Sippin' and thinkin': Trailer Life - Stainless or Non-Stick?

[Cudedog]

Coffee is hot and freshly perked! Join me, why don't you?

Sitting on the couch here this morning sipping my first cup. More cups to come.

I am beginning to "outfit" the Jayco, woke up this morning thinking "non-stick" for the cookware. Reason for this is that non-stick has a lot easier clean-up.

I purchased a stainless steel set of nesting cookware from Amazon for my van camping days:

https://www.amazon.com/Stansport-Premium-Quality-Stainless-Cookset/dp/B000HK50IU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1523974002&sr=8-1&keywords=stansport+nesting+cookware&dpID=41CBdnaTByL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

That I have NOT been happy with. First of all, I had to order and return it three times before I received a set that wasn't dented (major pain!) and even now the removable handle that comes with the set doesn't fit on the cookware securely, so I am afraid to use it (don't want something hot spilled all down the front of my body!) so I just use it without the handle.

Also, the stainless steel itself seems to be of poor quality - stuff sticks to it, and it is VERY difficult to get clean after cooking with it, and sometimes even after cleaning (with LOTS of intensive scrubbing!) the pans remain discolored. This was a big disappointment - I have used stainless steel cookware at home nearly my entire life, and have never had this problem.

Anyway, since my water for doing dishes in the Jayco will be very limited, and since I think I will probably only want to use the Stansport set in an emergency (the are GREAT when used as an "emergency" water dish for my dog ) I am thinking maybe non-stick.

I probably don't really need the nesting kind (although those would be nice) because I think I will have ample room for a set of cookware. For me, three pans should be enough - a skillet, a small saucepan, and a large saucepan. That's pretty much what I use regularly at home. I also use cast iron, but fairly rarely, so I don't think I want the weight of it riding along.

Does anyone have any recommendations? Stainless or non-stick? Order from Amazon, or just pick up at the local Walmart?

Thanks. I really appreciate the opinions presented on this forum. They have always been, and continue to be, very helpful.



Anne

[Queen]

Good morning!

One thing I'd be willing to deal with weight Wise is a quality heavy bottomed non stick fry pan. It's just worth it to me to have something that does the job well and is easy to clean afterwards.

[asirimarco]

We have been replacing all our frying, loaf pans both in house and RV with Copper Chef - it is great. available in WalMart in As Seen on TV section. Love it really easy to clean. Sometimes just a wipe with a paper towel. They don't nest, but we just put pieces of rubbermaid mat between them. keeps them from clanking and keeps them in place.

[Irmi]

We have both the stainless steel and copper pans in the motorhome, which can both be used on our induction cooktop. I love the copper pans because they are so easy to clean. I've had them a couple years and they still look brand new.

[BarbaraRose]

I have also heard great things about the copper pots and pans.

I found a back support brace in my closet last night so I put that on my chest (fits better backwards) and so far that seems to help with the pain when moving around. I ordered an actual rib belt on Amazon and will get that tomorrow. Will be helpful for work and sleep.

I also ordered some L-Lysine. I have taken that before to help get over a cough and it worked really well. It heals the skin and tissues quickly (used for cold sores and when you bite your tongue or cheek). Can't hurt to try it again!

Am going in shortly for my PT to work on my shoulder and neck issues, so hopefully that will help! I am going to cancel the chiropractor appointment until my ribs heal.

Will probably take it easy today. My poor body needs all the rest it can get right now! Like they say, getting old isn't for sissies!

Have a good day!

[Othersharon]

Good morning. Interesting conversation about what type of cookware....I have used about every kind imaginable over the years but recently tried the copper ware and am really impressed. Easy to clean and use. I have a small skillet in the RV but need to either transfer the one from the house or just get another larger skillet for travel.

Sue, I have to thank you for not sending your weather this way! We are having flurries, very light, today but what came in during the night is pretty well melted and this isn’t sticking! I did notice that my daffodils out front are blooming already. So guess despite all this cold they think it should be spring! Just got a text from my son that the lacrosse game is cancelled for this afternoon due to field conditions. Good for me, I’d much rather not sit in the cold! Pat, those little ones are sure adorable! Judy, did you get your pump problem fixed yet. If I remember right you’ve had problems with it before, haven’t you?

Not much new or exciting happening here. Just doing why needs to be done here in the house and wishing I could be outside! I so enjoyed the other day when it was so warm and dry! Have a good day and travel safe!

[BarbaraRose]

Well that was a disappointment! Went to my PT appointment. The therapist just asked me a bunch of questions and then pressed around a few places so lightly that I barely felt her fingers, while asking me if I was tender in those places. I would be if she pressed a little harder! Then she sent in her assistant who showed me 3 exercises to do (didn't actually have me do them), printed them out on paper and sent me on my way. Seriously?? Definitely not going back there! I also cancelled the chiropractor appt for tomorrow.

So far my cough seems better, but I don't dare cough now with the painful ribs!

I feel a nap coming on...

[Tonic]

I really like my electric skillet. If boondocking, without a generator, the copper pans you all are taking about sound like something I might like to get also.
I will be in Albuquerque on Thursday... are any of you in that area? It would be fun to meet you

[SoCalGalcas]

I have a small 10” copper skillet. I love, love, love it. Cooks everything and cleans easily! A small sauce pan for the oat meal. A large aluminum pan for pot luck meals. I also carry a small bar-be-que (gas) for cooking meat out doors. I am not enthusiastic about cooking...want to keep it simple. Lyn

[MelissaD]

I like cast iron and cooking over the fire. A well seasoned cast iron pan cleans up easy. Also like the tripod I got for like $20 cause it folded up in it's box for storage. I also like using my Dutch Oven for cooking with coals from the fire. You can flip the lid and there a stand https://www.walmart.com/ip/Lodge-Camp-Dutch-Oven-Lid-Stand-A5-3/14550457 that you can then use the lid as a skillet to cook eggs etc... Great invention the Dutch Oven w/legs. Otherwise I just have a basic sauce pan w/lid and a 10" skillet (Saute pan) that's aluminum from the pro section at Sam's Club. I full aluminum sheet tray and some 1/2 sheet tray's also from Sam's since the 1/2 sheets fit in my oven but I use the full sheet tray when working with whole pork loins or briskets. Pretty much the pans (equipment) I like at home, I find a duplicate set in the camper.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Coghlan-s-Tri-Pod-Grill-and-Lantern-Hanger/8586946 lasted me 5 years now. Cooked every thing from ribs to hot dogs on it. Bought a replacement Weber grill grate from Walmart or Lowes at an end of season clearance for $10 or so. Fits over the top of most truck rims that campgrounds tend to use. Can also substitute it for the smaller grate on the tripod for cooking larger cuts of meat when I have company.