3 Best Alternative to Non Stick Pan

Topic: Best Alternative to Non Stick Pan

Over the years we have heard so much about the dangers of using non stick pans. Though, by adapting different techniques and using non toxic materials many brands tried to change the perception of users. However, it didn’t change the reality on a bigger scale. The reason is that not everyone can afford to have the premium quality non sticks pans that are completely safe and non-hazardous.

If you are one of those people who are looking for the best alternative to non stick pan; then you will find this article interesting as we have dug out some of the best alternative to non stick pans that you might find helpful.

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Top 3 Alternatives to Nonstick Cookware

The reason why non stick pans are popular and commonly found in every household because the slick non stick coating allows an effortless food release with less oil and not only this cleaning them is also a breeze. But the same special coating that has made our lives easier has always been so controversial in terms of health concerns.

Obviously, nobody wants to risk their health but the fact is people actually don’t know about the alternative to non stick cookware or let’s say they are not convinced if there are cookwares actually exist which can be used as a better non stick replacement.

There are commonly three alternatives to nonstick cookware that are Stainless Steel, Ceramic, and Cast iron. Though not any of them totally claim or adhere exactly the same qualities of your non stick pots or pans coated with Teflon. However, a little effort and patience may help you get the best alternative to non stick frying pan.

1# Ceramic Cookware

Made from organic materials Ceramic cookware is considered to be the safest non stick pan replacement so far. Apart from the technical aspects, one thing that is prominent about the Ceramic cookware is its attractive appearance.

Ceramic cookware is comparatively light weighted as compared to other cookwares. Carrying the non stick properties the ceramic pots or pans are usually enameled available in a variety of beautiful colors.

The natural non stick properties of Ceramic cookware are not considered long-lasting and serve not more than 3 to 5 years. Typically Ceramic cookwares are made in combination with different layers of metals; so it is recommended to consult the product description before purchasing as different metals have different heat retention and distribution properties.

2#Stainless Steel Cookware

When it comes to durability we cannot deny the fact that Stainless steel cookware is extremely tough and can withstand high cooking temperatures. Mostly users fear that cooking in stainless steel cookware may get their food burn or stick but the reality is that if you invest in premium quality uncoated stainless steel pans they perform better.

However, you need a proper amount of oil or butter to perfectly sear, brown, or fry your food. Pots and pans made of stainless steel are mostly dishwasher and oven safe. However, we suggest hand wash them as it might compromise their shiny elegant look.

You Must Read This: Best Nickel free Stainless Steel Cookware Set

3#Cast Iron Cookware

Cast iron is a heavy duty cookware known for its sturdy nature and excellent heat retention quality. A properly seasoned cast iron pan performs great as a non stick pan replacement.

Cast iron pots and pans are considered cost-effective in comparison to non stick cookware. The best thing about this cookware is that it can be repaired easily if gets damaged or scratched. Cooking acidic foods is not recommended in Cast iron cookware as it may absorb the iron into the food and your meal will start tasting like iron. Cast iron cookware is oven safe.

Non Stick Pan One-To-One Comparison

1- Non Stick Pan vs Stainless Steel Pan

Nonstick pans are indeed a convenient option for dealing with delicate foods such as eggs, pancakes, fish, and much more. There are two non stick coatings available one is Teflon and the other is PFOA-free which is considered much safer in comparison to Teflon.

The stainless steel pan can also be served as the best alternative to non stick frying pan if you are using it the right way. The best way to keep your food from sticking or get burnt, preheat your stainless steel pan with sufficient oil or butter before adding food to it.

Non stick pans upon overheating start to break down toxic chemicals and may release a hazardous chemical in the air which in turn can result in severe health conditions.

On the other hand, stainless steel pans are found more durable and offer toxic free cooking as they can withstand high temperatures letting you sear and brown your food with a thick brown crust. Stainless steel pans don’t require careful handling as compare to non stick pans.

Depending on their built and heat retention capabilities some non stick pans are oven safe. It is always good to check the manual before putting your non stick pan into the oven because some thin coated pans can easily be chipped. Stainless Steel pan due to its durability and retaining extremely high temperatures is a good choice to be used in the oven.

The only time stainless steel pan may compromise the quality of your food is when it is exposed to acidic foods. Otherwise, you can throw your stainless steel pan in the dishwasher without thinking twice. For the non stick pans a gentle hand wash is always recommended; no matter the manufacturer claims about the dishwashing or not. The reason is the dishwashing process over time ruin the non stick finish and causes it to flake.

Finally, we conclude here upon non stick pan vs stainless steel pan that both have their merits and demerits. However, there is no major drawback we found in stainless steel pans that they don’t offer such an effortless release of food as compared to non stick pans does. They also need much effort to clean. They get discolor easily with nasty brown stains upon heating.

While non stick pans are inclined to chip off easily and require delicate handling in terms of cooking and cleaning.

2- Non Stick Pan vs Cast Iron

Before the 20th century cast iron was the only non stick cookware known which was replaced by commercially made nonstick pots or pans. Cast iron and non stick pans often perform similarly but that doesn’t mean that they can be easily switched or replaced by each other.

However, most of the chefs and cooks prefer cast iron pans over non stick pans because of their exceptional non stick performance and variety of cooking techniques.

For the best performance with cast iron skillets all you need to do is to pre-heated them with the cooking oil to high temperatures without worrying about chemicals leaching into your food.

However, you cannot expect this with non stick pans as they have low heat resistance which makes their non stick coating break down or seep toxic ingredients in your food.

Talking of non stick pan vs cast iron pan, a non stick pan is not a good heat conductor as compared to cast iron pan; the reason is their non stick coating. On the contrary, cast iron pans conduct heat and are known best for searing or deep-frying, achieving great color and tempting flavor.

You can always put your cast iron pan in the oven without worrying about any damage in comparison to non stick skillets. As not all non stick pans are oven safe; they are generally not made for baking at high temperatures.

Of course, the goal while discussing non stick pan vs cast iron is to compare their non stick features keeping in mind which cookware is much safer. Cast iron pans are relatively cheap and known for longevity while non stick pans need to be replaced after every 2 to 3 years even after maintaining carefully.

The drawbacks we found with cast iron skillets is that they react against acidic foods and fish. If you don’t dry your cast iron pan after wash it may get rusty and keep your pan well-seasoned for a great non stick performance.

3- Non Stick Pan vs Ceramic Pan

Before getting into the debate of non stick pan vs ceramic pan let’s just clear one thing; that is ceramic cookware is the safest cookware in comparison to all the other cookwares such as non stick, stainless steel, or cast iron. The light weighted ceramic pans serve much longer as compare to the non stick skillets.

In comparison to non stick pan vs ceramic skillets, we shouldn’t deny the fact that ceramic pans are exceptionally well at retaining heat as compare to non stick pans.

Though ceramic pans are good at heat resistance but just like non stick pans not all ceramic cookwares are oven safe. Mostly ceramic pans are incapable of holding heat above 350 degrees. However, if we talk about even heat distribution ceramic pans are not efficient.

However, mostly ceramic pans are dishwasher safe but it is recommended to consult the manual of your cookware as frequent dishwashing may result in compromising the beautiful glazed look of your ceramic pan. The same goes with the non stick pans. It is better to hand wash your cookware.

Ceramic and non stick pans both are sensitive to metal utensils and usage of such gears may lead to quicker wear out.

Conclusion

If you are on the hunt for the best alternative to non stick pan then you will get to know that there are so many options along the way that are non toxic and can be the best non stick replacement if you know how to maneuver them technically.

However, the best way to find the best alternative to non stick pans or pots for your kitchen is to understand your needs and pick what works best for you.

The purpose of discussing the non stick pan replacement for your kitchen is to help you get a better picture of what other cookwares has to offer.

Although every cookware has some advantages and disadvantages, however the best way to relish your cooking experience is to use a combination of pans.

Like instead of debating and choosing the one upon non stick pan vs stainless steel pan; you can use the non stick pan for prepping pancakes or frying fish and utilize the stainless steel pan for searing stakes or frying meat.

This is just an example however you can pick cast iron or ceramic pan in combination with your non stick.