What are some non-expensive skillets or pots that you all like. I just had to through away a couple I have had for probably over 8 years. They were calphalon. One was in good condition but I started seeing this grey stuff coming off from scrubbing it. I was very concerned with it getting into my family's system.
I got a professional grade skillet at Sam's club when I had to throw one of mine out.They are not by the pots and pans sets they are with the restraunt stuff and they are really reasonable!It is my favorite I have EVER used!
Most non-stick skillets won't last more then a couple of years, even in the really good brands. We have Wolfgang Puck pans and I love them! The best thing about them is that they have a lifetime warranty. The set is expensive but you might be able to find just the pan you are looking for at a reasonable price. Then if the coating starts to come off, you can call the company and they will send you a new one. We have done this twice with different pans and never had any problems at all. There are a few things that you can do to help the coating last longer though. DO NOT put them in the dishwasher! The pronges in the dishwasher scrap at the coating as the pan moves with the spray. Also use a soft scrubber. We use the kind that is the spounge on one side and scrubber on the other.
I don't know if you want that non stick coating still but I have Farberwear. I got my first pan, a large skillet when my first child was one year old and he's now almost 41. It's still perfect. I know from experience that they last but not sure of the price now. I have sauce pans, and most of my pans are now that brand. I like them very much. I have read that the non stick stuff is not healthy, but not sure on it and nothing seems to be healthy anymore. :-)
I have actually heard about this and do you know what they use to get the non-stick coating to stick to the pan? Formaldehyde! There is just so much that can leach into your food while cooking. We use surgical steel grade pans. Stainless steel I think is good too. Royal Prestige is the brand we have and I have had them for 9+ years. I love them.
Most non-stick skillets only last 2-5 years, so they are not an "investment" piece. Get one that feels like a good weight, has a balanced handle and is the right size for your needs. Don't spend more than $30 on it.
I have a set of Revere Ware pots that I love and they are nonstick. They are blue. I don't know if they make that style anymore, but I'm sure the company is good. I've had them 10-12 years, I guess. I have another pot that is thicker that is Wearever and is amazing! Also nonstick. Both items I don't need any oil to cook in and clean up is super easy. Never use metal utensils in them either.
Goodluck. Oh, I don't like T-fal.
Melanie
I have a Kitchen Aid non-stick that was purchased at Nebraska Furniture Mart and love it! It was a little more pricey but worth it, cooks wonderfully!
I like T-Fal and always use plastic utensils in them. Have had my skillets at least 10 years and they are still good.
Swiss Diamond Skillets are the best (look online)! They are kind of expensive but well worth the money. I tend to burn everything and each time I can easily wipe off evidence from the pan. We started with 1 and almost every Christmas we will get 1 more as a gift to add to our collection. I have given them as a gift as well. I had a Calphalon pot before and a layer of "stuff" would come off with each use as well...didn't seem safe. I have had zero issues with the Swiss Diamond brand and my husband and I both love them. Good luck!
If calphalon is worrisome to you, have you thought about a nice set of stainless steel cookware? I have stainless steel and they work great. Just a little Pam or olive oil in the bottom and I rarely have issues with food sticking. I did when I was using an electric range for some reason, but on my gas stove they're just fine. I do also have a non-stick set. They're circulon. I've had them for about 5 years now and have no issues with any of it rubbing off and they still look nice, shiny and black. Good luck!
I have lots of Revere Ware pots & skillets. Many of them were my grandmothers, which makes thems over 60-70 years old. They are like new! They make them now without the copper bottoms (the copper is inside for even cooking). Cry once, and invest in good pans that will last a lifetime (or two).
