At home I like to use non stick pans however although I buy supposedly the best after a few years they are pretty much gone. So now I want to change and try a different type of pan. The choice is between stainless steel or cast iron. would like to hear your opinion of which brand and what type is the very best.
Hi Ralph, can't beat a cast iron pan, especially for steaks, we've had ours for years and years and it's beautifully seasoned. Try to avoid detergent and especially wire wool scourers, you don't want to take off the seasoned coating that it will acquire over time. When you've finished cooking give it a wipe out with paper towel, or if necessary use a bit of hot water - but then wipe it dry and add a small amount of oil to the pan and using paper towel rub around the pan thoroughly, preferably over a low heat for a minute or so. It's a good idea to buy one that the handle is cast iron too (not wooden) as then if you have a particularly thick piece of meat, you can give it a bit of time in the oven to finish it off.
I find that food sticks in a stainless steel pan, if you just want to fry an egg for instance, use a non stick one.
I still use fairly cheap non-stick ones, and throw them away when they start to stick.
I tried one of those "Stone ware" pans which are supposed to be non-stick but aren't. Its nice and light though, and the cast iron type are heavy.
Stainless steel pans burn very easily, you have to watch closely, or use plenty of oil.
Its 6 of one and half-dozen of the other, so choose whatever you like and can afford.
I've heard that teflon pans can be carcinogenic under some conditions.
As for the supermarket pans, I placed a straight edge across the bottom of several pans and saw daylight. I'm no cook, but I would think that a pan with a base that wasn't perfectly flat would be inefficient.
__________________
"No friend ever served me, and no enemy ever wronged me, whom I have not repaid in full."
Thanks for that info on the Stonedine. I have thought of buying one. Like others not happy with the non Stick variety. Confirms for me that the Cast iron is probably the best one.
But do wonder if the build up of carbon becomes carcinogenic.
Im thinking I will get a cheap non stick for eggs and quick meals and such but a good cast iron for most meals.
Dorian you are right on the money with your suggestions. I have pan now which is enamelled inside and out BUT not flat on the bottom, it's rubbish to cook with.
So if I have this straight from suggestions, cast iron not enamelled,
hi all, we bought a ceramic frypan for the van from k mart , lovely red one and grey ceramic interior, only $12.00. we have used it now at least 8 times for fish, sausages, works a treat easy to clean just wipe out. still looks like new, at that price i don,t care if it does,nt last, . cheers.
Well, I have an enameled pan (which I bought in 1980 and use often), a cast iron griddle pan, an el cheapo non-stick for small things like pancakes, and a stone pan (which I haven't used yet). Now all I need is one of those ceramic ones hehe. I haven't tried the cast iron griddle on a camp fire yet but I reckon that would work well.
I was in a fancy kitchen ware shop & noticed frying pans with a life time guarantee. So I asked how good is that guarantee & I was told it depended on what oil you used in the pan. Lady said only Rice Bran Oil or Grape Seed Oil should be used. Well I didn't buy the very expensive pan with the life time guarantee but a cheaper one & have used Rice Bran Oil since & yes the cheap pan is lasting a lot longer than usual.
We have a variety of pans from solid aluminium, stainless steel with copper laminated base, various non stick pans, but the best of all are the 3 caste iron pans. Relatively non-stick with the proper treatment of not overheating and oiling etc. But they seem to be the best for all around use like pancakes, bacon and eggs, steak etc. Not expensive ones either, some actually quite cheap wooden handled type.
__________________
Yes I am an agent of Satan, but my duties are largely ceremonial.