Author Topic: primitives discuss fancy pans; sparkling husband primitive pressed for time  (Read 2906 times)

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Offline franksolich

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http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=236x51380

Oh my.

The primitives, wearing their socially-conscious "virtue" on their sleeves, being decadently materialistic again:

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eyepaddle  (1000+ posts)        Mon Dec-15-08 02:22 PM
Original message
 
fancy pan question

Alright folks, I am now nearing a time in my life where purchasing some high end pots and pans is actually a realistic possibility, so this brings up a question: what should I get?

I have always wanted copper cookware, but it seemed so far off I never really did that much research into it. If I go the copper route I believe I would prefer the stainless steel lined variety--just to avoid any food reactivity issues. In my last two days of crash-course research, I have started to question my fixation on copper--at least the stuff that is in my price range.

The thing that jumped out at me was Calphalon's 10 tri ply copper cook set for about $450. But since this is an aluminum core stainless lined copper pot, would I be simply indulging in something that has the look of copper, but misses the more important qualities? Specifically I was at a retailer going through wedding registry stuff and I happened across Emeril's line of stainless steel cookware. I usually avoid "Celebrity branded" products, but it was pretty obvious that Emeril has not lent his name to any shoddy merchandise! His stuff has a very heavy three metal base, and certainly gave the impression that it was all business.

Has anybody here experimented with thee mid price range pots and pans? As an FYI I already have a Calphalon 5 qt tri ply stainless steel saute' pan that I am pretty happy with, and I think I would get the most use out of a mid size sauce pan ~2.5 qt, a 3 qt saute pan and a 6 qt stock pot (I make a lot of dried bean soups.) I am not strongly opposed to purchasing a set though--if I have a pan type that I have never really used before, that might serve to broaden my repertoire so that tI get some use out everything I own.

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eyepaddle  (1000+ posts)        Mon Dec-15-08 02:29 PM
Response to Original message
 
1. A quick follow up,

I am also a pretty big guy (6'4" ~235 lbs) so pan wieght isn't really a concern of mine. IN fact I really enjoy a good feeling of heavy solidity.

The visual orb oar primitive might be a pretty big guy, but he's also a pretty lousy speller.

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Warpy  (1000+ posts)        Mon Dec-15-08 04:42 PM
Response to Reply #1
 
4. I have a truly motley collection of mid level cookware and I do have one copper pot--a teakettle for my woodstove. It looks spiffy as it humidifies the place.

I have always bought according to the job: Calphalon for saucepans, cast iron for frypans, one lonely triple clad stainless saucier, Le Creuset Dutch ovens for soups, stews and bread, a Chinatown special steel wok, a cheap steel crepe pan, and Baker's Secret bakeware--it wears out but is cheap to replace. Oh, wait, my pasta pentola is also triple clad stainless, thank you Tuesday Morning. The base doubles as a big stockpot.

My pots are on a wall rack and I don't care that they don't match. I've accumulated them slowly over many years and use all of them.

You really can't go wrong no matter what cookware you get. Even the cheap stuff with the Teflon all over it from Wally's will work. It will just have to be replaced within 10 years or so. If you want something to look beautiful on a rack, let that be your guide as to stainless versus Calphalon versus copper.

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The empressof all   (1000+ posts)        Mon Dec-15-08 03:13 PM
Response to Original message

2. I have the Wolfgang Puck line of Stainless

Frankly, they are reasonably priced and of a great quality. I personally don't see the point of copper pots. They are evil to take care of and Stainless does a great job. Consumer Reports rated the Puck line as the best and I think they are correct.

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Vinca  (1000+ posts)      Mon Dec-15-08 03:42 PM
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3. I have Cuisinart cookware I like alot.

Copper looks nice, but it must be a pain to keep clean.

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Tangerine LaBamba  (1000+ posts)      Mon Dec-15-08 04:44 PM
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5. I got this set a couple of years ago.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=112571...

Mine isn't copper, but it's wonderful. Heavy, distributes heat beautifully, hasn't given me a moment's disappointment. The copper bottoms, well, to me that's just another thing to clean separately.

But I can tell you that this set, for the price, is amazing.

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housewolf  (1000+ posts)        Tue Dec-16-08 01:33 AM
Response to Reply #5
 
12. I have this set too, and I love it

Never thought I could find any cookware of this quality for a price anyways near this.

I had some Wolfgang Puck cookware back in 2002 or so, and hated it. It may be better now, but what I had was heavy on the bottom but too thin on the sides so the sides/edges often burnt.

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sandnsea  (1000+ posts)      Mon Dec-15-08 05:18 PM
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6. I have copper bottoms and I would certainly get some quality copper if I could afford it. It does cook more evenly and holds the heat throughout the entire pot better. I also like a plain stainless inside, food just seems to come out cleaner somehow. It would be nice to be able to experiment before you buy.

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flamin lib  (1000+ posts)        Mon Dec-15-08 05:38 PM
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7. I recently replaced my Chantal enameled cookware after 12 years of service. My criteria was: Stainless steel for appearance, copper or aluminum inserts for heat distribution and retention, glass lids so I can monitor a slow simmer and a lid with a "catch" rim to capture condensation when I take the lid off to stir or season.

I found Emeril's set that met all those criteria at a very attractive price. Got it at Bed Bath and Beyond and used a 20% off coupon on top of a sale price. Sweet! It's made by AllClad which is pretty much bullet proof.

I also have a few odds and ends of Calphalon SS that I picked up at Tuesday Morning and the lids interchange.

My mother bought a set of stainless steel SaladMaster in the mid 50's. She cooked for a small army until her death in the 80's. I got most of the cookware and divided it with my sister-in-law. When I went induction cooktop ten years ago it wouldn't work, so I gave the rest to her. She is still using it today and it looks as good as when my Mom passed. Had I known that I'd be using infrared/electric flat cooktop technology I'd be using it today.

Ya' can't beat bonded stainless for longevity, appearance and cooking quality.

Is franksolich weird because while he also uses cast iron and copper-bottomed stainless steel cookware, really, he prefers glass cookware?

Is this weird, or is this okay?

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Husb2Sparkly  (1000+ posts)        Mon Dec-15-08 06:15 PM
Response to Original message
 
9. I have a lot of thoughts about this but am pressed for time right now

I have a **major** deadline on Thursday. Can you wait that long? I really don't have the time to do justice to your question right now, but would love to write an essay for you. Just that it will have to wait.

PM me if I have not answered by Friday and I will reply in this thread then.

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htuttle  (1000+ posts)      Mon Dec-15-08 07:02 PM
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10. I used to lust after copper, but have since turned to cast iron everything

I have a cast iron wok, a stew pot, a few frying pans and a little one that I use to make Turkish coffee.

It takes a while to heat up, but cast iron is honest. There are no hot spots. When it's hot, it's hot all over.

I do have some old enameled Nordic-ware stuff I got at a second hand store, and I use some cheap steel pots to boil pasta and potatoes in, but otherwise, give me iron. Since I use them so often, rust hasn't ever been an issue, even if my wife uses soap and a scrub pad to clean them...

The sparkling husband primitive emulates the subway cat, doing a lot of linkage.

However, unlike the subway cat, the sparkling husband primitive's text is his own, not from the links.

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Husb2Sparkly  (1000+ posts)        Tue Dec-16-08 12:05 AM
Response to Original message
 
11. Here are some threads from here that spoke about cookware

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

Those threads have links to other threads about cookware. As you know, our C&B threads often go places that the thread title doesn't indicate. so follow 'em all down.

A word about multiple ply cookware ..... most of the stuff that's out there is an aluminum core with stainless in and out. Aluminum is second only to copper for responsive cooking. There is some five ply stuff out there, like All Clad. It has a copper core with aluminum on that and stainless on that. In my view, it is overpriced. There is also aluminum core with stainless in and copper out; this is mostly just for looks although, to be fair, the copper does allow somewhat more responsiveness.

Then there is tin lined copper and stainless lined copper; this is not multiple ply cookware, really. The fact is, copper needs to be lined (all but candy and zabaglione pans) or it could leach into the food and affect taste (no, in small quantities it isnt toxic, so far as I know. Tin is traditional for this and is a nice inert metal that is totally neutral. Problem (well .... not a problem, really) is that the tin turns this dirty sort of gray color when used. It never really shines after use. Again, not a problem unless you're more concerned with how your cookware looks instead of works.

As to this notion of copper being high maintenance. I have a lot of copper. On any given week, most of it is in need of polish. This has virtually no impact on performance. We use the copper and that's what used copper looks like. I shine it every now and again, when the mood strikes. I use Bar Keeper's Friend and nothing else on it. Mostly, I shine it as a way to relax. Even more mostly, I don't worry about it. It is there to be used, not admired.

No one pot material is right for all purposes.

Check out those threads and then let us know if you still ahve more questions.

By the way, here is a link to the Fantes website. This place is maybe the best on the web for honest value and wide selection. Their house brand stuff is very nice quality - sometimes better than name brand. This link goes to their pots and pans tutorial. **LOTS** of information there.

http://www.fantes.com/cookware.html

Go beyond that link and check out the whole web site. Its amazing.
apres moi, le deluge

Milo Yiannopoulos "It has been obvious since 2016 that Trump carries an anointing of some kind. My American friends, are you so blind to reason, and deaf to Heaven? Can he do all this, and cannot get a crown? This man is your King. Coronate him, and watch every devil shriek, and every demon howl."

Offline Wineslob

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Is franksolich weird because while he also uses cast iron and copper-bottomed stainless steel cookware, really, he prefers glass cookware?

Is this weird, or is this okay?

Yes Frank, you are wierd.     :-)

I use cast iron where appropriate, frying, slow-cooking, stews (dutch oven) what- not, but no acid based food. (tomatoes) I don't have any enamel lined CI.
I love the copper clad stuff (see the Paula Deen post) but teflon lined. The heat distribution and retention makes cooking things right so much better.
Glass I've never liked. It seems to have hot spots. Donno why.
“The national budget must be balanced. The public debt must be reduced; the arrogance of the authorities must be moderated and controlled. Payments to foreign governments must be reduced, if the nation doesn't want to go bankrupt. People must again learn to work, instead of living on public assistance.”

        -- Marcus Tullius Cicero, 55 BC (106-43 BC)

The unobtainable is unknown at Zombo.com



"Practice random violence and senseless acts of brutality"

If you want a gender neutral bathroom, go pee in the forest.

Offline franksolich

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Yes Frank, you are wierd.     :-)

I use cast iron where appropriate, frying, slow-cooking, stews (dutch oven) what- not, but no acid based food. (tomatoes) I don't have any enamel lined CI.
I love the copper clad stuff (see the Paula Deen post) but teflon lined. The heat distribution and retention makes cooking things right so much better.
Glass I've never liked. It seems to have hot spots. Donno why.

Yeah, it appears glass does develop hot spots, even in the most-excellent Corning or Pyrex.

I guess I prefer glass because it's easier to clean.

Also, when I was a little lad, and enamoured of an old lady who lived across the street from us, I noticed she used glass cookware (but not the brand).

Being deaf, I was a nuisance to most people, but oddly, this old lady (I do not mean the term "old" in a disparaging way), who owned the lumberyard, and much farmland, and was one of top three wealthiest people in this Platte River community of circa 3,000, had a reputation for being "mean" and "unfriendly;" bitter, angry, that sort of thing.

She was actually a childless widow, her husband having died drunk when they both were in their 30s, which was long, long, before I knew her.

I found her company pleasant, and benefited enormously from it.

In fact, the oldest still-surviving thing specifically of mine that I have, is from her, given me when I was 7 years old, much to the surprise of others.

She always used glass cookware.

The other preference I "inherited" from her is that, even when I was young and poor (in college, for example), I've always used real silver silverware, that sterling stuff.

This lady had exquisite taste and impeccable manners; a Paragon of all that is good and decent and civilized.

apres moi, le deluge

Milo Yiannopoulos "It has been obvious since 2016 that Trump carries an anointing of some kind. My American friends, are you so blind to reason, and deaf to Heaven? Can he do all this, and cannot get a crown? This man is your King. Coronate him, and watch every devil shriek, and every demon howl."

Offline Wineslob

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Nice story about the lady, Frank.
A friend of mine's mum, as he called her, was a user of glassware. She was an extremely nice woman, right up there with my grandmother, THE most wonderful woman in the world. She loved to make a simple, I honestly dont know WTH you would call it, cookie/cake type thing. Always in a glass pan. Great stuff, and if I'm right, I saw a reciepe for it in this forum.
She loved to play a card game called Spellbound. We would spend many an afternoon playing. She almost always won as she had the distinct ability to get the "X's" in the game and could spell xerxes, giving her massive ammounts of points. I never asked what happended to the decks after her passing.
“The national budget must be balanced. The public debt must be reduced; the arrogance of the authorities must be moderated and controlled. Payments to foreign governments must be reduced, if the nation doesn't want to go bankrupt. People must again learn to work, instead of living on public assistance.”

        -- Marcus Tullius Cicero, 55 BC (106-43 BC)

The unobtainable is unknown at Zombo.com



"Practice random violence and senseless acts of brutality"

If you want a gender neutral bathroom, go pee in the forest.

Offline franksolich

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Nice story about the lady, Frank.

A friend of mine's mum, as he called her, was a user of glassware. She was an extremely nice woman, right up there with my grandmother, THE most wonderful woman in the world. She loved to make a simple, I honestly don't know WTH you would call it, cookie/cake type thing. Always in a glass pan. Great stuff, and if I'm right, I saw a reciepe for it in this forum.

She loved to play a card game called Spellbound. We would spend many an afternoon playing. She almost always won as she had the distinct ability to get the "X's" in the game and could spell xerxes, giving her massive ammounts of points. I never asked what happened to the decks after her passing.

You know, despite that kids didn't like this graceful and elegant neighbor, she and my parents got along fine.

This was my first experience with Death, when I was 8 years old (two years before I moved to the Sandhills, where I spent my adolescence).

She was kneeling, digging around her rose-bushes, and suddenly keeled over.

I was some feet away.

I had no idea what was going on, but there were adults nearby who took care of the situation before I had much time to wonder.

Cardiac arrest, but it all happened so quickly it didn't end up traumatizing; someone quickly whisked me away, and the next time I saw her was when she was in a box.
apres moi, le deluge

Milo Yiannopoulos "It has been obvious since 2016 that Trump carries an anointing of some kind. My American friends, are you so blind to reason, and deaf to Heaven? Can he do all this, and cannot get a crown? This man is your King. Coronate him, and watch every devil shriek, and every demon howl."

Offline debk

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I'll say one thing for the Dummies....they make fairly good choices in cookware....and expensive cookware at that.

I have a set of "restaurant" Calphalon. I like it alot, except for the hot hot handles. I have a mix of other stuff, some enamel, for soups and pastas, Corningware and Pyrex for baking. And some odds and ends that I have picked up.

I would love to have some of Paula Deen's new cast iron....but I know I would have trouble lifting it when it was full... :(
Just hand over the chocolate...back away slowly...far away....and you won't get hurt....

Save the Earth... it's the only planet with chocolate.

"My therapist told me the way to achieve true inner peace is to finish what I start. So far I've finished two bags of M&M's and a chocolate cake. I feel better already." – Dave Barry

A balanced diet is chocolate in both hands.

Offline Wineslob

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I'll say one thing for the Dummies....they make fairly good choices in cookware....and expensive cookware at that.

I have a set of "restaurant" Calphalon. I like it alot, except for the hot hot handles. I have a mix of other stuff, some enamel, for soups and pastas, Corningware and Pyrex for baking. And some odds and ends that I have picked up.

I would love to have some of Paula Deen's new cast iron....but I know I would have trouble lifting it when it was full... :(

I'd love to get some enameled cast, but I'd have nowhere to store it, and my wife would HATE it for the same reasons you state.

“The national budget must be balanced. The public debt must be reduced; the arrogance of the authorities must be moderated and controlled. Payments to foreign governments must be reduced, if the nation doesn't want to go bankrupt. People must again learn to work, instead of living on public assistance.”

        -- Marcus Tullius Cicero, 55 BC (106-43 BC)

The unobtainable is unknown at Zombo.com



"Practice random violence and senseless acts of brutality"

If you want a gender neutral bathroom, go pee in the forest.

Offline debk

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I'd love to get some enameled cast, but I'd have nowhere to store it, and my wife would HATE it for the same reasons you state.



I have seen it several places ...from Dillards, to Sam's and Walmart, to Carolina Pottery...Dillard's was the most expensive, but I had a gift card I could use for it.

I saw the 5 quart covered enamel coated cast iron casserole at Walmart on Saturday. I would rather have the Dutch oven one I saw at Carolina Pottery...until I lifted it. There's just no way I could lift it full and not burn myself which defeats the purpose of getting it.... :(.

It is beautiful stuff though. The skillet is very very heavy.
Just hand over the chocolate...back away slowly...far away....and you won't get hurt....

Save the Earth... it's the only planet with chocolate.

"My therapist told me the way to achieve true inner peace is to finish what I start. So far I've finished two bags of M&M's and a chocolate cake. I feel better already." – Dave Barry

A balanced diet is chocolate in both hands.

Offline bijou

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I too am a fan of pyrex and the like. My mother used it when I was growing up and I got usd to using it. The other benefit is that yo can keep an eye on stuff without disturbing it (very useful for rice dishes).

I was going to get a Le Creuset pan until I tried to lift one up in the shop at which point I realised that I wouldn't be able to move it once it was full.



Offline debk

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I too am a fan of pyrex and the like. My mother used it when I was growing up and I got usd to using it. The other benefit is that yo can keep an eye on stuff without disturbing it (very useful for rice dishes).

I was going to get a Le Creuset pan until I tried to lift one up in the shop at which point I realised that I wouldn't be able to move it once it was full.

Pyrex 9x13 dishes are the best for casserole type stuff.
Just hand over the chocolate...back away slowly...far away....and you won't get hurt....

Save the Earth... it's the only planet with chocolate.

"My therapist told me the way to achieve true inner peace is to finish what I start. So far I've finished two bags of M&M's and a chocolate cake. I feel better already." – Dave Barry

A balanced diet is chocolate in both hands.