I'm trying to figure out what type of pot/pan is best environmentally and health-wise: metal, teflon, glass?

Question

If metal, what types of metal? What are the health risks associated with these choices? What utensils should be used with them? Any options I haven't mentioned?

Answer 1

Glass is the best, because it can be recycled hundreds of times without ever wearing down. The same thing goes with aluminum, but plastic has a limited "life-span" and can only be recycled a certain number of times.

Answer 2

You can use Teflon just don't stick it in a 500 degree oven. Yes it gives off fumes, However don't stick it in a 500 degree oven. Its only at high temps, if you notice on pan that have it, it states it on the packaging.

With any Teflon don't use metal to cook with. Stainless steel is good, but people that don't know how to cook end up having a hard time with it. Glass I wouldn't use to cook with it, only for baking.  

What's a good choice for you to cook with? If you have to ask , then stick with something easy to cook with. Teflon is your best bet.

Answer 3

I just wanted to add that glass cookware is tempered and most likely not suitable for recycling.

About.com has an answer to a similar question. They give a run-down of several different options. Cast iron or ceramic seemed to be the best bets. Check out the article here: http://environment.about.com/od/healthen...

Answer 4

I really dont know I would guess GLASS because it is recycleable in the end.. but I dont know when you compare manufacturing processes...

I do know using your own coffee mug is better than acepting take out cups when you go out for fast food.. which of course you really shouldnt do in the first place..

Answer 5

glass is best.

teflon is the worst, because it contains PTFOs..a potentially very dangerous chemical.

Answer 6

I like my iron skillet. It adds a bit of iron to my diet.

Aluminum can leach into foods and has been linked to Alzeheimers. Teflon has been linked to cancer. Glass is hard to clean and just generally hard to cook with - baking with it is fine.

I guess stainless steel is okay too.