Non stick pans

[Wendy-w]

I've never had one of these and have thought of investing in a non stick set but would like some information first. Is it true that you don't need to use oil?
Is there a difference between the cheap and more expensive sets?
Where is the best place to purchase a set?

[ethandron]

i ditched non-stick pans a few years ago and bought john lewis own brand stainless steel. much better in my opinion, would never go back to non-stick. however, i agree that a non-stick frying pan is a different matter, i would always use a non-stick one although i'm not convinced that the more expensive ones are necessarily better. i have two different size non-stick frying pans, with lids, from aldi, cost about a tenner each. i've had them a few years now and have absolutely no complaints, the non-stick surface is as good as new.

[4getmenot]

I always use tefal now, best ones I've ever had

[nungate]

I'm using a set of non stick pans that I bought from the shopping channel - they are great and they didn't cost me a fortune either - unlike my previous set of pans which lasted no time at all.

[Andyvon]

I only use stainless steel now. I never found a non-stick coating that lasted for more than a year or so at the most.

If you do go for non-stick Wendy the main thing to remember is never use metal utensils with them - only use nylon (plastic) or wood. The more expensive non-stick surfaces last much longer than the cheap items. I suppose two general rules would be to avoid cheap pans at all costs and only buy the best quality you can afford.

[237SJ]

I`ve had some non stick pans for 10 years. How does anyone manage to destroy them? I would imagine that is quite difficult.

[nungate]

Not too difficult to do - my husband regularly ruined non stick frying pans, until I got those ones I mentioned in my earlier post - which you can use metal utensils in. They are also guaranteed to keep the non stick or they can be returned

[237SJ]

Yes, I can understand that they wouldn`t last too long if you didn`t look after them ( not using plastic utensils, letting things burn etc) but apart from that, there is no reason why non stick pans can`t last for many years.

[4getmenot]

the non stick bit always lasts on mine, I just replace the frying pans when the metal bit around handle goes brown