Buying a new set of cookware...
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Illinois
Posts: 1,821
There is a lot of information out there about using various pots and pans that the surface can leech into the food being cooked. Aluminum takes the beating in this conversation and stainless steel is the winner. Cast iron will put a bit of iron into your food, which for most people is a good thing. I have a very old set of Lifetime waterless that I think is now serviced by Revere Ware and I loved these until I got this glass-top stove. They don't make 100% contact with the surface so that's one consideration if you are looking for new pots and pans. A person needs to consider what the heat source is to be. There's even the magnetic cooktops now that traditional cookware won't work. Personally I would not invest in any kind of coated cookware as it deteriorates with use.
#12
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 5,572
The only comment I have is to stay away from the 'red copper' pans. At least to me, the food cooked in those pans has a very rubbery consistency. A friend gave us one a couple of years ago and it now just takes up room in the cabinet.
#14
Power Poster
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Mableton, GA
Posts: 11,334
I don’t know what I would do if I needed new pots and pans nowadays. So many choices! I have a flat cooktop and really like it for our purposes. I am still using a T-Fal set from QVC from the early 90s. It is in perfect shape. We don’t have birds so no worries about them and off gassing. I guess they haven’t killed us so far! I would buy just the pots I normally use unless a set included them. My friend is a great cook and she got some LeCruset and found filled with food they are very heavy to lift. Stainless is really nonstick if it is heated, then add oil and then let that get hot. We use the Instant Pot a lot and that stainless insert is very easy to clean. I don’t have any of the copper lined skillets or green ones. Gives me food for thought.
#15
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: The Deep South near Cajun Country, USA
Posts: 5,434
I am probably ruining my health, but I love the coated cookware. I can make any pot, seasoned or not, a pot that everything will stick to. Even with spraying with Pam or getting it hot and then adding oil. I am just bad. The Coated cookware is my salvation and I do hand wash all of them. To avoid getting fumes in the air, I don't ever start heating them without something in them. My cookware is miscellaneous Stainless steel pots, some of which are 40~50 years old and some Pampered Chef, some Cuisinart and some Revere Wear. The coated will wear out much quicker than the SS, but they don't stick as quick.
#16
I have a set of Tramontina stainless steel cookware and love it. Very easy to clean and food cooks evenly. I also have several Lodge cast iron enamel pans, along with 3 non stick pans of various sizes. Long ago my husband said, we are not going to "cheap" out of your cookware. Your cooking is too good for that. I researched took notice of what the chefs were using on those cooking program. Then replaced all my cookware and baking pans.
#17
I also hate my glass top stove. The only cookware that I have found that will not stick and burn is any that have a thick 1/2 inch bottom. I do use a couple ceramic coated frypans for hash or omelets. Everything else is 1/2" bottoms, Especially pots for soup or pasta sauce. Brand doesn't matter.
This is my pot rack. In winter we live in a condo without lots of cabinet space so I have a pot rack.
This is my pot rack. In winter we live in a condo without lots of cabinet space so I have a pot rack.
#18
#19
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Durango CO
Posts: 1,245
I have Americraft waterless cookware. They did demos at the fair about 10 yrs ago & my husband decide that was what I needed. Took a little adjusting because you do not need a lot of water for veg. just 1/4C. They seem to keep more moisture in the food & the veg are tender crisp not limp.
#20
Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: St Augustine,Florida
Posts: 97
I,also,have a ceramic stove top, .after 40 years of cooking on a gas stove, last year moved into a new home, -my old pots and pans were not suitable for my stove. I purchased a few pots of Rachael Ray brand, the skillet is awesome, I bought a few pieces at a time.If you have a Beall's Outlet Store, they have very good prices on good quality cookware.