Opinions on Bessemer frypans?

[Tasty]

I'm thinking of purchasing a Bessmer 28cm frypan that also has a helper handle. It is quite expensive though so wanted to know of anyone who's got one and if it lasts....as in does it stay nonstick?

I'm sick of brands like Scanpan and Anolon losing their nonstick qualities after 6 months (probably due to hubby using too high heat) so I  am considering Bessemer. I'm particularly interested in pans with helper handles.

[Cornish Cream]

Looks like mixed reviews Tasty
Bessemer Cookware Reviews.

[troupie]

I bought my two Bessemer dutch ovens about 30 years ago and they have worn out so I replaced them this year when there was a 40% discount sale. I am very happy with them and use the large one to cook a lamb roast on the stove top and it turns out as good as the oven although sometimes I finish it off in the oven. I use the smaller one for making bread in as well as other things. I also have a wok but don't use that very often. I have a few scratches in my saucepan and will replace it one day and wont use it again until then; don't want anything coming off in food.

[trudy]

troupie, I love my Bessemer pans but please be aware that you cannot use high heat with them.  If you do purchase one then make sure you "season" it and wipe over with oil after several uses.

[Halex]

Have you thought about Le Creseut, I am a huge fan

[troupie]

Thanks Trudy; I am aware of the high heat but have only just found about the oiling since updating the dutch ovens. When I originally bought them we were not told about how to use them. Now I don't let anyone touch them in case they use high heat or metal utensils. I checked with the agent before baking my bread and that temp was OK in the oven. I have also made bread in a cast iron camp oven which was very good.

[cookie1]

I've used our cast iron camp oven for bread too troupie. It always turns out well.

[stacelee]

I'm still a big fan of the black iron frypans....cheap as chips, easy to clean and once they've been seasoned properly, very non stick.  I have a few different frypans that have been given to me over the years but my favourite to use are my black iron frypans, omelette pan and crepe pan.

[fundj&e]

  once they've been seasoned properly cast iron pots and pans are great   

[cookie1]

  once they've been seasoned properly cast iron pots and pans are great   

.........unless you drop them.

[fundj&e]

what happens C1 ? LOL

[cookie1]

I've only ever dropped a cast iron casserole dish and it broke. I believe it is brittle, even though very hard.

[trudy]

Never made bread in the pans Troupie but they cook the best sponges.  Would never have believed that you could cook a sponge on the stove hotplate until I saw it done.  Now that is the only way I cook them and they rise so much they lift the lid!!!

[judydawn]

Is this the Margaret Fulton cookware we are talking about here?  Yes I think it is looking at Mr Google.  I have the small dutch oven (no lid) and have used it for bread baking or cooking a piece of steak.  It was given to me and I used to use it more often pre-TMX, now I rarely use any saucepans at all.

[Bedlam]

Never made bread in the pans Troupie but they cook the best sponges.  Would never have believed that you could cook a sponge on the stove hotplate until I saw it done.  Now that is the only way I cook them and they rise so much they lift the lid!!!

I have never heard of cooking sponges like that, sounds amazing.  You would imagine a burnt bottom.