Woll Pans: Safe Or Not?

Woll cookware is generally considered safe to use. The German brand, founded by chef Norbert Woll in 1979, is known for its non-stick, cast aluminium cookware. Its flagship cookware lines have a PTFE (Teflon) coating, which is safe unless it's overheated or peels off. Woll's products are also PFOA-free and are rated safe by the FDA.

However, there are some concerns about the use of PTFE in non-stick cookware. While it is non-toxic, PTFE can break down at high temperatures, releasing toxic fumes that can be harmful to humans and pets. Additionally, the manufacturing process for PTFE-coated cookware may involve the use of potentially harmful chemicals.

Overall, Woll cookware is a safe option for consumers, but it is important to follow the recommended care and usage instructions to ensure the cookware remains in good condition and does not pose any health risks.

Woll Cookware's Safety

Woll Cookware Safety

Woll is a German brand of cookware founded in 1979 by chef Norbert Woll. The brand is known for its non-stick, aluminium cookware. Woll's products are safe to use, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind.

Materials

Woll cookware is made of cast aluminium with a diamond-reinforced non-stick coating. The coating is designed with five layers for enhanced longevity and is PFOA-free. However, it does contain PTFE (Teflon), which is safe unless it is overheated or peels off. PTFE is non-toxic but can be harmful to birds if cooked at high temperatures.

Care and Maintenance

Woll cookware is dishwasher-safe and metal utensil-safe. However, it is recommended to hand wash the cookware with warm soapy water to extend the life of the non-stick surface. Avoid using non-stick sprays as they can damage the PTFE coating.

Heat

Woll cookware has excellent heat distribution and retention. It is oven-safe up to 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit and compatible with induction cooktops. However, it is important not to overheat the cookware as high temperatures can be unsafe and may also cause the non-stick coating to wear off.

Warranty

Woll cookware comes with a limited lifetime warranty. However, the warranty does not cover damage caused by overheating, and the company recommends using low to medium heat only.

Overall, Woll cookware is safe to use if cared for and maintained properly. The cookware is durable, with a non-stick coating that is rated safe by the FDA.

PTFE and PFOA

PTFE, or polytetrafluoroethylene, is a fluoropolymer plastic compound that is silicone-based and contains carbon and fluorine. It is used in the manufacturing of non-stick cookware, as well as in industrial manufacturing due to its strength and durability. PTFE is not considered toxic and is safe for human consumption. However, it can break down when heated to high temperatures, releasing fumes that may be harmful to humans and fatal to birds. PTFE starts to break down at around 400-600°F (200-300°C).

PFOA, or perfluorooctanoic acid, is a man-made synthetic compound used in the manufacturing of non-stick cookware, as well as stain-resistant fabrics and carpets. It is also used in the process of making PTFE. PFOA is a persistent substance in the environment and has been found in the blood of animals and humans. It has been linked to adverse health effects, including high cholesterol, health issues in children and babies, cancer, liver damage, and blood pressure concerns. PFOA was previously used in the application of PTFE coatings to cookware but has been largely phased out due to health concerns.

Woll cookware, a German brand, uses PTFE (Teflon) in its flagship cookware lines. However, Woll claims that its products are PFOA-free and that its bonding process does not use PFOA. While PTFE is generally considered safe, it is important to avoid overheating or scratching the non-stick coating, as this can cause the release of toxic fumes.

Dishwasher Safety

Dishwashers are a great modern convenience, but they can also be dangerous if not used properly. Here are some tips to ensure your safety when using a dishwasher:

General Safety

• Always keep dishwasher detergents in their original packaging and out of the reach of children and pets.
• Only add detergent just before starting the dishwasher cycle.
• After loading or unloading the dishwasher, close the door to prevent tripping accidents.
• Child-proof your dishwasher with a safety lock to prevent children from accessing it.
• Avoid mixing dishwashing detergent with other cleaning products, as this can create irritating fumes.
• Avoid direct contact between gel detergent and your skin or clothes.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before unloading clean dishes from the dishwasher.
• Avoid putting plastic items in the dishwasher, as they can fall onto the heating element and cause a fire or damage the dishwasher.
• Check that the seals of your dishwasher are tight to prevent leaks and overheating.

Loading the Dishwasher

• Place sharp utensils in the utensil basket with their points facing down to avoid injuries.
• Carefully load glassware on the top rack, leaving enough space between items to prevent them from rattling against each other and breaking or chipping.
• Avoid overloading the dishwasher, as this can cause items to chip or break, and may prevent all items from being properly cleaned.
• Allow the dishwasher to cool down completely before unloading it to prevent burns from steam.

Dishwasher Maintenance

• Consult the dishwasher's manual or contact the service centre for any error codes that appear on the screen.
• Regularly check the rubber door gasket for any signs of black yeast or fungi, which can be dangerous to your health.
• Use the correct amount of detergent for the number of dishes being washed, and ensure it is compatible with your dishwasher.
• Do not use homemade or substitute detergents, as these may not effectively clean your dishes and can damage the dishwasher.
• Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper use and safety information.

Cleaning Woll Cookware

Woll cookware is very easy to clean. The brand recommends cleaning your Woll cookware like a normal dish. This can be done by washing it with warm soapy water in the sink or putting it in the dishwasher. Woll cookware is dishwasher-safe, but handwashing will extend the life of the non-stick surface.

To handwash your Woll cookware, drizzle some dishwashing liquid directly onto the pan surface and use a dish brush to create a lather of soap, fully cleaning the surface. This is important to ensure that you remove any natural fats or oil buildup from food. If not cleaned correctly, it can cause discolouration and over time a burnt layer can build up, which can harm the performance of the non-stick surface.

If you have used oil, it can sometimes build up on the surface. To clean this off, fill your Woll cookware with water and a little dishwashing liquid and place it on the stove to boil.

The fewer chemicals you use, the longer your Woll cookware will last. To avoid having to soak your Woll cookware, always clean it promptly after use. It is also important to avoid using non-stick sprays, as these often contain chemicals that can damage the PTFE non-stick coating.

Woll vs Scanpan

Woll and Scanpan are two of the major players in the high-end cookware world. Both companies manufacture their products in Europe, which is a huge difference compared to most companies that outsource their manufacturing to China to keep costs down.

Woll Pans

Woll is a German cookware manufacturer known for its thick, non-stick, aluminium cookware. Their Diamond Plus line is made of cast aluminium with a stainless steel or bakelite handle. Woll pans are PFOA-free and PTFE-coated (Teflon). PTFE is non-toxic unless it's overheated or peels off. Woll pans are oven-safe up to 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit, metal utensil safe, and induction safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. They are also dishwasher-safe, although hand washing is recommended to extend the life of the non-stick surface.

Scanpan Pans

Scanpan is a Danish company that produces cookware similar to Woll's. Their HaptiQ line is made of stainless steel. Scanpan pans are PTFE-coated (Teflon) and are safe for use with metal utensils. They are also oven-safe and come with a lifetime warranty. However, Scanpan has a bad reputation for honouring its warranties.

Both Woll and Scanpan pans are scratch-resistant, offer even heat distribution, and are high-temperature durable. One advantage of Woll pans over Scanpan is that Woll's handles are removable, making them more convenient for use, cleaning, and storage. Additionally, Woll offers a 25-year warranty on the body of the cookware and a three-year warranty on the coating or technical parts, while Scanpan only offers a lifetime warranty to the original purchaser.

Frequently asked questions