Unsticking Two Pans: Quick And Easy Tricks To Try

Getting two pans or bowls unstuck can be a tricky situation. The phenomenon occurs due to thermal expansion—when pans or bowls of similar sizes are stacked, the heat from hot food or liquid causes them to expand and stick together. The presence of sticky substances can also act as a binding force, making it even more challenging to separate them. While it may seem like a simple task, attempting to pull them apart forcefully can often lead to frustration and, in some cases, result in broken dishes. So, what can you do when faced with this problem?

Use hot water and ice

If your pans or bowls are stuck together, there's no need to panic. This is a common issue that can be resolved in a few simple steps using hot water and ice. Here's a detailed guide to help you separate your pans or bowls safely and effectively:

Step 1: Prepare the Setup

Fill your sink with hot water, ensuring it covers the bottom pan or bowl. Make sure the water level doesn't exceed the brim of the bottom pan to prevent water from flowing into the top one. Place your stuck pans or bowls in the sink, allowing the bottom one to be immersed in the hot water.

Step 2: Apply Hot and Cold

The key principle behind this method is the differential expansion and contraction of the pans or bowls due to temperature changes. Metal expands when heated and contracts when cooled. By applying hot water to the bottom pan and cold to the top, you create a contrast that will help loosen the bond. Place a handful of ice cubes or crushed ice in the top pan or bowl. You can also add a small amount of cold water to the ice. This step is crucial, as it initiates the process of unsticking by causing the top pan to contract and the bottom pan to expand slightly.

Step 3: Allow Time

Patience is essential during this process. Allow the setup to rest for about five to ten minutes. This waiting period gives the temperature difference time to work its magic. The top pan or bowl will gradually contract, and the bottom one will expand slightly, creating the necessary conditions for easy separation.

Step 4: Separate with a Twist

After the designated waiting time, it's time to put on a pair of rubber dishwashing gloves for a better grip. Now, carefully attempt to separate the pans or bowls by twisting them in opposite directions. Gently grip the top and bottom pans and twist one counterclockwise while twisting the other clockwise, or vice versa. This twisting motion, combined with the temperature-induced size changes, should effectively unstick your pans or bowls.

Troubleshooting Tips:

If, after following these steps, your pans or bowls remain stubbornly stuck, there are a few additional tricks you can try:

• Ensure no water gets into the upper pan or bowl during the process, as this may interfere with the temperature contrast.
• For glass or ceramic items, exercise caution to avoid thermal shock. Instead of hot water, use room-temperature water in the top container to prevent cracking.
• If dealing with cups or small bowls, turn them upside down and run them under hot water.
• For glass bowls, try holding them sideways under hot running water for about 30 seconds to melt any sticky substances that may be binding them.

Try cooking oil

If you have two pans or bowls stuck together, you can try using cooking oil to separate them. This method works on glass, ceramic, Pyrex, and stainless steel cookware.

First, pour a small amount of cooking oil—such as olive oil or vegetable oil—into the seal between the pans or bowls. You can also dampen a paper towel with oil and wipe it along the point of contact between the two pieces.

Once you've applied the oil, carefully pull or twist the pans or bowls apart. You may need to wait 20–30 seconds for the oil to work its way between the cookware. If they're still stuck, apply another coat of oil.

Try an oil-based spray

If you have tried the hot water and ice method and it hasn't worked, the next step is to try an oil-based spray. This method is particularly useful if you don't have any liquid cooking oil to hand, or if you have found that liquid oil is ineffective.

Firstly, you need to spray the point of contact between the two pans or bowls with a light coating of cooking spray. Be sure to cover the area where the two items are stuck together. Once you have applied the oil-based spray, carefully pull or twist the pans or bowls apart.

Sometimes the oil won't work immediately, so if the items are still stuck together, wait for around 20-30 seconds. This will give the oil time to work its way between the two surfaces. If they are still stuck, you can try applying another coat of cooking spray.

If you don't have an oil-based spray, you could use olive oil, vegetable oil, or any other type of cooking oil. Simply pour a small amount into the seal between the pans or bowls, or dampen a paper towel with oil and wipe it onto the point of contact.

Hold pans under cold water

If you have two pans or bowls stuck together, running cold water over them is an effective way to separate them. Metal expands when it is heated, and it contracts when it is cooled. So, by running cold water over your pans, you are encouraging the metal to contract, which will help the pans to come apart.

First, let the cold water run from your faucet until it is as cold as it will go. Then, hold the pans under the cold water, ensuring the water runs over the sides of the pans. After about a minute, the pans should come apart.

This method is particularly useful if you have just been cooking with the pans and they are stuck together from the heat. It is also a good alternative to using hot water and ice to unstick the pans, as this method can be a little more time-consuming.

However, it is important to note that you should always let your pans cool down to room temperature before washing them with cold water. Putting very hot pans under cold water can cause thermal shock, which may ruin your pans over time. So, if your pans are extremely hot, let them cool down a little before attempting this method.

If holding your pans under cold water does not work, you could try dribbling white vinegar or warm vegetable oil around the rim to reduce friction and help the pans come apart.

Try vinegar or warm vegetable oil

If you've tried twisting the pans or bowls apart to no avail, you can try using vinegar or warm vegetable oil to unstick them.

Firstly, try dribbling a small amount of vinegar around the rim of the pans or bowls. This should help to reduce the friction between the two items.

If vinegar doesn't work, try using warm vegetable oil instead. Warm vegetable oil can also be used to reduce friction and help release the suction force that is keeping the pans or bowls stuck together. Simply dribble a small amount of warm vegetable oil around the rim of the pans or bowls, and allow it to trickle into the seal. You can also use olive oil or any other type of cooking oil. Once you have applied the oil, carefully pull or twist the pans or bowls apart. If they are still stuck, wait for 20-30 seconds to allow the oil to work its way between the two items, then try again.

If you don't have any oil, you could also try using an oil-based spray. Lightly coat the point of contact between the two items with the cooking spray, then try pulling or twisting them apart.

If your pans or bowls are made of glass, you should avoid using cold water to try and separate them, as this could cause the glass to crack.

Frequently asked questions