need help deciding: bakeware/cookware

[Adamsmama]

I've been looking on Amazon for some new bakeware/cookware. I've gotten rid of all my nonstick/teflon coated stuff except for one loaf pan and my hard adonized calaphon griddle pan. I can replace the loaf pan with either a stainless steel or an extra glass loaf pan ... but the griddle I'm having a hard time deciding what to do. I use this all the time. I make homemade tortillas and use it for the inital cooking. I also use it for grilled cheese, pancakes, hamburgers, steaks ... several times a week. If this is not good for my family I'll replace it but with what? We have a flat top stove that we got about 18months ago -- I don't want to damage it, otherwise I would buy cast-iron. Any other good options? I do have some skillets that are stainless steel...could I use these for the same purpose?

Also, I have 2 insulated aluminum cookie sheets ... should these be replaced with stainless or are these ok healthwise?

[Free Thinker]

I got rid of all my teflon a few years ago but I could not find a replacement to a griddle, so I do have one that is teflon coated. Mine isn't one that's usedon a range, but one that plugs into the wall by itself, an it only gets up to 350', I am pretty sure that the main problem w/ the teflon came at higher temps, so I try to only use mine sparingly and at lower temps. I do eggs, grilled cheese, ect. in a le Creuset pan and I need to get a second one! They are awesome and I have been amazed at how well it's held up! I think your aluminum cookie sheets are fine, aren't they shiny? You want the shiney ones w/o any coating on them. Same for cupcakes/cake pans.

[Adamsmama]

Originally Posted by Free Thinker

I got rid of all my teflon a few years ago but I could not find a replacement to a griddle, so I do have one that is teflon coated. Mine isn't one that's usedon a range, but one that plugs into the wall by itself, an it only gets up to 350', I am pretty sure that the main problem w/ the teflon came at higher temps, so I try to only use mine sparingly and at lower temps. I do eggs, grilled cheese, ect. in a le Creuset pan and I need to get a second one! They are awesome and I have been amazed at how well it's held up! I think your aluminum cookie sheets are fine, aren't they shiny? You want the shiney ones w/o any coating on them. Same for cupcakes/cake pans.

My aluminum cookie sheets are not coated with nonstick but they aren't really shiny, either ... they are sort of scratched up looking but I always line them in aluminum foil (which is shiny). Wasn't sure how bad that was for us -- and we make a lot of cookies, too. I just got rid of my old cupcake pan and got a stone one instead.

[desertpenguin]

personally i would opt for stainless steel or stoneware for the cookie sheets. but Alzheimer's runs in my family so i think there is enough of a reason for me to believe that our family is not very good at eliminating aluminum from the body.

[Adamsmama]

Originally Posted by desertpenguin

personally i would opt for stainless steel or stoneware for the cookie sheets. but Alzheimer's runs in my family so i think there is enough of a reason for me to believe that our family is not very good at eliminating aluminum from the body.

Thanks for your input. I wondered how much aluminum actually gets into the food. I think I will use my stoneware for my cookies now, instead of the cookie sheets.

Is enameled cast iron considered safe? Is it fairly nonstick?

[Carley]

Man, I almost exclusively use cast iron, enamel and stonewear. If I could, I would have a massive collection of cast iron. My amazon wishlist is full of cast iron desires

In the mean time I can do everything I need to with a giant enamel cast iron stockpot, stainless steel saucepan & 2 cast iron pans (one deep & one shallow). I have also have stonewear bread pans.

My cookie sheets are... I don't know what they are, but I use a Silpat on them. Silicone, yes. Awesome, yes. Pick & choose, I guess.

[mamadelbosque]

I use CI on our glasstop stoves. Works just peachy fine...

[allnaturalmom]

I would double check w/your glass cooktop manufacturer about the use of cast iron. Mine is made by Kitchenaid and I had the same concern. I called customer service and asked about using it and was told it was just fine to use (no issue w/weight or heat or anything). They said just don't shake the pan on the burner, which could possibly scratch it, but I never do that when cooking anyway! You just can't beat a cast iron griddle! : hth

I recommend stainless cookie sheets. They work great. I also use my cast iron griddle for cookies, too (also great). If you do decide to keep your aluminum sheets, consider using parchment paper for your cookies/etc..., you can re-use it many times and imo it's way better than foil.

gl
hth

[Adamsmama]

Ok...I had a gift certificate to amazon to use and I decided to try a cast iron griddle. I'm excited. I looked at the manual for my stove and it doesn't specify against cast-iron -- just no sliding heavy pots, etc. I will still use my stainless steel for most cooking -- but I like something nonstock for my tortillas and grilled cheese (and for hamburgers inside).

I also got 2 stainless steel cookie sheets and a SS loaf pan. I'm excited. : Thanks for all the help!