Several readers have been searching for replacement handles and parts for cookware.
Most manufacturers suggest that you go back to the original distributor or the store where the cookware was purchased. They often have replacement parts or can direct you to a supplier. If this fails, try the Association of Cookware and Bakeware Manufacturers in the United States and Canada at its website. You can find it by going to www.producer.com and typing “cookware parts” in the go box. This association publishes helpful information on the selection, use and maintenance of cookware and bakeware. It also maintains a brand name index to help consumers contact manufacturers for service.
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In response to our readers’ requests, here is a list of some of the sources for cookware replacement parts. I was not able to locate a Canadian source, but each of these companies assured me that they will ship to Canada. I would recommend phoning or using the website to get a parts list so you can identify the part that you need. Some allow on-line ordering.
- Renaware International, P.O. Box 97050, Redmond, Wash. U.S.A. 98073, phone 425-882-7425, www.renaware.com.
- Lifetime Cookware, Cookware Consumer Service Dept., 1100 Schmidt Rd., West Bend, Wis., U.S.A. 53090, 262-626-8623,
e-mail: info@westbendcookware.com,
www.westbend.com. - Regal Ware, Inc., 1675 Reigle Drive, Kewaskum, Wis., U.S.A. 53040, 262-626-2121 or 800-832-5932, e-mail: customerservice
@regalware.com, www.regalware.com. - Presto pressure cookers and canners, National Presto Industries Inc., 715-839-2121, e-mail: contact@gopresto.com, www.gopresto.com.
You can go to the Presto website and look up the part number that you need and then try Home Hardware stores since they do carry some replacement parts.
Wearever complications
In 1987 the Wearever name was sold to the Mirro Co. It does not provide service for cookware manufactured before 1987. If your cookware is older, contact: Ron Rashka, 2512 Potawatomi Drive, Lafayette, Ind., U.S.A. 47905, phone 765-474-3875. He bought up all of the replacement parts for the older cookware. He has pictures and parts lists for the pre-1987 cookware.
For Wearever cookware that has been purchased since 1987, contact the Mirro Co. at 800-527-7727, www.wearever.com. It does not sell or replace handles on its cookware. Its insurance carrier will only allow it to replace the pan. It does provide pan replacement if it is covered under the warranty. For this, you must contact the company to get approval to return the pan. The address is Wearever Returns, 2893 Westfair Ave., Lancaster, Ohio, U.S.A. 43130.
Selecting new cookware
When selecting new cookware this information from Consumer Reports and the Cookware Manufacturers Association may be helpful.
Copper heats and cools quickly, so it is ideal when temperature control is important. Because copper reacts with acidic foods, it’s usually lined with stainless steel or tin, which can blister and wear out over time. Solid copper cookware is expensive.
Cast iron must be seasoned before use by rubbing with a non-salted oil, inside and out and then placed in a slow oven, 300 F
(150 C) for four to five hours. Cast iron is slow to heat and cool, but it handles high temperatures well, and it’s great for stews or Cajun style blackening.
Aluminum heats quickly and evenly, if it’s heavy. Thin-gauge aluminum not only heats unevenly, it’s apt to dent. Matte, dark grey, anodized aluminum is durable but is easily stained and is usually not dishwasher safe. Enamel-coated aluminum is typical in low-end lines.
Stainless steel can go in the dishwasher but conducts and retains heat poorly. For more even heating, it’s usually layered over aluminum or incorporates a copper or aluminum bottom. Stainless steel won’t corrode or
Porcelain coatings are easy to maintain and they’re tough, although they can be chipped.
Tempered glass breaks easily and cooks unevenly on the stove, but it can go directly from the freezer to the stove, oven, broiler or microwave, and then onto the table.
Non-stick option
Non-stick pots and pans are layered with strong and slippery polymer-based coatings. These require less fat when you cook and less elbow grease when you clean. However, non-sticks require care. Manufacturers recommend not using non-stick cookware over high heat, because it could affect the coating. Non-metal utensils are recommended to prevent scratching the surface. Dishwasher cleaning is forbidden with some brands. Over time, using cooking sprays on non-sticks can create a sticky, varnish-like surface that’s impossible to clean. The best solution is not to use these sprays. Instead, use butter, margarine or nothing at all. After cooking, wash pans gently with hot soapy water and a sponge or non-abrasive pad.
Uncoated is a better choice if you’d rather use metal utensils or if you want a little food to stick Ñ perhaps so you can deglaze the pan with stock or wine to make a sauce. Uncoated pans are also good for browning.
Even heating, comfortable handles, easy cleaning and durability are the main things to consider. This does not always mean that they have to be the most expensive. Lighter weight cookware may perform nearly as well.
Tomato and feta cheese salad
I have made this salad several times and it can be used as a meal or side salad.
4-6 roma tomatoes, diced
1Ú2 teaspoon salt 2 mL
1Ú8 teaspoon pepper, ground 0.5 mL
1 cup fresh mushrooms, 250 mL
sliced
1 cup broccoli flowers and 250 mL
peeled stems, chopped
3Ú4 cup feta cheese, crumbled 175 mL
2 tablespoons fresh basil 30 mL
or 2 teaspoons dried basil 10 mL
or Greek spices
1Ú3 cup olive oil 75 mL
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 30 mL
1 teaspoon toasted flax or 5 mL
sesame seed (optional)
Place vegetables in a salad bowl, season. Mix oil and vinegar and pour over. Lightly mix and top with cheese and seeds.
Cleaner tea towels
Dear TEAM: How do you remove rust stains from a towel? Ñ F.M., Fiske, Sask.
Dear F.M.: There are several ways to remove rust stains.
- Cover the stain with cream of tartar and salt, moisten slightly and then place in the sun. The stain should disappear. Sometimes a second or third treatment may be necessary. Then launder as usual.
- Sprinkle the stain with salt, then squeeze on lemon juice and place in the sun to dry. Rinse and launder in hot suds.
- Cover the area with cream of tartar. Roll the item tightly and soak in hot water for five to 10 minutes. Launder as usual.
Betty Ann Deobald is a home economist from Rosetown, Sask., and one of four columnists comprising Team Resources. Send correspondence in care of this newspaper, Box 2500, Saskatoon, Sask., S7K 2C4 or contact them at team@producer.com.
