Which is better value - replacing cheap non-stick pans frequently or a quality p

1. 77

   Diana Grantposted 12 years ago

   Which is better value - replacing cheap non-stick pans frequently or a quality pan occasionally?
   
   Against my better judgment I have just bought the cheapest non-stick saucepan imaginable, paying just £1.50 (about $2.25).  Is this good value, as I don't expect it to last more than a few months, or would I have done better to follow my original intention of buying a good one for about £30, in the hopes that it would last for years? 
   PS First time I used it I cooked a magnificent scrambled egg which didn't stick at all, and next time I used it, I boiled some lentils dry, which you are not supposed to do with teflon pans.  It still seems to be OK.
   
   

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2. 64

   xanzacowposted 12 years ago

   Sometimes you get lucky! I bought a set of Wearever cookware about 2 years ago, paid about $60 for them and am still loving them. As far as ovenware, as long as you dry them well after washing, I think the cheap ones are great. Just never, EVER, use metal utensils and you should be ok. Also, wash them by hand as the dishwasher seems to mess them up quickly!

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      xanzacowposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I don't know why cookware created a link. I did not intentionally do that.

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      Diana Grantposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I know it's important not to use metal utensils, and going back a few years, the labels always advised not to put pans in the dishwasher, but nowadays they do say "dishwasher safe".

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3. 77

   JimTxMillerposted 12 years ago

   As a general rule, buying cheap tools often is a waste of money in the long run. My mother was using cookware that had served her mother a lifetime. No, it wasn't non-stick. However, all non-stick surfaces will break down over time, rendering the pot or pan useless if not down right dangerous.

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      Diana Grantposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I agree with your general rule!  I had some Le Creuset metal casserole dishes which have passed from my mother to me and now to my children, and likely to go on for years. But my experience with teflon coating is that it doesn't last a lifetime

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4. 42

   yogiwanposted 12 years ago

   In your example, it is dependent on your expectations and goals.  When you go to to Starbucks you do not expect and china cup for your coffee.  The paper cup is a one time use and discarded.
   
   If your expectations for your nonstick fry pan is to use it for a short time and dispose of it - cheap is better.  There are some few cheap pieces that will work just fine for a short time but the surface coating will tend to deteriorate or chip with use and the thinner cast aluminum will dent and deform.  .  Most of the newer quality nonstick products (including Teflon coating) are designed for longer use and most have 10 years warranties or longer.  They are mad with thicker material and have substantial bases for even heat distribution.  But they cost a lot more -- certainly a lot more the $2.25.
   
   The new chemical free coatings with harder surfaces which have evolved over the last few years (such as the Woll Diamond's Plus) are not the same as the prior products. These will last.
   
   So how many disposable cheap pans are you willing to circulate through  your kitchen rather than having one quality product that  you can trust.

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      Diana Grantposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      That's why I don't go to Starbucks - but it's still sooooo disappointing

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5. 89

   Sherry Hewinsposted 12 years ago

   I've had the same cast iron skillets and stainless steel saucepans for 30 years, and expect them to last the rest of my life. If, for some reason, I had to start over, I'd get the same thing again. I really dislike teflon, even though it's improved a lot over what it used to be.

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6. 87

   CarNoobzposted 12 years ago

   Yeah, we're done with cheap non-stick pans.  I love bacon bits on my food, but teflon bits?  Not so much...

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      yogiwanposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I am not a Teflon fan but they still get a lot of negative comments which are not deserved.  The new Teflon is chemical free and is more resilient.  However,, there is a lot of cheap nonstick out still that is unsafe - not Teflon

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      Diana Grantposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      So you reckon any sickness the day after use of pan would be due to excess Teflon and not alcohol?

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      CarNoobzposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      LOL

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7. 70

   MarieAlana1posted 12 years ago

   I believe that a quality pan is worth the investment. It saves you money in the long-run because you won't have to go buy another one for a long time. All of the "cheap pan" money can add up. So, you mine as well buy that more expensive pan. Martha Stewart believes this too. She has talked about it during several of her shows.

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   SimpleJoysposted 12 years ago

   I love my cast iron skillet. I have had it for 30 years and it has never failed me. The only thing I find that sticks hard to it is "egg beaters" so I just don't use them!

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   Hawkstrykerposted 12 years ago

   Well coming from a uni student, I would say it is better value to invest a good pan! Of course, it will still eventually deteriorate but after a lot of use.
   With all pans and especially Teflon, it is vital to dry the pan well after washing. Pots left in soak or on the draining board tend to worsen and get that brown splodge that no cleansing tool on Earth can rid!
   I opted for an expensive pan and five years on it's going strong! Take care of your pan and it will take care of your food!

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    MarvelTomboyposted 12 years ago

    quality pan. My mom always bought non-stick but found out later we had bits of the pan in our food sometimes.

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       MarieAlana1posted 12 years agoin reply to this

       That's not good! This is a great reason to buy the best cookware.

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    twig22bendposted 12 years ago

    Having to replace a non-stick saucepan or any pan only demonstrates that the value was not there. I love to cook for others and I want them to have the best, which includes using the best cookware. As the old saying goes " you get what you pay for".
    
    The quality of your cook pans are very important. If you think about it, if  the cost of manufacturing is very low, how can the quality be good? How long will it be safe to use, such as peeling in the case of Teflon and the like. Stainless steel is one of the best and will last forever without breaking down and getting into your food.
    
    Stainless steel pans cook more evenly and you don't have to worry about contaminating your food. You will also have a problem with aluminum pans in the long run.
    
    I am very particular about the pans that I use to cook in. Even if it means that you buy one pan at a time, eventually you will have a set that will be safe and last you for years which equals quality..

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    Fort Worth Cookposted 12 years ago

    I haven't used a Teflon pan in years. The first time I started seeing flakes in my food freaked me out. I never bought another one. I have bought T-FAL but after awhile they started breaking down. My brother gave me one of those new Green Pans for Christmas & I use it every day because I make eggs everyday for 2 people. Now that were in February, it looks a new as ever. He bought it for $20 from Walgreens but I know you can find them online at a lot of places. So far, thumbs up

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13. 60

    Maggie Bennettposted 12 years ago

    Stainless all the way.  You want to be safe, and anything less than stainless scratches and then metals wind up in your food.

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    hrymelposted 12 years ago

    The cheap pans can actually last a long time, the problem with cheap pans is that can leach harmful chemicals into your food. But if you're not worried about that, then your cheap pan should last a few months until you replace it. Worse case scenario is the non stick lining peeling off.

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