danemodsandy
Well-known member
John (LordKenmore):
Farberware - both vintage aluminum-clad and the new full cap "Classic" line - has Bakelite handles. Bakelite is made from wood flour (essentially very, very fine sawdust) and phenolic resin.
Dishwasher detergents attack Bakelite; it becomes dull in color and rough to the touch. It is mainly an appearance issue; the Bakelite will maintain its shape and integrity. If the dullness is not too far advanced, a good polish will often shine old Bakelite back up. However, years in the dishwasher will roughen it past renewing.
It really depends on how much you care. I myself never put Farberware into a dishwasher, because I enjoy its good looks. But many people do, and I think they are at least as likely to get into Heaven as I am, LOL.
Incidentally, I own a few pieces of the new full cap "Classic" stuff, because Farberware has made a few things in it they never made in the good old days, like a saucier (sadly already out of production). The "Classic" I own is every bit as good as the vintage aluminum-clad I have; it's a dead match in heft and overall quality. The full cap bottom heats well, and is flat. The only caveat I have about Classic is that the sizes do not match the old aluminum-clad stuff. For instance, a lid from an old 3-quart saucepan will not fit a new 3-quart saucepan.
But that's the only hint of a problem I've found, and it's not really a problem.
Farberware - both vintage aluminum-clad and the new full cap "Classic" line - has Bakelite handles. Bakelite is made from wood flour (essentially very, very fine sawdust) and phenolic resin.
Dishwasher detergents attack Bakelite; it becomes dull in color and rough to the touch. It is mainly an appearance issue; the Bakelite will maintain its shape and integrity. If the dullness is not too far advanced, a good polish will often shine old Bakelite back up. However, years in the dishwasher will roughen it past renewing.
It really depends on how much you care. I myself never put Farberware into a dishwasher, because I enjoy its good looks. But many people do, and I think they are at least as likely to get into Heaven as I am, LOL.
Incidentally, I own a few pieces of the new full cap "Classic" stuff, because Farberware has made a few things in it they never made in the good old days, like a saucier (sadly already out of production). The "Classic" I own is every bit as good as the vintage aluminum-clad I have; it's a dead match in heft and overall quality. The full cap bottom heats well, and is flat. The only caveat I have about Classic is that the sizes do not match the old aluminum-clad stuff. For instance, a lid from an old 3-quart saucepan will not fit a new 3-quart saucepan.
But that's the only hint of a problem I've found, and it's not really a problem.