the uneven surface to easily. I have been looking for the old ones (wagnerware, griswold) that are machined smooth on the cooking surface but they are both hard to find and relatively expensive because the place to find them seems to be eBay and then shipping just kills it.

I still don't understand the concept of seasoning a cast iron pan. What does that entail exactly? Mine says it's already pre-seasoned, it's a Lodge. I've been following the direction to wash with a brush (no soap), dry thoroughly and coat lightly with cooking spray or oil.

[pmc]

I was taught SS but make sure you have the temp set nice and high to reduce sticking, so far it hasn't failed me.

[bolthead]

Try reading this: http://www.nowtoronto.com/columns/ecoholic.cfm?content=166659. Echolic column on frying pans.

She recommends BergHOFF’s EarthChef series. Assuming you don't take the cast iron route.

[mjl_toronto]

I was taught SS but make sure you have the temp set nice and high to reduce sticking, so far it hasn't failed me.

But how do you fry an egg without it sticking? Even with a lot of oil, my eggs always stick to SS pans.

[GREENER]

Kitchen Stuff Plus sells Cuisinart Green Gourmet Frying Pans
http://www.kitchenstuffplus.com/shop/product.php?d=&sd=&pid=W013755
Coupon for 25% off here:http://www.kitchenstuffplus.com/promotions/090706/090706coupon.html

[oceania]

Can someone tell me how long I'm supposed to heat the cast iron for and how high the heat should be?

The food is sticking but it comes off easily...or is that normal?

I coat it lightly with oil after washing as the instructions indicate.

[stealth]

Can someone tell me how long I'm supposed to heat the cast iron for and how high the heat should be?

The food is sticking but it comes off easily...or is that normal?

I coat it lightly with oil after washing as the instructions indicate.

It depends on what you are cooking with it...some things for example blackened chicken, or a 1 minute seared steak, you would heat on high until the bottom of the pan turns white-pretty much only a cast iron pan will do. But you wouldnt do that with eggs for example. Cook with it as you would normally, maybe start with using a little more oil than you are currently.
I find cast iron works best for things that are either at a really high temp that you want to burn a crust on, or things that are naturally oily...bacon, ground beef etc.

[death_hawk]

+1 to Cast Iron

After years of proper seasoning, it'll out non-stick a good teflon pan.
The keyword there is years.
Also, you'll be able to pass this pan onto your Grand Kids, because if taken care of properly, they are literally bullet proof.


Seasoning basically coats the pan in a layer of semi-permanant oil.
Washing with soap removes this.

[neoborn]

Cast Iron or Ceramic.

My wife loves the cast iron and I love the ceramic. The ceramic pan is made by Tefal. Top notch cookware.