I've read through a lot of posts, done some searches, and I've come to the conclusion that there isn't a right answer to this question, but I'm hoping someone will say something that will sway my decision.
OK, I'm in the market for a couple of new fry pans and a saute pan (with cover). Currently I have a large TFal arrangement, but for some reason the saute and fry pans have really deteriorated in the last few months. They're 20 years old, so I guess this is to be expected, but the sudden turn for the worse has me a little confused. I'm wondering if it's my dishwasher.... but that's where the new pans will be going too, so I guess we'll see.
I understand the different pan for different job philosophy, but I need my pans to multi-task. If I'm cooking sausage in a pan and I decide to add garlic, onions, and spagetti sauce because my appetite has changed, I don't want to worry about the acids from the sauce affecting the pan.... something I read about using SS or aluminum, I think.
Also, I often let my leftovers cool in the pan, throw some plasic wrap across the top, set the lid on and refridgerate til the following day. Maybe I'll reheat in the pan, maybe I'll transfer to a plate and nuke it....
Breakfast usually needs two fry pans, but sometimes I get by cooking my home fries, bacon and eggs in one pan. For this reason I am wondering if I should stick with non-stick..... (I didn't say that on purpose ) because most of the things I've read have said to keep one non-stick pan for your eggs, but I know I wouldn't be able to keep a dedicated pan just for eggs. I'd end up frying something else in there, too.
I should mention that I'm not into making pan gravy yet and nearly fell out of my chair when I saw some pans going for a couple hundred bucks not for me....
I picked up a cheapo square pan from Wally World 6 months ago and the coating looks like it's turning brown in spots already I don't use metal utensils.
So, is there any help for me? Can someone recommend a few pans that will hold me over for another 20 years, or am I better off going cheap and replacing every couple years? My pots are just fine, BTW.
Fred
OK, I'm in the market for a couple of new fry pans and a saute pan (with cover). Currently I have a large TFal arrangement, but for some reason the saute and fry pans have really deteriorated in the last few months. They're 20 years old, so I guess this is to be expected, but the sudden turn for the worse has me a little confused. I'm wondering if it's my dishwasher.... but that's where the new pans will be going too, so I guess we'll see.
I understand the different pan for different job philosophy, but I need my pans to multi-task. If I'm cooking sausage in a pan and I decide to add garlic, onions, and spagetti sauce because my appetite has changed, I don't want to worry about the acids from the sauce affecting the pan.... something I read about using SS or aluminum, I think.
Also, I often let my leftovers cool in the pan, throw some plasic wrap across the top, set the lid on and refridgerate til the following day. Maybe I'll reheat in the pan, maybe I'll transfer to a plate and nuke it....
Breakfast usually needs two fry pans, but sometimes I get by cooking my home fries, bacon and eggs in one pan. For this reason I am wondering if I should stick with non-stick..... (I didn't say that on purpose ) because most of the things I've read have said to keep one non-stick pan for your eggs, but I know I wouldn't be able to keep a dedicated pan just for eggs. I'd end up frying something else in there, too.
I should mention that I'm not into making pan gravy yet and nearly fell out of my chair when I saw some pans going for a couple hundred bucks not for me....
I picked up a cheapo square pan from Wally World 6 months ago and the coating looks like it's turning brown in spots already I don't use metal utensils.
So, is there any help for me? Can someone recommend a few pans that will hold me over for another 20 years, or am I better off going cheap and replacing every couple years? My pots are just fine, BTW.
Fred