Looking for good waterless cookware.

I have two sisters who both own waterless cookware purchased over 25 years ago and they love it. I would like to purchase a set but cannot spare an arm or a leg at this time. Any recommendations would really be appreciated. Possible problem: I am allergic to nickel found in many stainless steels. Any info as to the composition of the steel would be greatly appreciated also.

By W.DeBord on Wednesday, December 08, 1999 - 08:27 am: Edit

I've never heard of waterless cookware, would you explain it?

I don't know anything about metals but I have Revere Ware Pro Line of pots that I LOVE!!! I've had all the different expensive stuff and none of it works as well or holds up to this product. Besides it has a life time warentee and you don't have to take out a loan to buy it.

By Kathyf (Kathyf) on Saturday, February 05, 2000 - 01:17 am: Edit

I purchased a set of West Bend waterless pans 23 years ago. It could be the same as your sisters. Worth every cent I spent and then some.Lifetime guaranteed too.I saw a salesman at a show a few years ago - you could try contacting him. If he no longer works for the company, he could tell you who to contact. Larry Hoefle 319-472-4704 Good luck

By pam on Monday, February 07, 2000 - 01:15 am: Edit

what does the "waterless" mean? what are they mado of, i have seen them but i don't think i've used them

By Kathyf (Kathyf) on Monday, February 07, 2000 - 11:21 am: Edit

The waterless means you can cook in them without using any water. You can cook vegetables with no liquid added. The pans also fit on top of each other so you can stack cook if you have limited burner space or are fixing a large meal. I didn't buy them for the waterless feature. They are made with 5 different layers - 4 layers of stainless steel and a center layer of liquid - I don't remember what the liquid is. The liquid center layer conducts heat evenly through the pan, which is why they work so well for stack cooking. They don't warp or dent (I have dropped them a few times!)- They have a lifetime guarantee - They are oven safe - Easy to clean, you can use steel wool on them - Mine are 23 years old and almost look new.

By Kathyf (Kathyf) on Monday, February 07, 2000 - 11:23 am: Edit

The waterless means you can cook in them without using any water. You can cook vegetables with no liquid added. The pans also fit on top of each other so you can stack cook if you have limited burner space or are fixing a large meal. I didn't buy them for the waterless feature. They are made with 5 different layers - 4 layers of stainless steel and a center layer of liquid - I don't remember what the liquid is. The liquid center layer conducts heat evenly through the pan, which is why they work so well for stack cooking. They don't warp or dent (I have dropped them a few times!)- They have a lifetime guarantee - They are oven safe - Easy to clean, you can use steel wool on them - Mine are 23 years old and almost look new.

By Laurie Katan on Saturday, April 01, 2000 - 02:58 pm: Edit

I have a waterless cookware that is from the SaladMaster Company. Works great! Quite expensive. However, purchase plans are available.

By John on Monday, April 24, 2000 - 12:43 am: Edit

These pans have a sandwich construction, center layer is aluminum for conductivity. The stainless steels used in cookwear have low conductivity and I have seen copper used as a heat conductive center layer. Construction of a liquid center layer would make such a product unbelievably expensive (and dangerous).

Nickel: All pots or stainless cookwear is made of alloys containing Nickel. These are Type 300 series stainless steels, typically with 8 to 12% Ni. They are chose for their ability to be formed by deep-drawing. These alloys are non-magnetic.

Stainless steels that are hardenable by quenching and tempering contain much less or no Nickel. In kitchens these alloys are used in knives and cutters. They are the 400 series stainless steels and they are magnetic.

This site has info on dealing with nickel contact dermititis and 180 other skin problems.

http://www.dermnet.org.nz/index.html

By John on Monday, April 24, 2000 - 12:45 am: Edit

Post 1 of 2-
I encountered these pots at a friend’s home party in 1977. Students starting new household were targeted. The salesman claimed advantages for cramped kitchens, vitamin retention of vegetables cooked in little water and less attention required once cooking began. I passed on the pots.

The pots were 2-3X more expensive than good quality cookwear without the ‘waterless’ features. Those features were flat tops, removable top knobs (so they could be stacked) and a special lip. The lid fit under a trough-like lip which extended part way around the rim, sort of a pressure-cooker design. Condensation ran down the inside of the lid and collected in the lip- this sealed in steam and flavor.

I did a Netscape search for ‘waterless cookwear’ and found the Natureseal line. Follow their Products List link to see their line of pots and pans.

http://www.sunshine-center.com/

By Virginia Estes on Tuesday, July 04, 2000 - 06:27 pm: Edit

I have a set of lustercraft, I have had it for about 35 or 40 years. In a recent move one of my pots was misplaced. I would like to know where to replace it, it came with a lifetime guarantee it has lasted thru the years and I am happy with it and would love to be able to replace the pot.

Virginia Estes

By Norma Conaway on Sunday, August 06, 2000 - 01:54 pm: Edit

I bought Lustre Craft over 47 years ago and so did my Mom. Still looks like new and has really been worth the money. The book says it is a division of West Bend Cookware, so perhaps you can start there.

By chef boyardee on Monday, September 04, 2000 - 05:14 pm: Edit

lustre-craft.com

4001 hyw 19A
mt dora fl 32757
352-735-2850

By David Arthur on Saturday, September 16, 2000 - 07:58 am: Edit

I am seriously considering a set of waterless cookware , but there are so many to choose from. Between Townecraft , saladmaster , kitchen craft and lustercraft is anyone better than the other or does it just come dowm to personal preference ?

By David Arthur on Saturday, September 16, 2000 - 07:59 am: Edit

I am seriously considering a set of waterless cookware , but there are so many to choose from. Between Townecraft , saladmaster , kitchen craft and lustercraft is anyone better than the other or does it just come down to personal preference ?

By D. Arthur on Saturday, September 16, 2000 - 08:07 am: Edit

I am considering buying a set of waterless cookware. Problem is there are so many. I've been to a Townecraft demonstration but have also heard about Saladmaster , Lustrecraft and Kitchencraft. Is anyone of these better that the other or does it just become a matter of personal preference ?

By Dorothy Weeks on Thursday, October 05, 2000 - 09:47 am: Edit

I have one pot of LustreCraft and like it but now the bottom is not flat. Raised in the center.
Why do we want waterless cookware as opposed to the newer Caphalon, etc-non-stick wares.

By Michael on Thursday, January 11, 2001 - 01:15 am: Edit

I am looking for a Lustre Craft Electric Skillet. I am not sure what size they come in. Maybe an 8 inch, 10 inch or 12 inch. Does anyone know where I can buy one, or a site on the www that I can check them out? Help would be appreciated.

By John R. on Sunday, January 21, 2001 - 11:14 am: Edit

I would look into Royal Prestige Cookware.
I purchased a set three years ago and are completely satisfied with the design.
The cookware is stainless with a multi-metal bottom insert. Most nonstick cookware is subject to breakdown and actually releases toxic fumes.

By Dorothy Reid on Tuesday, March 27, 2001 - 06:29 pm: Edit

Would like the e-mail or internet place to find
Lustre-Craft cookware. I have a pot that the
bottom layer has divided, and should have a
replacement guarantee. Does any body know the
e-mail or inernet address? tdreid@compuwise.net

By Saucerer (Saucerer) on Sunday, April 08, 2001 - 06:35 am: Edit

I have a range of AMC classic waterless cookware.
My mum bought it years ago and put it in my name for the 25 year guarantee. It's way past that guarantee and I have long since inherited the pots. They are still going strong. I definitely recommend them.