Respiratory Sytems?

[Michael]

It really isn't that expensive though. I got most of my cast iron pans for $20 US and they will last at least 10 years if not for life. Teflon pans range from maybe $10-$100 and they don't last 5 years for even the best ones cause the coating gets ruined! All in all I have 6 cast iron pans now, two of each kind and they are fantastic. $120 worth of pans + some covers is not bad at all considering how well they work.

[Natacha]

It really isn't that expensive though. I got most of my cast iron pans for $20 US and they will last at least 10 years if not for life. Teflon pans range from maybe $10-$100 and they don't last 5 years for even the best ones cause the coating gets ruined! All in all I have 6 cast iron pans now, two of each kind and they are fantastic. $120 worth of pans + some covers is not bad at all considering how well they work.

I agree, however, there are cheaper Teflon pans and some people won't look at quality when buying. Sometimes, a $10 difference is enough for someone to go "cheap".

My cast iron skillet cost me $25. I LOVE it. My parents have an identical one and my dad had it before he met my mother.
I have a set of cast iron pots that my mom gave to me when she bought new ones and she had got the old ones from someone else herself. And they still work great!

I've also bought a cast iron roasting pan as well as a French and a Dutch oven when they were on sale (65% off..). They were all under $50 at that time, but otherwise would have been $75 and over. Best investment for cooking.

[Michael]

The old pans are worth more than the new ones

[MandyG]

The stainless steel pans really suck. I've tried practically everything and have come to the conclusion that cast iron is the best.

Depends on the pan I guess, some great chefs use stainless steel! My husband hasn't tried them for himself yet, but he really does love his cast iron skillet.

[triplebbirds]

Cast iron is the best. Make sure you cure it though. Also fbuy the old used ones. Flea markets, yard sales, thrift shops. Clean them really good. Lotta soap. Then cure them well. Also beware of cooking tomato products or other high acid foods in them it can harm the cure. Also if you get the chance these are the pots/pans that you would use on a camp fire.

[Earthangel]

Actually cooking on stainless steel isn't that bad.
You just have to learn the right way to cook with it.
I have a set of emerilware & cusiniart stainless cooking set and I wouldn't trade them for anything else.
The only thing is make sure to let the pan heat up before You add oil/butter/cooking spray. This will virtually ensure that food will not stick.
They also hold heat much longer that non stick so your food stays cooking alittle longer after you have removed it from the heat.

Aside from that, cooking with stainless steel is just about the same. Except ... you don't those have all those nasty carcinogens in your food and you can use metal utensils.
They also last much much longer than any nonstick set.
Another thing is cast iron but with cast iron you have to make sure your pan stays 'seasoned' and make sure not to scrub it clean or the soap with take the oil/seasoning off and things will stick in the pan.

[triplebbirds]

And if you use something else you dont have to play the did i burn my food or is that part of the pan game. Grilled cheese apparently loves the skillet crusties.

[Crazy Bird Lady]

I agree cast iron is the way to go - even if it is expensive it lasts way longer than any teflon pan. all it takes is one scratch in a teflon pan and its ready for the bin, and cast iron is so durable, and holds heat really well, making it more energy efficient.
I do have one small teflon pan, and when i use it, my tiels go outside with my budgies, and the house is opened up to air properly - its not just a hazard for birds, its also a hazard for humans, especially if the teflon overheats/burns.
Its also worth considering other chemical exposure such as perfumes, deoderants and hair dyes (they leave quite a strong smell). i have stopped using perfume because if i spray it on my neck, it will usually go on my necklaces, and my birds chew my necklaces - not to mention just inhaling the perfume smell when they sit on me.
I think these are all important things to consider... but i also get amazed when i think of all the birds that live with people who dont know or think about things like this - that they survive is a miracle.

[Michael]

Why would you still need a teflon pan? I have not found one instance where a well seasoned cast iron could not substitute. I agree though that it's a miracle some birds survive in irresponsible households. I know someone with a cockatiel who continues using teflon while knowing the risk. That's the problem. That teflon is an accident waiting to happen but until it does, the person using it can keep doing it unpunished and get complacent.

I once was reseasoning a cast iron pan and forgot the stove on for 3 hours and all the oil burned out and the room was smoked up but I was sooooooo grateful that was not teflon. I was worried about the smoke but birds were fine. I wouldn't do it again though!

[Crazy Bird Lady]

Michael - i agree with you - why would i still have a teflon pan anyway - its something i do intend to get rid of. i looked recently for a small cast iron pan and coudlnt find one at the time - although i will keep looking. its usually used for breakfast because its small and just fits 2 eggs in perfectly - and when i prepare breakfast is when my cockatiels go outside for a few hours, as part of their daily routine. By the time they come inside the house has been thoroughly aired... but still, yes, i need to get a small cast iron pan ASAP.