New Cookware?

[java]

I need some new pans. I have had my Calphalon set since I got married 20 years ago. The stock pots are still fine but I need some new fry pans. I am thinking of just buying a nonstick one and then getting a set of some kind for the others.
Any ideas on good pans? The problem is that I have All Clad Copper Core tastes but a budget mind.

 

[marn913]

Have you contacted Calphalon? We have a set that has a few pieces that are wearing. I emailed them and they have a lifetime warranty and they will replace them free. All I have to do is pay the shipping cost to return the originals. Can't hurt to ask rather than paying $$$ for a new set, especially since all of your pieces don't need to be replaced!

 

[prncess674]

Do you have a Williams-Sonoma outlet near you? I bought a wonderful 8" Emeril non-stick omelet pan for less than $15. It is literally the best omlet pan I have ever used. The eggs slide out beautifully. I want to buy the 10 and 12 larger sizes the next time I go back! I too am an All-Clad snob and was hesitant to try it. There is no reason your cookware has to match unless you have a pro kitchen and display all your cookware.

Non stick fry/omelet pans take the most abuse and need to be replaced more often. Be sure not to use metal utensils to extend the life. I was planning on keeping my old fry pan so I could do two omelets at once, but I was so happy with the one that I put the other one in the Goodwill bag.

 

[Tina]

I recently picked up a few non-stick Calphalon pans out an outlet store and I've fallen in love with them. I love the stainless steel outside but have always hated the black inside. Well Calphalon now has ones with grey nonstick on the inside. Perfect! Also, when I was buying them, the salesman told me why all of my other pans have always deteriorated. He said to never use cooking spray on nonstick pans. The silicone destroys the surface. I had no idea. I've stopped buying cooking sprays all together.

 

[prncess674]

Also, when I was buying them, the salesman told me why all of my other pans have always deteriorated. He said to never use cooking spray on nonstick pans. The silicone destroys the surface. I had no idea. I've stopped buying cooking sprays all together.

Not sure what kind of cooking spray you are using but the typical Pam spray is nothing but some sort of vegetable or olive oil in mist format. I have never heard of a silicone cooking spray.

I have heard that you should have a dedicated egg/omelet non-stick pan and don't cook anything else in it.

 

[Tina]

I just went looking for the answer because, honestly, I was just repeating what I had been told in the Calphalon outlet. I did see that some sprays contain an item called Dimethyl Silicone for anti-foaming. Then I Googled for info on cooking sprays on Calphalon. Many sites, including Calphalon's, state you should not use any aerosol cooking sprays. The propellant is what damages the pans. I checked my can of Pam in the cupboard and it does list Propellant (but not any specific type).

However, you can still use non aerosol pumps for spraying pans (the kind you fill yourself with oil).

 

[swilshire]

I wish Calphalon still sold pans with the lifetime warranty. The newer ones aren't nearly as good and the warranty is not lifetime.

Sheila