topic Re: Is there really such a thing as nonstick? in Kitchen

Is there really such a thing as nonstick?

Bernie — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 14:04:00 GMT

I'm tired of wasting money on cookware that claims to be nonstick and won't scratch. I bought my latest set here... Technique hard anodized. It's very sticky and scratched with the use of only plastic utensils. Suggestions for the real deal please?

Re: Is there really such a thing as nonstick?

lolakimono — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 15:46:37 GMT

Well seasoned cast iron is virtually nonstick.

Re: Is there really such a thing as nonstick?

kittymomNC — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 16:04:33 GMT

My son brought me two Greenpan (I think they were originally Todd English on HSN) frying pans he found new in the boxes at a thrift store (he sells on eBay and frequently makes the rounds)...he wanted to know what I thought about them. I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised. They are very heavy, and VERY non-stick, and I have used metal utensils in them as they had said you could when presented on HSN. They heat very quickly and hold the heat level. I didn't believe some of the presentations when they were being sold there, but I do now. I haven't looked to see if they're still being sold anywhere, but I don't think they're on HSN any more. (BTW, they are not green, they're gray.)

Re: Is there really such a thing as nonstick?

chickenbutt — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 20:23:42 GMT

I have quite a few pieces of Technique hard anodized that I've had for years and they are all still working perfectly.

I think they promote some things on their presentations that are just plain bad for nonstick. Putting them in the dishwasher, for one - nonstick is NOT dishwasher safe and will eventually break down. Also, using on high heat and using with Pam, or other such spray products, will break the nonstick down.

Short of those things, I've never had problems with regular nonstick holding up very well. I don't use metal utensils at all, except for a few of my whisks which I don't use in nonstick pans (I have some nylon and silicone whisks for that), and that works well. I use either nylon utensils, silicone, or wood.

Re: Is there really such a thing as nonstick?

Deadeye Daisy — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 20:28:28 GMT

Both my 100 year old as well as more recent (28 year old) cast iron is still non-stick. I also have soome Farberware Millenium that's over 20 years old and has retained it's non-stick properties quite well. It has a 25 year warranty on the non-stick.

Re: Is there really such a thing as nonstick?

brewhaha — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 20:35:51 GMT

Not that I know of.

Re: Is there really such a thing as nonstick?

stilltamn8r — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 21:15:45 GMT

Good question!! I have had things stick (to the basket) in aDEEP FRYER...so if that isn't nonstick, what IS?????

Re: Is there really such a thing as nonstick?

Trix — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 21:26:42 GMT

I cannot answer any scientific questions about what material is used, but I always buy T-Fal and never do I have a problem with stuck on food.

Re: Is there really such a thing as nonstick?

BLH — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 21:58:28 GMT

Don't use spray such as Pam on them. That ruins them.

Re: Is there really such a thing as nonstick?

depglass — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 22:07:06 GMT

I do put mine in the dishwasher, both hard anodized and stainless. They are all going strong after years of use except the skillets, which I replace every few years. The Green Pans from Todd English did not last and I trashed them. I do not use Pam, only oil or butter.

Re: Is there really such a thing as nonstick?

brandiwine — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 22:11:46 GMT

Kirkland brand non-stick is truly non-stick. I've had mine for many years and thy look and perform like new.

Re: Is there really such a thing as nonstick?

jaxs mom — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 22:13:37 GMT

On 7/1/2014 lolakimono said:
Well seasoned cast iron is virtually nonstick.

This.

Re: Is there really such a thing as nonstick?

catlover — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 22:14:24 GMT

T-FAL is the best!

Re: Is there really such a thing as nonstick?

Harpa — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 22:21:02 GMT

Ala Jeff Smith: hot pan, cold oil, foods don't stick.

I've been putting this into practice for years and it works every time, no matter the pan or glass dish.

Not sure about the scratch resistant, though.

Re: Is there really such a thing as nonstick?

gardenman — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 00:15:14 GMT

Nothing is as supremely slick as a brand new nonstick pan. They all start to become less effective as time passes. While many are still "nonstick" years later, they aren't nearly as slick as they were originally. If you really want a supremely slick nonstick pan your best bet is to replace your pan every year or so with a brand new one. I buy cheap at Walmart and when they start losing effectiveness I buy a new one to replace it. I'd never invest the money in an All Clad nonstick pan as even their coating loses its effectiveness over time. I don't mind spending ten bucks every year to get a supremely slick pan for my most challenging foods. Older nonstick pans are still nonstick and usable, but they lose that supreme slickness.

Re: Is there really such a thing as nonstick?

Bernie — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 02:54:56 GMT

Thank you for all the tips and suggestions. I never use Pam or put them in the dishwasher. I have a cast iron skillet but don't use it much as I have a glass cooktop. It just bugs me when something has a supposed warranty and it doesn't even make it through a 6 month period.

Re: Is there really such a thing as nonstick?

poppinfresh — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 03:39:56 GMT

T-Fal

Re: Is there really such a thing as nonstick?

homedecor1 — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 02:42:13 GMT

My ORIGINAL set ordered many many years ago is CE 18/10 stainless steel. I have NO scratches, NO sticking, NOT a thing I can say is wrong with them. Yet, I have always hand washed and NEVER use anything but a butter, margarine or olive oil. Never use any PAM, etc. they say.

On the flip side - I ordered the HA Technique about 6 years ago and did dishwasher & metal utensils in them - they don't stick YET the finish is off of them and have slight scratches.

I ordered the clearance 18/10 set offered tonight - just couldn't pass up this great price if they hold up as well as my original.

Will donate the HA set of good pieces to to goodwill ... nothing unsafe about them!

Re: Is there really such a thing as nonstick?

Kay SD — Sat, 05 Jul 2014 05:42:10 GMT

The only nonstick pan I use is my 12" skillet. I use it over moderate heat for delicate foods, I buy a modest priced one, and I replace it every couple of years, as soon as it starts to wear and not release well. I like the idea that there might be such a thing as permanent non-stick, but I haven't seen it yet and don't expect it. My All-Clad sauté and sauce pans, although they are not non-stick, clean up very easily when they are deglazed while hot. They are many years old and are still like new. My one cast iron griddle pan is well-seasoned and will outlast me as well.

Re: Is there really such a thing as nonstick?

oceantown — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 20:49:03 GMT

I have two round lodge pre-seasoned griddle pans which are about 10 inch diameter. I keep them well-seasoned, and do not use dishwashing soap on them. (wash with very hot water & a brush) They are wonderful for eggs and for pancakes, french toast, etc., and do not stick. I sure don't have to worry about them. They will last & last. After they are cleaned & dried I put them back on the burner and turn it onto medium-high and set the timer for 2 minutes and don't leave the kitchen (so I don't forget about the pan being on the burner!) As soon as the pan is hot I remove to a heat safe trivet (or move to another burner). That way I am sure there is no moisture on the pan to help protect from rust.