How do you know when it is time for a new set of pots and pans?

Especially non-stick?

I have little chips in some of my non-stick pots and pans. Should I throw them away and start fresh?

What are your recommendations for a good, yet affordable set? I am willing to make the switch to stainless steel.

Re: How do you know when it is time for a new set of pots and pans?

I would say once you have scratches and chips on them it is time to get rid of them.

for nonstick replacements I recommend picking a few up at home goods. DH and I like to have a few nonstick frying pans on hand, and they get messed up pretty quick so we just buy replacements every once in a while.

For stainless, I think calphalon makes a less expensive line. I'm sure you could find a lot of good quality lines on sale, I would also check out amazon. they always have sales on that stuff.

Re: How do you know when it is time for a new set of pots and pans?

I love my farberware set. I bought it 10-12 years ago and they still look new. They have some good sets that are frequently on sale at macys.

Re: How do you know when it is time for a new set of pots and pans?

Re: How do you know when it is time for a new set of pots and pans?

I would replace nonstick once you notice cuts or when you notice food starts to stick on them.

The cuts create a small area for bacteria to grow. Also, the coating can flake off in tiny bits onto your food once it is cut or chipped. That is why you need to replace them.

I have the Calphalon hard anondized set that sells for $50 for a smaller one and a bigger one. I am very happy with them.
I have the Calphalon tri-ply stainless set and love them for a longer term set.

I also like to use the real cast iron, it will never chip and does not contain any chemicals.

Re: How do you know when it is time for a new set of pots and pans?

I think when things start to burn when it didn't normally happen and especially when you start seeing scratches on the bottom.

Re: How do you know when it is time for a new set of pots and pans?

when the scratches show or chips it's time to chuck them.

I use non-stick so infrequently.

Also don't stack them with anything and they will last longer.

Non-stick pans don't last long no matter how much money they cost. Buy inexpensive ones and replace often.

Re: How do you know when it is time for a new set of pots and pans?

I don't want to sound like a pot-snot but I recomend the Analon Professional set.
I (my mom) got it at Macy's 5 years ago - I use them frequently and they show some wear but I'm not the best washer and I tend to burn things or let water over boil which is hard to get off the bottom - the insides still look new.

Analon Professional

Looks like Amazon has them for $180 - my mom paid $400 at Macy's.

My mom has picked up a few pots/pans at Home Goods/TJ Max/Marshalls to fill in her sets - different brands but she isn't a pot snot.

I have a Calphalon omlet pan from Kohl's - its not their top of the line pan and it doesn't heat evenly and its not as flat on the bottom.

Macy's and Boscovs have some good sales. Now is the time to start looking - a lot of Thanksgiving/Christmas sales this time of year.

When I got married - I did spreadsheets of the different pots in each set, prices, price per pan/pot - lids didn't count. I was a little but I think i made a really good choice. I think this is a very good complete set except if you want a large omlet pan - the larger chicken fryer doesn't work as well for eggs.

I think it also depends on what pots you use now and how you use them. It was very important for me to have pots that go into the oven as high as possible....why, not sure - if I put these pans in the oven 2x it was a lot

Image Attachment(s):

Message edited 11/16/2009 4:34:17 PM.

Re: How do you know when it is time for a new set of pots and pans?

I love my Calphalon Tri-ply stainless steel set. I feel like I am a better cook because of them.

Re: How do you know when it is time for a new set of pots and pans?

I'd say it's definitely time to replace them and I also highly suggest switching to stainless steel. When I was getting married my Aunt made me take my non-stick pot set off my registry and add the Calphalon stainless steel because the surface can chip off into your food. Also pick up a bottle of Bar Keeper's Friend. It keeps the stainless steel looking brand new!