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/brows...%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_c...egory=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/ki...spx?sc_lang=en

https://www.starfrit.com/Products/ki...spx?sc_lang=en