Re-thinking: Is enamel toxic-free ?
yanital
17 years ago
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asolo
17 years agoyanital
17 years agoRelated Discussions
Other Brands of Enameled Cast Iron?
Comments (92)I'll just put in my Le Creuset experience for future searcher/readers. Bought a set 30 years ago; Large Dutch Oven, Small/Med Dutch Oven, Medium soup pan, small soup pan, both with the wooden handles, med and small fry pan. Great stuff, love it and used reliably for many years...fast forward I burnt up the med soup pan (and btw the wooden handles were never a problem since I dont put things in the oven and they stayed fine over the years) making sugar water. The bottom had become a little rough over the years and so could not be salvaged - sent it in and got back one of the new all metal sauce pans. I liked the size and weight and shape and handle of my OLD pan better, plus for a sauce pan this seems to get a ring of hot spot on the bottom (I do cook on higher heat than I should or maybe its my elec stove?) anyway this is heavier, much longer handle, don't like or use it as much just due to the shape/weight issue. Then I do the same thing with the small soup pan. Send it in, replacement comes with the new black phrenolic handle, no big deal but they've changed the shape and size, its narrower at the bottom and taller and weighs more. I liked my old one better. So while I still think Le Creuset is the best enameled cookware, and perhaps just plain the best cookware with the no kidding greatest lifetime guarentee (I put in a letter saying I ruined it and that I'd be happy to buy a discounted replacement), I don't like their revamped shape and style of their soup/saucier pots. I don't know why they just didn't change the handles from wood to the black ovenproof stuff. If I could figure out how to make my old Paypal acct work I think I'd try buying the old style on eBay. (But you never know what people cooked in them and that creeps me out a little:)...See Morevery long: accepting and coping with the toxicity of a parent
Comments (11)hurtdaughter, I think counseling would be a good option for you. Find a licensed clinical social worker or psychologist or ask your doctor to recommend one. I think it would be the best investment you will ever make--investing in yourself, your children and husband/marriage. Why some people are reluctant to take this step is a mystery to me--for so many it would be the wisest decision they could make. It sounds like your mother could have a personality disorder (you could research these online). She does't sound emotionally well. She did you and your brothers a great disservice by creating this situation. A similar situaiton probably existed in her family of origin. I would also urge you to start doing some deep research. There are some great books, even one about overcoming toxic parents and their legacy--the author is susan forward. You can check it out on Amazon.com and look at the editorial reviews. Your mother's parenting style was/is a reflection of how she was raised, whether you are aware of this or not. Unfortunately she acted out her own issues with her parents on her children. Parents learn their style of parenting from their parents--this is what happens and the cycle repeats itself with each generation, despite people's best intentions. If you feel breaking off communication is a healthier step for you to take in the present--to get yourself emotionally healthy, then do so. It does't have to be a permanent situation. Eventually, you may want to re-establish communication. In the meantime, research, read, learn and then when you are ready try to take what you've learned and take steps to reconnect. I understand your desire to protect your daughter, however I believe that children are far more preceptive than what adults give them credit for. I wouldn't deceive your daughter as that could pose problems down the road. That is another reason why I suggest talking to a professional. Best of luck to you with this situation....See MoreKohler enameled cast iron kitchen sink scratches
Comments (18)This is obviously an old thread that's been resurrected but figured I'd give my 2 cents anyway. I just replaced my 20 year old Kohler cast iron sink with a Kohler stainless undermount. I would have gone with another cast iron but the Kohler white was on backorder and I couldn't wait that long. My 20 year old sink was in amazing condition considering the age and abuse it took. I had ordered a special cast iron sink cleaner from Kohler themselves that worked really well at getting utensil scratches out, but we too used a grid which definitely helped. I've also been told by many pros that things aren't "made like they used to be", whether that be flooring, cabinets or cast iron sinks, mainly because of changes in EPA/green standards. The toxic chemicals that were once used to say, varnish floors or coat sinks are no more because of the health hazards they cause their workers and the VOCs/chemicals they emit....See MoreEnamel vs. Porcelain?
Comments (2)As far as I understand it, enamel is a fired on glass in a thin layer. Porcelain is a thick vitreous china. I've had both kinds of sink, and I could tell the difference, so there must be a difference, even though I've been seeing "porcelain-enamel" as a description (not sure exactly what that means). In my experience, enamel chips easily. You have to work really hard at it to break porcelain (though it can be done). I love porcelain sinks. I did not like the enameled cast iron. Re your faucet, the oval base plate is to cover two holes for hot and cold, and have them meet at the mixer (the valve assembly which your handle controls). Single hole installations also have the two pipes. They are often plumbed by bringing flexpipe (metal hose) from both together underneath, bringing them both up through the one hole to the mixer. My plumber wasn't happy with the single hole faucet I bought for my dressing table, which is in a very tight corner, but he made it work. Talk to your plumber and make sure that there isn't some other issue, but it should be fine....See Moreasolo
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