Nonstick Pan Sticking: What's The Deal?

Non-stick pans are designed to prevent food from sticking, but sometimes food does stick. There are several reasons why your new non-stick pan might be sticking.

One of the most common reasons is the use of high heat. When you overheat a non-stick pan, food can burn and stick to the surface. Over time, high heat can also degrade the coating, leading to more sticking. Most non-stick pans come with a warning not to heat them above 500 °F (260 °C). When heated above this temperature, non-stick coatings can release harmful chemicals that can cause headaches, dizziness, and other issues. If you need to cook with high heat, it's better to use a different type of pan, such as cast iron or carbon steel.

On the other hand, low heat can also cause sticking. When you add food to a hot pan with oil, a reaction occurs where the hot oil causes the food to release water vapour, creating a barrier between the food and the pan's surface. If the heat is too low, this reaction doesn't occur, and the food sears and sticks to the pan instead of floating on top of it.

Incorrect cleaning and maintenance can also lead to sticking. For example, using metal utensils can scratch and degrade the non-stick coating, causing food to stick to the exposed metal surface. It's best to stick with silicone, wood, or plastic utensils. Non-stick pans should also be gently hand-washed with warm soapy water, even if they are labelled as dishwasher-safe.

Another reason for sticking could be that the oil isn't coating the entire surface of the pan. When you pour oil into a hot pan, it sometimes spreads towards the edges, leaving the middle bare. This can happen if the pan is slightly warped or the stove isn't level.

To prevent sticking, it's recommended to choose a PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) non-stick pan, as they usually last longer than ceramic non-stick pans. PTFE is highly effective at preventing food from sticking and is considered safe for cooking if used correctly. However, it's important to avoid overheating PTFE pans above 500 °F (260 °C) to prevent the release of harmful chemicals.

The pan may not be suitable for the size of the burner

It is important to ensure that your pan matches the size of your burner for even heating and to prevent sticking. If the pan is too small for the burner, the heat may be concentrated in one area, causing the pan to heat unevenly. This can lead to hot spots, where certain areas of the pan become much hotter than others. As a result, food is more likely to burn and stick to the pan in these hotter areas. On the other hand, if the pan is too large for the burner, heat may not be distributed effectively to the entire cooking surface. This can result in uneven cooking and cold spots, where food is more likely to stick due to insufficient heat.

To avoid these issues, it is recommended to choose a pan that is appropriately sized for your burner. As a general rule, the base of the pan should be the same size or slightly smaller than the burner. This ensures that the heat is evenly distributed across the entire pan, allowing your food to cook uniformly and reducing the chances of sticking. For example, a small pan should be used on a small burner, and a larger pan on a larger burner.

Additionally, it is important to consider the shape of the burner when selecting a pan. If you have a round burner, a pan with a rounded base of a similar diameter will ensure the most efficient heat conduction. Similarly, a flat-bottomed pan is best suited for a flat burner, such as an electric coil or a flat-top stove. Using a pan that is the correct shape for your burner will help ensure even heating and reduce hot or cold spots that can cause sticking.

Another factor to consider is the intensity of the heat source. Some stoves have more powerful burners than others, and if the heat is too high, it can cause the pan to warp or heat unevenly, leading to sticking. Try reducing the heat slightly and see if that improves the performance of your pan. Finding the right balance between heat level and pan size will help you get the most out of your cookware and ensure even cooking without sticking.

Remember, the key to avoiding sticking is even heat distribution. By matching your pan size to your burner size and shape, you can ensure that heat is conducted efficiently across the entire cooking surface. This will help you make the most of your new T-fal nonstick pan and enjoy hassle-free cooking and easy cleanup.

The pan may have been heated too high

One of the most common reasons for food sticking to a non-stick pan is overheating. When a non-stick pan is overheated during the cooking process, food can burn and stick to the pan's surface. Over time, high heat can degrade the coating, which leads to more sticking.

Non-stick pans are designed to prevent food from sticking. The coating on the interior fills tiny pores in the metal, creating a slick, stick-resistant cooking surface. However, if the pan is heated too high, the coating can break down and be rendered ineffective.

Most non-stick cookware comes with a warning not to heat it above 500°F. When a non-stick coating is heated above 500°F, it can release harmful chemicals that can cause headaches, dizziness, and other issues. If you need to cook with high heat, it is recommended to use a different type of pan, such as cast iron or carbon steel.

To prevent your non-stick pan from sticking, it is important to use medium or low heat when cooking. This will prevent burning and keep the coating from breaking down. If you are using a high-quality non-stick pan, you won't need to crank up the heat to get a good sear on your food.

In addition to avoiding high heat, there are a few other things you can do to care for your non-stick pan:

• Avoid stacking your non-stick cookware. If you do need to stack your pans, place a towel, trivet, or cloth between each layer to avoid damaging the coating.
• Hand wash your pan, even if it is dishwasher-safe.
• Avoid using metal utensils, as they can scratch the surface. Instead, opt for utensils made of softer materials like wood, silicone, or plastic.
• Don't put your pan in the oven, unless it is oven-safe.
• Don't use aerosol cooking spray, as it can create invisible buildup on the pan's surface.
• Don't preheat an empty pan or put an empty pan under the broiler.

The pan may not have been cleaned properly

If your new T-fal nonstick pan is sticking, it may not have been cleaned properly. Here are some tips to ensure proper cleaning and maintenance:

• Handwash your T-fal nonstick pan with a soft sponge or cloth and mild detergent. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or steel wool, as these can damage the nonstick coating.
• Allow the pan to cool completely before washing it. Do not pour cold water into a hot pan, as this can cause warping or damage to the nonstick coating.
• If food is stuck on the pan, fill it with warm water and let it soak for a few minutes to loosen the residue. Then, use a soft sponge or cloth to wipe away the residue.
• Avoid using metal utensils or sharp objects on the nonstick surface, as they can scratch the coating. Instead, use wooden, silicone, or plastic utensils.
• While T-fal nonstick pans are dishwasher-safe, handwashing is recommended to prolong the life of the nonstick coating. If you do use a dishwasher, avoid using harsh detergents or placing the pans too close to the heating element.
• To remove stubborn stains or burnt-on food, create a paste from baking soda and water, and gently rub it onto the affected area with a soft sponge or cloth. Rinse thoroughly afterward.
• Avoid stacking your T-fal nonstick pans directly on top of each other, as this can damage the nonstick coating. Instead, use pan protectors or a dish towel between each pan.
• Properly store your T-fal nonstick pan in a safe place, away from other objects that could scratch the surface.
• Do not cut or chop directly in the pan, as this can damage the nonstick coating.
• Wipe the pan dry after washing to prevent water spots and to ensure it's ready for your next culinary adventure.

The pan may not be suitable for the utensils being used

If your new T-fal non-stick pan is sticking, it may be that the pan is not suitable for the utensils you are using. Non-stick pans are easily scratched, even with the gentlest of scrapes from a metal utensil. Over time, these scratches can expose the metal of the pan, causing food to stick and the coating to flake off into your food.

To prevent this, it is recommended that you use utensils made from softer materials such as wood, silicone, or nylon. Wooden utensils are long-lasting and sturdy, but they are not ideal for flipping food. Silicone utensils can take the heat of cooking but are susceptible to damage from sharp knives. Nylon utensils are durable and suitable for most cooking tasks, but food can stick to them, and they must be kept away from direct heat as they can melt.

It is also important to avoid using non-stick cooking sprays, as these can damage the non-stick coating of your pan.

The pan may not have been given enough time to cool before washing

One reason why your new T-fal non-stick pan is sticking could be that the pan was not given enough time to cool before washing. Non-stick pans are known to have a short lifespan, and improper care can further reduce their longevity.

Non-stick pans are coated with a synthetic fluoropolymer called polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE, which includes the well-known brand name, Teflon. Over time, grease and other tiny food particles may build up on the pan, especially in areas where the coating is scratched, making the pan sticky. This can be prevented by thoroughly cleaning and re-seasoning the pan.

To properly clean and re-season your pan, mix 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of baking soda, and 1/2 cup of white vinegar in the pan, and heat the mixture until it boils for 10 minutes. After boiling, wash the pan as usual, and then rub vegetable oil on the surface to re-season it. It is important to wait until the pan is lukewarm or at room temperature before applying the oil to prevent sticking in the future.

Additionally, it is recommended to only hand wash non-stick pans. Although some skillets are technically "dishwasher-safe", exposing them to large amounts of hot water and soap for extended periods can erode the non-stick surface over time.

Frequently asked questions