Which Cookware To Buy?

Hi bubbles.. Thank you for starting this thread. I would be benefited as I m also in the same confused state. For temporary use I had bought a stainless steel one. But i m looking forward to buy something for long run. I also have earthenwares as option.

 

My DH and I are trying to switch to All- Clad kitchenware. They are stainless steel and really good. Clean up isn't bad.. after cooking just soak these in warm water and baking soda with mild brushing would do the trick. Of, course to be placed in the dishwasher next.. Not sure about Indian curries.

 

If your concern is regarding the effect of cookware on health, I would say immediately dump that scratched non-stick pan. Lot of research is being done on the harmful effects of non-stick cookwear already. Check out this blog if you are not done with your research yet- What is the Safest & Healthiest Cookware and Bakeware?
For health consious reasons, the best bet is
1. Stainless Steel - easily available in Indian stores. Cheaper and safer alternative. you will get used to clean up tricks after couple of times using it. the best for all types of food- indian gravies or western foods. I invested in a 14 container set about 5 years back under $150 from costco. Works like a charm.

2nd best is Cast iron ( although it should be 1st), for recipes which dont require acidic ingredients. I cook mostly dry veggies, omelette, pan cakes, stir fry veggies. Clean up is also easy, just use sea salt and a wooden brush. Never keep the cast iron pan wet though. have to season it once a month ( at times 1ce in 3 months if i am lazy) though. Comparatively cheap and last for years and generations. I got mine from Costco and some from Lodge directly.

3rd.Ceramic is also good option ( I tend to use only xtrema brand, as many ceramics in the market might contain lead). not my favorite. Had to get one because of MIL. She is used to only non stick back home.

Aluminium is a strict no no. Hope it helps!

 

If you can spring for it, get enameled cast iron. It works like a charm. I love Le Creuset but there are many less expensive options on the market now.

 

Bubbles , thanks for starting this thread.

Blessings, is cast iron good or omelettes?
I have a lodge pan that I use to fry , stir fry. Love it. It is well seasoned, and easy to maintain
I am using a ceramic pan for omelettes, want to switch to cast iron if that works. Appreciate your feedback. (ps - I have to use separate pans for veg , non-veg stuff. So I cant experiment on the existing one.)

 

Talk about kitchen toys and I get more excited than talking about jewellery
I worry about letting my helper handle my dutch ovens, though.

Bubbles, do you get WMF there? Their stainless steel woks and pans are relatively easy to clean. Worth the price when you consider their durability

 

@SunPa . Same here w.r.t separating utensils for vegetarian and non vegetarian. Yes if the cast iron is seasoned well, omelettes come out very nicely. DH has a small 5" cast iron pan specifically for it. IT never gets used for anything else so seasoning stays intact pretty longer. He likes raw tomatoes with his breakfast so he sprinkles some cut tomatoes over the omelette and does not flip it.

At times, I have used larger 10" cast iron for making pizza, because the pizza sauce does not really touch the base of the cast iron pan.

ohh.. did u watch that show The Pioneer woman on netflix? She has some awesome collection of cast iron skillets, most of her recipes are cooked in cast iron.

Enjoy cooking.

 

DITOO..Playing with my kitchen toys is a zen retreat for me ( isn't that opposite of zen actually? I don't want to care if it is) But OH girl, I would love me some dutch oven...i droll over the beautiful colorful ones.