Larisa Begs Alison to Stop Using Teflon & More

All cookware isn't created equal.  Listen in as we break down the pros and cons of the most common types of cookware and as Larisa gives her best shot at prying the non-stick pans out of Alison's hands.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

Drink Recipe: Peach Bellini

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Earth911 Recycling Search for responsible disposal of old cookware.  If disposing of non-stick pans, call to ensure they have the resources to remove the coating.

Cookware

The Good

The Bad

Thoughts/Recommended Brands

Teflon or Other Non-Stick

Easy to cook on

Non-stick and easy to clean

Affordable

Emits toxic fumes that are hazardous to human and animal health

Are fumes from overheated nonstick cookware hazardous to birds?

DuPont and Chemours Settle Teflon Toxin Lawsuit

Larisa does not recommend any Teflon or non-stick cookware

PFOA-free on a label does not make it Teflon technology, however any non-stick surface that is not ceramic, silicone, etc. is a polytetraflouroethylene (PTFE) and contains toxic fumes

Ceramic Coated

Non-stick and easy to clean

Affordable

Chips and scratches easily

Material will flake off in food

Often aluminum underneath enameled surface

Short life span

Can't easily find out what makes up the coating

If you choose to go this route, don't use metal kitchen tools that will easily scratch the surface

Watch for chipping

Don't buy anything that doesn't explicitly tell you about what makes the coating and ensure there aren't heavy metals (lead)

Recommended Brands:

GreenPan

Pure Ceramic

Guaranteed no heavy metals; no lead

Scratch resistant

Long life span

If dropped, it breaks

Heavy

Not good for searing

Expensive

Only somewhat non-stick

Larisa recommended!

Recommended Brands:

Xtrema - Use code SaveX10 for 10% off

Stainless Steel

Durable

Moderately priced for long life span

Doesn't rust

Not non-stick

Extremely small amounts of nickel can leach into food; only an issue for those with nickel sensitivity

Larisa recommended!

Recommend using silicone and other non-metal cookware utensils to avoid scratching and preserve the life of the cookware

Recommended Brands:

All-Clad

Cuisinart

Le Creuset

Viking

Cast Iron

Leaches iron which is a mineral many people have a deficiency in; may also be a con if you have too much iron

Non-stick

Long life span

Initial prep

Can't cook acidic foods without impacting the seasoning of future food

Not allergy friendly as allergens may not be completely removed when cleaning the cookware

Recommended Brands:

Lodge

Calphalon

King Kooker

Enameled Cast Iron

Non-stick without the need for traditional cast iron cookware prep

It's pretty!

Does not leach iron; may also be a con if you're iron deficient