Expert Reviews - Pots and Pans

Expert Reviews – Pots and Pans

In 2005, Consumer Reports tested 38 different brands of cookware. One test assessed damage to empty pots and pans after sitting for 30 minutes on an electric burner set on high. Only four brands survived without any damage; the pans did not melt, rivets did not loosen, etc). We are only reporting on two of these brands, Magnalite Classic and Scanpan Classic, based on price and ease of use; both of these products are fairly light weight and easy to carry, except where noted. Both manufacturers report there have been no changes to the cookware since the 2005 Consumer Reports testing.

Expert Review – Frypan

Scanpan Classic Cookware – Fry Pan

	MANUFACTURER
	Scanpan
	COST
	Moderate to expensive; a 9-1/4" fry pan cost us approximately $45 (though the listed "retail" price is $105.00)
	VENDORS
	Scanpan Use an online Search Engine
	DISCLAIMER
	The listing of these products is for informational purposes and individuals must use their own caution and judgment when using these resources. Functional levels and changes in judgment and reasoning are highly variable in people with dementia. Interventions must be individualized and continually assessed because those that are effective for some individuals may only work briefly and may not work at all for others.

	DESCRIPTION
	This frypan is made of pressure cast aluminum with a non-stick ceramic titanium cooking surface. The handles contain phenolic, a resin used in plastics that has high temperature stability. The manufacturer states that its products are guaranteed not to warp and are oven safe to 500ºF. Scanpan cookware, other than the fry pans, have heavy, breakable glass covers, which we do not recommend.
	PROS
	Lightweight and easy to carry Thick, pressure cast aluminum bottom resists warping and melting Cool to the touch handle Easy-to-clean nonstick surface and dishwasher safe. Nonstick surface doesn't scratch even when using metal utensils, but scuff marks will show over time.
	CONS
	Though the frypan comes without a lid, the pots in the series have heavy, breakable glass lids which we do not recommend.
	CAUTION
	Household situations vary and pans left cooking on the stove can cause serious fires. SPECIAL NOTE – Aluminum The FDA reviewed existing data on aluminum consumption following consumer concern. In 1986, the agency formally announced that it had no information indicating that the normal dietary intake of aluminum, whether from naturally occurring levels in food, the use of aluminum cookware, or from aluminum food additives or drugs, is harmful. Regularly assess that it's still safe for the care receiver to cook independently. At some point, all people with dementia will need to be supervised in the kitchen.

Expert Review – Pots and Pans

Magnalite Classic Cookware
2 quart saucepan (part of set)

	MANUFACTURER
	World Kitchen * Buyer Beware. Consumer Reports tested pans purchased through World Kitchen. The manufacturer claims that counterfeits of this product are on the market, but aren't made of the same materials.
	COST
	Moderately priced, sold primarily as a set. Although an 8-piece set "retails" at $120, it is often on sale for $79.
	VENDORS
	World Kitchen

	DESCRIPTION
	This attractive cookware, including the pan and lid, are made from hand-poured cast aluminum. The thick sides and bottom resist warping. The handles contain phenolic, a resin used in plastics that has high temperature stability.
	PROS
	Cast aluminum metal resists warping or melting Cool to the touch handles Non breakable lids Pour spouts on sauce pans
	CONS
	The largest pots in this product line are heavy and not recommended for older persons or persons with dementia. Even the fry pan and the 1 and 2-quart saucepans may be too heavy for some individuals. Saucepans cannot be bought individually – they're only available as part of set. Pots discolor and scratch easily, but we didn't find that this affected their performance - confirmed by manufacturer. Nonstick utensils are recommended for cooking and non-abrasive sponges for cleaning. Harder to clean than cookware with non-stick finishes; this frypan is particularly difficult to clean. Hand washing recommended
	CAUTION
	Household situations vary and pans left cooking on the stove can cause serious fires. Buyer Beware. Consumer Reports tested pans purchased through World Kitchen. The manufacturer reports that knockoffs of its products are available at some stores, but are not made of the same quality materials. Special Note - Aluminum The FDA reviewed existing data because of consumer concern and formally announced in May 1986 that the agency has no information that the normal dietary intake of aluminum, whether from naturally occurring levels in food, the use of aluminum cookware, or from aluminum food additives or drugs, is harmful. Regularly assess that it's still safe for the care receiver to cook independently. At some point, all people with dementia will need to be supervised in the kitchen.