Teflon has been with us since 1938 and widely used for industrial purposes. It was discovered and developed by a chemist named Roy Plunkett who worked for DuPont which still owns the Teflon trademark. It has many uses, but has come under scrutiny in the kitchen recently.
Teflon tape is still recommended by plumbers and DIY plumbers for sealing use in kitchens and bathrooms where its resistance to high temperatures makes it ideal. Teflon wire is used for the same reason in many industrial situations. Even without the wire Teflon tubing has great protective qualities for areas that need heat protection.
For many years Teflon has been used for non-stick cookware, but recently people have gone off it in a big way as news of the fact that it can release toxins at certain temperatures have been revealed.
Silicone bake ware has become popular instead. All clad cook ware is also very popular in the non stick department although some people claim it develops hot spots. Well kept cast iron are still said to be the most reliable and safest forms of non stick items for cooking. The disadvantage with them being weight and slow heat up and cool down times. Some people are happy to stick with their Teflon pans and find it cheaper and easier to replace a Teflon coating when it wears off their favourite pan than to replace with something else.
Teflon is certainly a wonderful invention with many uses. While it continues to be one of the best substances available for industrial and engineering work, it is up to the individual whether to use it in the kitchen or not.
