Calphalon Pans: Avoiding Sticking And Cooking Like A Pro

Calphalon is a popular cookware brand known for its non-stick pans. However, some users have reported issues with food sticking to their pans, especially eggs. To prevent sticking, it is recommended to avoid overheating the pan, use wooden or plastic utensils instead of metal, and wash the pan by hand with lukewarm water and a soft sponge. Overheating can weaken the non-stick layer, causing it to peel off and making the pan more prone to sticking. Proper care and maintenance of Calphalon pans are crucial to maintaining their non-stick properties and ensuring their longevity.

Avoid overheating

Calphalon non-stick pans are made with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a synthetic resin with a slick surface and tolerance for high heat. PTFE itself has come under scrutiny in the past due to the use of a chemical known as PFOA, which was linked to various illnesses and health concerns. However, since 2013, PTFE has been manufactured without PFOA, and Calphalon's PTFE is PFOA-free.

Despite this, it is still important to avoid overheating PTFE-coated pans. PTFE starts to release fumes at 536°F (280°C), and these fumes are harmful to humans and dangerous to birds. Inhaling these fumes can cause "polymer fume fever", or "Teflon flu", which presents flu-like symptoms that usually resolve within 48 hours. Prolonged exposure to the fumes can lead to more severe reactions, such as lung damage.

To avoid overheating your Calphalon pans, follow these guidelines:

• Do not exceed the recommended temperatures of 400-500°F (204-260°C).
• Avoid using high heat on the stove; opt for low to medium heat instead.
• Do not preheat an empty pan for too long. Always place liquid or food in the pan to absorb excess heat.
• Cook in a well-ventilated area to prevent the buildup of fumes in case of accidental overheating.

Use wooden or plastic utensils

To keep your Calphalon pans from sticking, it is recommended that you use wooden or plastic utensils. This is because the use of metal utensils can scratch the surface of the pan, peeling away the non-stick layer. Once the non-stick coating has peeled off, the pan will begin to stick. Wooden or plastic utensils are much gentler on the non-stick surface, ensuring that it stays intact and your pan remains stick-free.

Calphalon offers a range of nylon cooking utensils that are specifically designed for use with their non-stick cookware. These utensils are made from a durable, non-metallic material that will not scratch or damage the pan's surface. Using these utensils will help to prolong the lifespan of your Calphalon pans and ensure that they remain in the best possible condition.

It is important to note that using metal utensils on your Calphalon pans will not only cause sticking but will also void your warranty. So, if you want to keep your pans in good condition and avoid any issues with your warranty, it is best to stick with wooden, plastic, or nylon utensils.

In addition to using the correct utensils, there are a few other things to keep in mind when it comes to caring for your Calphalon pans. Firstly, always allow the pan to cool down before washing it. Avoid using cold water and stiff sponges as these can also damage the non-stick surface. Instead, opt for hand washing with a soft sponge, warm water, and mild soap.

By following these simple care instructions, you can keep your Calphalon pans in top condition and prevent sticking.

Wash with a soft sponge and mild soap

To keep your Calphalon pans in good condition and prevent sticking, it is important to wash them correctly. Here are some detailed instructions on how to wash your Calphalon pans with a soft sponge and mild soap:

• Before the first use of your Calphalon pan, it is recommended to hand-wash it with warm, sudsy water and a mild liquid dishwashing detergent. Dry the pan thoroughly after washing.
• For daily cleaning, fill the pan with warm water and use a soft sponge or soft-bristle brush to gently wash away any residue. Avoid using cold water as it can cause sticking.
• Use mild liquid dish soap and avoid harsh, abrasive cleaning pads or cleansers that can damage the non-stick surface. A soft sponge or soft-bristle brush is the best tool for the job.
• If you are washing a Calphalon pan with a hard-anodized exterior, use a non-abrasive sponge or soft-bristle brush and liquid dish soap to clean the surface.
• For burnt-on stains, create a paste with baking soda and warm water, apply it to the pan, and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour before gently scrubbing with a soft brush and rinsing. Alternatively, you can use a mixture of salt, lemon juice, white vinegar, or mild soap to remove burnt stains.
• Always allow your Calphalon pans to cool down before washing them.
• Avoid using metal utensils with your Calphalon pans as they can scratch the non-stick surface. Opt for wooden or plastic utensils instead.
• Do not store food in the pan overnight, especially acidic foods, as this can also damage the non-stick coating.
• Avoid cutting food directly in the pan to prevent scratches.

Don't use cold water

You should never wash a hot pan with cold water. This is a vital rule of cooking that many people break. It can be tempting to toss a hot pan in the sink and run cold water over it to disintegrate burned-on bits without having to scrub, but this will ruin your pan over time.

Experts at All-Clad and Calphalon explain that this destructive behaviour causes thermal shock, which can ruin pans of any material, whether stainless, non-stick, or cast iron. Thermal shock occurs when a pan's temperature is rapidly lowered, causing warping and cracking. If warping occurs, the bottom of the pan will become uneven, and the pan will not sit evenly on the stovetop. The pan will then have hot and cold spots when used again, causing it to heat and cook unevenly.

To avoid thermal shock, always let your pans cool down naturally before cleaning with cold water. Metals expand in tiny amounts when heated and shrink when cooled, a phenomenon called thermal expansion and thermal contraction. This expansion and contraction are too small to be seen, but it is an important characteristic of metals that must be managed in cooking.

If you allow your pan to cool slowly, it will return to its original condition. However, repeated quenching of hot pans under cold water risks damaging any pan. So, while it may be tempting to wash your hot pan with cold water, always let it cool down first to avoid damaging your cookware.

Don't use a dishwasher

Calphalon pans are hard-anodized and non-stick, but they do require proper maintenance to keep them in good condition. One of the key things to remember is to avoid using a dishwasher to clean your Calphalon pans. Hand washing is the recommended method for cleaning Calphalon cookware. This is because the harsh conditions inside a dishwasher can damage the non-stick surface of the pans.

The high temperatures and strong detergents used in dishwashers can weaken the non-stick coating, making it more prone to sticking and peeling over time. Hand washing with lukewarm or warm water and a soft sponge is a gentler way to clean your Calphalon pans, preserving the non-stick surface. It is also important to use mild soap and avoid metal sponges, as these can also damage the coating.

By hand washing your Calphalon pans with the appropriate tools and temperatures, you can effectively remove any food residue and stains while maintaining the integrity of the non-stick surface. This simple step will help ensure that your Calphalon pans remain in optimal condition for a longer period of time.

It is also worth noting that you should avoid using aerosol cooking sprays on Calphalon pans. These sprays contain chemical propellants that are difficult to remove and can build up on the surface, reducing their non-stick properties. Instead, it is recommended to use an oil mister or carefully wipe the interior of the pan with a paper towel dipped in oil.

Frequently asked questions