I understand your concern. However, if she wants cast iron, anything else may not be satisfactory.

Of the alternatives, I would say avoid the non-stick type because they definitely cannot be treated like cast iron. IMO, stainless steel with a thick bottom would be next best to cast iron. It can be scraped with a spatula and cleaned vigorosly with steel wool without harming it. I would get one with no plastic handles so it can be put in the oven.

Did you discuss size? Ten inch is pretty versatile when not cooking for a large family. Maybe that and a smaller one for when she cooks just for herself. I use my small skillet a lot.

I'm sure you will get lots of useful advice here.

Jim

I'd vote for a small cast iron, too, especially since that's what she's requested.

I'm old. And I have a daughter who, most of the time, thinks she's smarter than me. And I have to admit, she IS pretty smart. She got her smarts SOMEWHERE, and I think it was from me, so sometimes her attitude rankles me a little. If she was smarter than me, she'd hide the fact that she thinks she's smarter than me as well as I hide the fact that she annoys the heck out of me sometimes.

But I do use cast iron skillets and I love them, even though with arthritis in my wrists, the bigger ones are hard for me to manage.

Here's an idea, though. Get her a cast iron skillet, which she requested, and then get her something else that you might think she'd like better. Let her use both. If it's her decision, she might well be won over!

I'd get a small one, 10 inches with a handle opposite the long handle so she can lift with both hands if needed. I'd give her some pot holders, too!

Here is a link that might be useful: This one looks good. Large opposing handle.

How big? What does she want to cook in it? What is she using now?
As Ilene says it pi$$es me off when someone tries to tell me I ought to be doing something other than what I am....particularly children!! MY children!
Buy her the fry pan! If she wanted a red satin night gown you'd buy her that wouldn't Yopu? Get her what she wants....not what you want her to have.
Linda C

Your consideration for your mother is touching, but give her cast iron! The suggestion of getting a pan with opposing handles is a good one. Go with what you are told to do, like a good little offspring!

Thanks all for your input. I am an Occupational Therapist and I sometimes find it is helpful to wear that hat with her, and other times perhaps it gets in the way. It becomes a fine line when caring for an aging parent and thinking about their safety, but then that is another discussion. Jim, you are right in that she can get by with a smaller pan as she is cooking for herself. I also like the idea of an opposing handle. Thanks for those helpful tidbits.

Yes, give her what she wants. Speaking as an aged person the heavy weight of even my All Clad is a bit of a problem for me, so I would really look for one with the helper handle.

lindac and Ilene, I had to laugh about the "children" remarks. My daughter just gave me a little lecture yesterday regarding a family issue.....I told her I didn't want to hear it! I am supposed to never be negative, always give in, be pleasant and for God's sake never ever criticize Grandma!!!!

Ohhhhh, I feel better for having said that and knowing some of you mamas share these same feelings.

Opposing handle! Brilliant!

Just to be clear, in case I wasn't, I suggest getting a small (maybe 7" or 8") skillet in addition to the 10" general purpose skillet. These should be available at a hardware or housewares store.

BTW, cast iron really does make a difference in cooking and it is very reasonable priced.

Jim

Nothing takes the place of a cast iron pan. My tip would be to avoid the trendy stores and find a good old farm store or camping outlet and buy it there. A pre-seasoned pan, (your mom will still season it) will do very well. As for one with two handles don't spend a lot of time looking. A good old cast iron pan has a pouring spout opposite the handle which serves me as the opposite handle if I wear a mit on my hand.

Here is a link that might be useful: cooking with grandpa