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What type of pan is best for lazy cookers? (beehaw.org)

submitted 2 years ago by MJBrune@beehaw.org to c/food@beehaw.org

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So essentially I want to buy one pan, I don't want to care about what utensils I use in it (metal, plastic, or wood), or what I cook in it, and I want to clean it easily by just putting some soap on it, using the rough side of a sponge and drying it off and tossing it back in the cupboard.

Ideally, I'd also like this pan to last longer than 2-3 years.

So overall I am thinking I want enameled cast iron because it seems like it could take all of that but then I recently read how you don't want to cook something like eggs or fish in it because they'll stick.

The other bit I've seen is just buying a coated non-stick pan of any sort but be prepared to throw them away in 1-3 years and don't use anything metal in them.

Should I just buy enameled cast iron and cook whatever I want in it? Should I buy multiple types and cook different things in them? Should I just stick with non-stick?

Overall, I am a very novice cooker who simply cooks for a family of 4. Typically using something like everyplate. I'm not looking for fancy but I am looking for "buy it once then use it until I die with low maintenance." I essentially want the Toyota Camry of cookware. Reliable, low maintenance, not going to win any cooking contests.

Any suggestions?

Thank you.

(page 2) 18 comments

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[–] azerial@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (1 children)

Okay hear me out.

How lazy are you?

Can you let something sit on the pan for a few days?
are you okay with buying a chainmail scrubber that is maybe 4 bucks? Not required but useful
Sometimes you can just use a napkin to clean it

If you properly take care of a cast iron pan, it will last you a lifetime and it's super easy to clean. A lot of people might say Teflon. I say no. You have to replace it frequently, even in the restaurant i work in, it's no bueno.

If you take the 3 seconds of time to wipe out the pan, the cast iron pan will do what you need and then you can give it to your kids lol

The critical part of all these pans (NOT TEFLON) is it heat it up first before you cook.

with cast iron i place my hand near the pan and feel the heat. You'll get a feel for it. When it's close you add the oil and wait until it shimmers
with stainless, no oil, heat it up and then take a drop off water and throw it in the pan. It should "skate" across the pan as if it wants to get out. Only then is it ready. If you don't do this IT WILL STICK.

edit: re: stainless: once it's hot, add oil and then quickly get to business.

[–] MJBrune@beehaw.org 1 points 2 years ago

I went with a carbon steel wok to try it out. I've only cooked a few eggs in it but it already feels far easier to deal with than cast iron or stainless steel. It's generally about the same as cast iron but heats up quicker, gives better results because I can control the heat better and cleaning is generally the same.

[–] ickis@midwest.social 1 points 2 years ago

Hi there,

I am a big fan of enameled cast iron, and have not had issues cooking fish or eggs in mine. If something sticks, you can add a little fat or liquid (broth, beer, pickle juice, ad infinitum) to help loosen the stubborn item, it doesn't take a whole lot. I like using a sizeable spatula with a pat of butter atop it and gently work the spatula under whatever is stuck as the butter melts under the food itself.

Things stick in your pan because there's not enough fat to keep it moist. You're essentially frying things when you use a pan, so having enough oil is essential to prevent burnt sticking food. With enough fat in the pan, you should be able to glide a fried egg around the pan with ease.

Enamel cast iron pans are excellent for deglazing as well, which'll make cleaning them even more simple and the byproduct makes for a delicious sauce that'll punch your meal quality up tenfold. Honestly you should deglaze everytime you cook,

Enamel stains as you use it but it's pretty easy to clean with Barkeeper's Friend (either the powder or gel work, though the powder will last you an eternity longer than the gel). Outside that, the exact cleaning method you stated works.

I hope this helps in your quest, happy hunting!

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