[mistofviolets]

I'm wondering if anyone knows much about the various finishes on ceramic/stoneware bakeware?

I saw some little pans for very cheap, and then it occurred to me that you usually get what you pay for. I know that there have been several instances of discount stores selling recalled or unsafe merchandise (From leaded glass to recalled Baby formula ) But, I never really worried beyond that. Of course, I never thought I had reason to.

Now, I don't want to borrow any more trouble than we've got...so...How can you tell if stoneware is good/safe to use, or not? Any ideas? (We are on a limited budget...I've stretched it out a bit to deal with gluten free everything free...er...everything, but, its still there tapping me on the shoulder.)

[MotherMoon]

Some cheaper stuff in the past (and more expensive stuff too) was found to contain lead in the glaze. I am not sure if that remains an issue.

This might be a link to start research:
http://www.potters.org/subject95385.htm

[diamondheart]

Originally Posted by MotherMoon

Some cheaper stuff in the past (and more expensive stuff too) was found to contain lead in the glaze. I am not sure if that remains an issue.

I've read you can buy those lead test sticks in the hardware store and test your glazes. I tried it on my dishes, and it was all negative .

Claire

[GFPaperdoll]

I have a beautiful set of china dishes that I never use, a very old set, tests positive for lead... Those lead sticks are great. They can be found at most hardware stores & are not that expensive.

That said, I only use glass for the microwave & a lot of oven cooking. For pots & pans I only use stainless steel. I have never used non stick pans. I even have an all stainless steel electric skillet.

I will have to confess that after being GF for 2 1/2 years that I was still using one of my old cast iron skillets. My justification was that I never cooked with that much wheat since I was mostly wheat free for over 10 years. When I realized that everything that I was cooking in it made me sick, in a weird way that I could never really put my finger on... SOooo the skillet is now in the give away stack & I am on the lookout to purchase another one.
As a Southern girl I have to have at least one cast iron skillet.

Have any of you bought a cast iron skillet recently? Is is okay to get the preseasoned ones?

[GFPaperdoll]

Mistoviolets, just buy one stainless steel pan at a time. get the best one you can afford with all steel handles so they can also go in the oven. It will be the least expensive pan you will ever purchase because it will last you a lifetime.

[Electra]

I have stoneware from Pampered Chef. I do not cook any gluten items in it as it would not clean out (glass and stainless can do double duty usually IME but only after through washing).

I would not purchase anything for baking in that seems less than quality. You do get what you pay for. Things I'm using to put food in really matter to me.

As for cast iron, I guess we lucked out b/c my cast iron pans have never been used for gluten foods. Southern Corn bread (is not flour by nature), bacon, sausage, eggs, and gravy made with corn starch... My dh bought be a set when we got married, I bought a bigger (like 16") one just before my ds2 was dx'd. I can barely pick the pan up!!!