Alternatives To Nonstick Pans

We all know how convenient and easy it can be cooking with nonstick pans. Even if we don’t know much about cooking, we are far less likely to end up with a disaster with nonstick cookware. On top of that, they are easy to clean. Who would like to expend energy and time to scrub a pan after use? That is why nonstick cookware, especially frying pans are much sought after. But with the trend towards a healthier lifestyle and greener environment, people are also getting increasingly conscious about using Teflon cookware. Hence, alternatives to nonstick pans begin to emerge with market demand.

Non-Toxic Pans That Are Also Nonstick

These have been gaining popularity in recent years as people begin to replace their Teflon pans with other nonstick options. If you are still keen on nonstick cookware but without the chemicals used in the manufacturing process, you can look for ceramic coated ones. The best ceramic cookware sets are still affordable and they are PFOA and PTFE free. There are plenty of choices on the market and you can get branded ones such as the Cuisinart Green Gourmet or opt for cheaper options from the T Fal Ceramic Cookware lines.

Although both are nonstick, is one better than the other in the ceramic vs Teflon pans debate? For a chemical-free coating, ceramic will, of course, be a better option. But the durability and care needed are no different than traditional Teflon cookware. You will still need to use nylon or wooden utensils, cook on low to medium heat and preferably handwash them after use. In fact, some people find ceramic pans to be even worse in terms of durability than Teflon ones because they can chip and scratch very easily and the nonstick coating may wear off at a faster rate.

Apart from ceramic, other alternatives to nonstick pans also include cookware that uses other forms of nonstick coating. You will need to note that some of them will claim to be PFOA-free but nothing is mentioned about PTFE. Starfrit The Rock is one example. So, if you are looking for green cookware, you will need to read carefully their product description.

Stainless Steel As Alternative To Nonstick Pans

Many people find it hard to cook with stainless steel pans. But stainless steel cookware can be a real value for money buy for your kitchen. They can last a long time, unlike nonstick pans, and they can be quite easy to cook with once you have mastered the techniques. They are not so heavy like cast iron cookware and yet, can take a lot of abuse. If you are really into green living and not keen on disposing of yet another nonstick pan, a good quality stainless steel piece is a great alternative.

With a stainless steel pan, you don’t have to worry about cooking on high heat or being extra careful with it. That means you are free to experiment with your cooking. Of course, it also means there is a lot of trial and error involved in getting things right so that food does not stick onto the cooking surface. You will have to learn how to cook with stainless steel and once you have mastered it, you can cook almost anything with the pan. The egg test is a common test for nonstick pans to show how easy they slide out onto the plate. Well, if you know how to fry eggs with a stainless steel pan, the same can be done too.

Cast Iron Pan

You can consider this as an alternative to nonstick pans if you don’t mind the weight and the high maintenance. A cast iron pan like the Lodge skillet is an excellent choice for roasting and searing. You can cook on high heat, not worry about chemicals leaching into your food, and treat it rougher than your typical nonstick cookware. Furthermore, it is cheap and can last you for years. While you need to replace a nonstick pan every 1 to 2 years or even less, a cast iron pan can get better with age.

However, not many people like cooking with a cast iron skillet because it is heavy. You can’t soak it in water and need to wipe it dry to prevent rust from developing. Moreover, the pan needs to be well-seasoned to maintain its non-stickiness. As a result, people would rather choose convenience and more often than not, give cast iron a miss.

Reducing Usage Of Nonstick Pans

If you can reduce the usage of your nonstick pan, you won’t need to replace it as often. One way to do so is to buy a stainless steel pan and use that as your go-to pan. Not everything will easily stick to a stainless steel cooking surface. Stir-frying vegetables and other dishes can be done in a stainless steel cookware without any problems. Bring out your nonstick pan only for items like cheese and delicate fish.

By perfecting your skills on a stainless steel or cast iron cookware, you will be able to gradually decrease the usage of nonstick pieces. For us, the alternative to nonstick pans is a good quality stainless steel pan. After all, it is frustrating having to continuously replace a cookware, no matter how healthy it may be.