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PaperclipPerfector  3mo ago (text post)   3529 thread views

Small-Scale Question Sunday for January 26, 2025

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What are my best frying pan options if I want to fry eggs? I bought an expensive non-stick model about 10 months ago and it apparently already needs to be replaced. Is there any good long-term alternative option?

I'm not in a position to back this up right now but at this point I'm pretty sure that non-stick is a terrible idea. Those chemicals are not good for you and whatever the government says about 'safe' temperatures hotspots can and do develop on a stove and turn that convenience into cancer and who knows what else. I used to have a George Foreman grill (remember those?) and when I hit it with my temp gun it was over 800° in places. Plus I suspect that if you have male children it'll make their penises smaller and generally cause problems along those lines hormonally.

IMO stainless steel remains king. And as a bonus you can ditch the plastic utensils while you're at it.

I think nonstick is still far and away the best option for cooking eggs. Stainless steel is good for other things but not for this specific task. As far as the chemicals go, I'm not worried about that and I don't personally think anyone else should worry either (but to each his own).

For cooking steaks and the like I really loved a carbon steel pan I had (until my wife ruined it and it rusted a ton ><). It was the perfect searing pan - it got hot like cast iron, but wasn't unreasonably heavy like cast iron. I really should get another one one of these days.

As far as the chemicals go, I'm not worried about that and I don't personally think anyone else should worry either (but to each his own).

Been a while since I geeked out on this but afaict the matter is really not in question. The chemicals are hazardous when heated to certain completely-routine temperatures. There isn't any disagreement about this. TBH I've wondered for quite a while why more isn't being done to address the situation. Seems to be an at least asbestos-tier calamity.

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