Ideal Bite

Thank you for the teflon tip. I was really unaware that teflon cookware could affect my bird's breathing. Now that I know we will be switching immediately.

Does anyone know if stainless steel is ok? We are registered for them (with the copper bottoms for heat) because I heard about the bad chems in teflon... Thanks!

Stainless steel is safe, Leah. Congratulations on your marriage! I have a set of the Green Pans. Bought one for my mother-in-law, too. I'm sorry to say that they're completely useless. I have a set of stainless steel All-Clads, and they're more non-stick than the Green Pans are. I tried to make an omelet in the Green Pans (which, admittedly is a challenging task for a pan), and it failed miserably. I immediately reverted to my Teflon pans for eggs, and I use the All-Clads for everything else. If I can save even one person from wasting their money on these I will be very happy. :o)

In the California legislature there is currently a bill being deliberated that would ban perfluorocarbon products from the state. You can read the bill here: http://info.sen.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/sen/sb_1301-1350/sb_1313_bill_2008... This would effectively ban teflon from the state as well. Last I heard, the bill had passed the Senate and all Assembly committees and was being put to a vote before the entire Assembly soon. Then it is on to the governator for signing.

We bought the Green Pans. After a few uses food sticks terribly, even when the instructions for seasoning and washing are followed exactly. Now they are covered in ugly black stains and no one wants to use them because they seem dirty even when washed. I wish I would have believed all the negative reviews they have received!

I have used teflon pans for several years. I understand the health risks however, I am unsure what to do with them? Do I just donate them to someone and put them at risk? Throw them into a landfill? Turn them into a sculpture and call it art? Or continue to use my pans aware that there may be some health risks associated to it? Thanks for any suggestions.

Well, unfortunately, I heard recently that there are problems with stainless steel. I was converting from using plastic water bottles. I knew aluminum was not good and there are times I don't want to use glass because of the increased risk of dropping it and breaking it. So, I finally settled on stainless steel interior. I've researched it and, there is indeed some potential problems with it. But, I still think it is better than the alternatives. All of my pots and pans are All-clad stainless steel, some with the LTD. I'd sure like to know what the LTD is as they start nicking after awhile. All-clad stands behind them but I'm wondering what I'm getting in my food. I have heard that ceramic is innocuous (until researchers learn otherwise!) Until I know for sure, I'm going to stick with my All-Clad SS as it was a rather big investment. BTW, be sure to heat your oil up - slowly - before adding your food. Never cook over medium. That helps with the sticking. If anything sticks, clean by adding some soapy water to the pan, heating it up and scraping the remnants loose. I wish this "bite" had gone into more details about the various pot surfaces and given more alternatives. I guess it's a comprehensive issue for a "bite."

Anyone know if Calphalon is safe? I got rid of the Teflon in favor of this type.

I put my teflon skillets in with my camping gear when I decided I didn't want to use teflon regularly. I replaced the skillets with hard-anodized skillets. I love the way they perform, but I'm unsure as to their safety. DO you have any wisdom for me? Thanks!

We use regular old Lodge cast iron. They are the original non stick pan and are ridiculously cheap, even at fancy cooking stores. Check your local thrift store for them, I'm not sure why but they seem to be 'cast' aways in the cooking world. But they work great. We spent a ton of money on high quality stainless steel pans and ended up selling them out of frustration. Everything stuck and you can't use scrubbers! Cast iron only has a slight problem with eggs but not too bad. I don't think I will ever use another type of pan again.