> wrote in message
...
> On Tue, 10 Feb 2004 22:59:57 GMT, KWR > wrote:
>
> >
> >My biggest issue with coated non-stick frying pans is the way the
> >surface starts to send off fumes when it reaches cooking temperature. I
> >had a small rectangular frypan once (japanese omelette) which I was
> >giddily pleased to have purchased, until I found it was a worst offender
> >on that count. I couldn't take the plasticy odor and think I got rid of
> >the pan. I'm given to understand now that vapors from burning teflon
> >compounds will take out small pet birds.
> >
>
> Teflon is made from a compound called PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene),
> which, when heated beyond a certain temperature (I can't recall the
> figure), will give off toxic fumes.


Yeah. That's the funny thing. The directions on the pan usually say not to
use it on high heat, but TV cooking personalities all say it is fine. Never
understood that. I'll stick with my pure aluminum pans, no pun intended.


Peter