Replacing a kitchen full of items

[Anonymous]

I’m a minimalist who doesn’t like gadgets or extra stuff. I do cook often from scratch but I have what I like and it’s old.

But I guess I’m supposed to get rid of all my nonstick cookware and my plastic utensils and my plastic food storage.

The replacement options are overwhelming and I don’t want to spend a ton on something that sucks or will be declared “toxic” 10 years from now.

My pots are stainless steel thank goodness. But I want nonstick fry pans.

1. Is ceramic coating “safe” ?
2. I guess I have to get wooden spoons? Is there anything I don’t have to oil or maintain?

I’m overwhelmed and hate change. What would start with first/most important?

[Anonymous]

Get rid of the black plastic utensils. Silicone ones are fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m a minimalist who doesn’t like gadgets or extra stuff. I do cook often from scratch but I have what I like and it’s old.

But I guess I’m supposed to get rid of all my nonstick cookware and my plastic utensils and my plastic food storage.

The replacement options are overwhelming and I don’t want to spend a ton on something that sucks or will be declared “toxic” 10 years from now.

My pots are stainless steel thank goodness. But I want nonstick fry pans.

1. Is ceramic coating “safe” ?
2. I guess I have to get wooden spoons? Is there anything I don’t have to oil or maintain?

I’m overwhelmed and hate change. What would start with first/most important?

Nonstick anything won't last ten years. You will need to replace every couple of years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a minimalist who doesn’t like gadgets or extra stuff. I do cook often from scratch but I have what I like and it’s old.

But I guess I’m supposed to get rid of all my nonstick cookware and my plastic utensils and my plastic food storage.

The replacement options are overwhelming and I don’t want to spend a ton on something that sucks or will be declared “toxic” 10 years from now.

My pots are stainless steel thank goodness. But I want nonstick fry pans.

1. Is ceramic coating “safe” ?
2. I guess I have to get wooden spoons? Is there anything I don’t have to oil or maintain?

I’m overwhelmed and hate change. What would start with first/most important?

Nonstick anything won't last ten years. You will need to replace every couple of years.

and you don’t need a nonstick frying pan. stainless steel won’t stick if it’s oiled and hot enough. and if some stuff does stick it’s so easy to clean with bar keepers friend.

[Anonymous]

Hi friend!,

This is a step in the right direction. Ceramic coookware is the best. Even my slightly scratchy pans are still in use, and use less heat because they are heavier and retain their ability to cook longer. Replace the items you use the most first. Look to second hand—these items do last a lifetime.

Also consider that the hot brands (I am looking at you, Staub) are not the only options. A thrift store random brand from 25 years ago is probably just as good.

Keep an eye on sales at fancy kitchen stores is that’s more your thing. You only really need one solid sauce pan, a ceramic frying pan, a glass oven dish, snd lots of olivewood or bamboo utensils. Use baking soda to clean pans by heating and adding vinegar. Nothing should go in a dishwasher, save glass baking dishes.

Cheers! And happy cooking!

[Anonymous]

There are plenty of stainless steel spoons and cooking utensils out there. Oxo is a good basic brand.

I use Lodge cast iron pans in place of non stick, but there are plenty of more expensive options out there. Either plain cast iron or ceramic coated..I also use stainless steel pans without a non stick coating, bought a random set at Costco.

Pyrex glass storage containers with lids instead of plastic..

[Anonymous]

Some anti-anxiety medication would be a good start.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi friend!,

This is a step in the right direction. Ceramic coookware is the best. Even my slightly scratchy pans are still in use, and use less heat because they are heavier and retain their ability to cook longer. Replace the items you use the most first. Look to second hand—these items do last a lifetime.

Also consider that the hot brands (I am looking at you, Staub) are not the only options. A thrift store random brand from 25 years ago is probably just as good.

Keep an eye on sales at fancy kitchen stores is that’s more your thing. You only really need one solid sauce pan, a ceramic frying pan, a glass oven dish, snd lots of olivewood or bamboo utensils. Use baking soda to clean pans by heating and adding vinegar. Nothing should go in a dishwasher, save glass baking dishes.

Cheers! And happy cooking!

Not OP - but your "nothing should go in dishwasher except glass" is unrealistic. Many people, myself included, do not have the time to handwash dishes.

[Anonymous]

Related - I’d like to know what kind of coffee maker we are supposed to use.
I have a drip coffee maker which is bad bc black plastic. Italian stovetop.., bad bc aluminum. French press… bad because raises cholesterol.

I just want to drink my coffee daily in an easy way and not have to worry about harm!

[Anonymous]

Wait, French Press raises cholesterol??? Says who? I suppose I don’t care - I’ll use a French Press till my dying day.

For utensils, just buy a pack of some nice chunky wood or bamboo ones and use them frequently and throw into the dish washer. Yes, they’ll break down after a while, but it’s bamboo. It’s renewable. Buy some more in a few years.

I’d replace old plastic with new glass as needed - just don’t buy plastic anymore. It will take time, but if it stresses you out to buy new things, don’t try to do it all at once.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Some anti-anxiety medication would be a good start.

Don't listen to this.

We switched over and it's been great, we also don't have to replace items as frequently because they are all solid with no plastic or coatings.

Have had the same Lodge cast iron skillet for 20 years.

Now is the time to do this OP, because everything will be going up in price.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get rid of the black plastic utensils. Silicone ones are fine.

That's a mean suggestion.