Help me replace my non-stick bakeware

[mikala]

I'm trying to slowly replace our non-stick bakeware like cookie sheets, muffin tins and cake pans with something less toxic as things wear out but I'm not sure what to try instead.

Aluminized steel like this (http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/usa-pan-traditional-finish-muffin-pan/?pkey=ccupcake-muffin-pans) seems to be the most common alternative to non-stick. Any thoughts on how this performs and whether direct food contact with aluminum is an issue?

What other products work well for you?

Thanks!!

[oneplustwo]

I'm bumping this up to see if anyone has any thoughts or info.

I found this somewhat older post when looking for info on aluminized steel ~ I need to replace my old, rusting muffin pan and was looking at the same muffin pan OP linked to. OP, what did end up deciding to do?

I'm still not sure myself. What I've found so far:

http://www.ehow.com/facts_7663390_difference-steel-aluminized-steel-bakeware.html

http://healthychild.org/live-healthy/faq/C346/

http://www.chefsuccess.com/f8/dangers-aluminum-bakeware-65332/ An online forum discussion of Pampered Chef consultants about this topic.

I need to do more research!

[mikala]

I did more online research after this post and felt more confused the more I read on the topic.

I ended up sticking with what we have for now. I use stainless steel cookie sheets whenever possible and use muffin liners in my non-stick muffin pan. I'm still interested in upgrading to safer bakeware but want to make sure I'm actually moving to something safer instead of just something $$ and different.

The healthychild article was interesting but seems incomplete. Re: aluminum, "Once anodized, the aluminum will not leach into food. If you are considering buying aluminum cookware, call the manufacturer and see if it has some recycled content."

Does this mean we want recycled metals or no recycled metals? I'm guessing recycled content is a no-no because of the contamination possibility but the article just isn't clear.