New pots and pans and changing my cooking habits

[PennyK]

I'm guilty. Guilty of a lifetime of mistreating my cookware.
I like to cook with a fork, and I have been guilty of ruining non-stick pots and pans by stirring and poking food with a plain old metal fork, and using metal utensils.
My daughter just visited and chastized me for my bad habits. She introduced me to cooking tongs! I had just bought a lovely new saute/braising pan, and then I decided to start out fresh with new cookware since most of what I have is in terrible shape. I am a cheapskate, so I ordered a budget Calphalon set (non-stick, anodized aluminum). I especially like that they all can go into the oven....and I did find a non-stick-safe cooking fork to use with them!
I will keep one or two of the older frying pans for use with higher heats, but I'm hoping to finally turn over a new leaf and treat my new pots and pans with love.

[CountAllVotes]

1. I still use RevereWare

I buy it used on ebay.com. It will last for years if you buy the stuff made in the USA and you cannot beat the copper bottom pots and pans for cooking. The new stuff they make is made in Korea so forget that junk. It is a waste of money.

[PennyK]

4. Yes, but...

Aren't thing manufactured according to the manufacturer's specifications?
I would always prefer to buy stuff that supports American workers, but I'd end up paying more money for everything I use.
Plus, I'd rather my stuff be made in South Korea than China. I drive a Ford Focus and my husband has a Hyundai. Half 'n' half.

[CountAllVotes]

5. I buy USED RevereWare

and it is Made in the USA. I have some pieces that are close to 50 years old!

[Mme. Defarge]

2. Good luck!

Back in the late 80's I upgraded to Cuisinart cookware, but didn't change my cooking habits. I'm still burning stuff with them.

[ginnyinWI]

3. I have a set of stainlesss steel Farberware.

They have copper bottoms. I really don't have trouble with food sticking or burning, and will never have to worry about the non stick surface scratching off. Once in a while when the mood strikes me, I will polish the copper bottoms with some Bar Keepers Friend cleanser.

It seems to me the set was something like $77 a few years ago, bought online. Won't go back to thin-bottomed pans, whether non stick or not!

I used to have some Revereware, and it was a never ending problem with burned on foods.

[PennyK]

6. Well, so far so good

I've been using my new babies and they seem to be great! I can scrape out every bit of whatever gloppy sauce is left after serving with ease. They wash like a dream.
The directions said not to ever use cooking spray, not to add oil or butter until the pan is warm, and not to plop a hot pot into the sink...so I'm adapting and continuing to get away from my old bad habits.
The cooking fork I bought came with a curved spatula (the set is also Calphalon) that is actually quite good at getting sauce out of the pan, but I need at least another spoon and a ladle for for when I make stews and soups.

[PennyK]

7. I had read that food wouldn't brown in these pans. Untrue

I cooked up some cut-up chicken today and it browned beautifully. I'm so in love with these babies and the utensils...everything cleans so easily, too. Even after I wash them -- the water falls right off and they dry quickly.

I did save a few older pots that are all metal, in case my daughter wants to sear anything at a high temp, but in general, I actually find myself planning dinner specifically to use my new stuff lol.