When To Replace Your Pans: A Guide

Non-stick pans are popular because they are easy to clean and require less butter or oil when cooking. However, they don't last forever. While the technology has improved, with some pans now lasting five to seven years, this does depend on how you treat your pan. For example, using metal utensils on non-stick pans can cause scratching and damage. Other signs that it's time to replace your pan include warping, dark discolouration, and significant scratches.

Non-stick pans should be replaced every 5-7 years

Non-stick pans are a popular choice for home cooks, thanks to their convenience and ease of cleaning. However, it's important to remember that non-stick pans don't last forever and will eventually need to be replaced. While the lifespan of your non-stick pan will depend on how you treat it, on average, you should expect to replace your non-stick pans every 5 to 7 years.

The non-stick property of these pans comes from a thin chemical coating of Teflon, which is applied to the cooking surface. This coating is what allows you to cook food without it sticking to the pan and makes cleaning a breeze. However, this coating can deteriorate over time, causing food to start sticking and making the pan more difficult to clean.

There are a few signs to look out for that indicate it's time to replace your non-stick pan. Firstly, if the coating is flaking or chipping off in pieces, it's definitely time for a new pan. While ingesting small pieces of the coating is not considered a safety hazard, it can be unpleasant to find bits of coating in your food. Additionally, once the coating starts to chip, it will likely continue to do so due to the way the non-stick layer is bonded to the pan.

Another sign that your non-stick pan needs replacing is if the coating appears deeply scratched and dry. While a scratched pan may still be usable, you will likely experience more sticking, especially if the scratches are deep. If the surface of the pan has turned whitish and dry, it's a sign that the non-stick coating has worn away significantly, and it's probably time for a new pan.

Even with proper care, the non-stick coating will eventually deteriorate, and food will start to stick. If you find yourself struggling to cook without food sticking to the pan, despite your best efforts, it's a clear indication that your non-stick pan has reached the end of its useful life.

To make your non-stick pans last longer, it's important to use the right utensils and cleaning methods. Avoid using metal utensils or harsh scrubbing pads, as these can damage the coating. Instead, opt for wooden or silicone utensils and soft sponges for cleaning. Additionally, hand washing your non-stick pans with mild soap and water is recommended, as the high heat and pressure of a dishwasher can be damaging.

Cast-iron, carbon-steel, copper, or stainless-steel pans last longer

Cast-iron, carbon-steel, copper, or stainless-steel pans are built to last much longer than non-stick pans. While non-stick pans are expected to last between five to seven years, with proper care, the others can last a lifetime.

Cast-Iron Pans

Cast-iron skillets can last forever with proper care. They are also expected to become more non-stick over time.

Carbon-Steel Pans

Carbon-steel pans are said to improve with use, but only up to a point. Some sources say that pans will improve over the first ten or so cooks, while others say that pans will continue to improve over months and years of use. However, some cooks disagree, saying that their pans perform the same whether they are 10 days or 10 years old.

Copper Pans

Copper pans are considered the gold standard among cookware connoisseurs. They are highly conductive, reacting to changes in temperature very quickly and distributing heat evenly. However, copper is toxic, so copper pans must be lined with another material, such as stainless steel, to be used for cooking. Copper pans can last a lifetime if treated properly.

Stainless-Steel Pans

Stainless-steel pans can last several decades or longer if properly cared for. Pans made with higher-quality steel will last longer. To ensure your stainless-steel pans last as long as possible, avoid warping, pitting, and rusting, and avoid using metal utensils.

Signs to replace: warping, discolouration, scratches, coating flaking off, coating scratched and dry

The longevity of your pans depends on how well you clean and care for them. Here are some signs that it's time to replace your pans:

Warping

Warping occurs when a pan is heated to a high temperature and then cooled very quickly, such as when you cook eggs and then immediately take the pan off the stove and put it in the sink with soap and water. To test if your pan is warped, place it on a flat surface and press the handle up and down to see if it wobbles. If it wobbles, that means the bottom is warped and you won't get even heating when cooking. This will result in an uneven cooking surface and there is no way to fix it.

Discolouration

Discolouration can occur on the bottom of the pan due to scorching or burning. While these issues are cleanable and fixable, they may indicate that it's time to replace your pan, especially if the discolouration cannot be cleaned.

Scratches

Scratches can occur on any pan, but are especially common on non-stick pans. Scratches can cause the coating to start flaking off and landing in your food. This can be unappetizing and may pose a health risk, as you could be ingesting a chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid, which has been linked to several types of tumours and toxic effects on the immune, liver and endocrine systems in animal studies.

Coating flaking off

If the coating is flaking off your non-stick pan in pieces, it's time to get a new one. While it won't pose a safety risk, as the coating won't interact with your body and will pass right through if accidentally ingested, it will likely continue to chip and be unpleasant to eat.

Coating scratched and dry

If the coating on your non-stick pan is scratched and has a whitish and dry appearance, it's likely that the non-stick coating has worn away to an extent that will cause food to stick. While you can try using extra fat to avoid sticking, if you're constantly struggling with it, it's probably time for a new pan.

For a home cook, a decent set of cookware should last between five and ten years, depending on the frequency of cooking and how well you take care of them. Non-stick pans generally last between five and seven years, while cast-iron pans can last much longer if properly cared for.

Pans should be hand-washed and stored properly to increase longevity

The longevity of your pans depends on the type of pan and how you treat it. Non-stick pans, for example, tend to last up to 5 years, whereas stainless steel pans can endure for decades. Cast iron pans can last for generations.

To increase the longevity of your pans, it is recommended to hand-wash them. The high heat and pressure of a dishwasher can be damaging, so washing your pans in the sink with dish soap and water is the best option. When hand-washing, use a soft cloth or sponge, and avoid abrasive tools such as steel wool, scouring pads, or stiff brushes, which can damage the surface. For burnt-on food or oil residue, a paste made from baking soda and water can help lift the stains off.

When storing your pans, choose a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place. Avoid areas with excessive moisture, such as basements or cabinets near sinks, as moisture can cause rust. If hanging your pans on a rack or installing wall hooks, ensure the pans are completely dry before storage, as moisture trapped inside a cover can also cause rust.

Additionally, proper stacking and organisation of your pans can help prolong their lifespan. Stack pans of similar sizes to distribute weight evenly and prevent warping or scratching. Use protective layers, such as paper towels or cloth napkins, between pans to prevent direct contact and reduce the risk of scratches. Avoid stacking too many pans on top of each other, as excessive weight can deform the bottom pans. Vertical storage can be a great space-saving option and makes it easier to access individual pans.

By hand-washing your pans and storing them properly, you can help increase their longevity and maintain their quality for years to come.

Use wooden or silicone utensils to prevent scratching

The lifespan of your pans depends on how you treat them. Non-stick pans, for example, have a thin layer covering the cooking surface, which means that they are more delicate than stainless steel or carbon steel pans. To make your non-stick pans last longer, it is recommended to use wooden or silicone utensils to prevent scratching.

Wooden utensils have been used for millennia and are widely used as the material of choice for a variety of kitchen tools. Wood is just hard and rigid enough to break up large chunks of ground meat or to scrape up fond from the bottom of a pan, but it is malleable enough that it won't scratch or gouge the delicate coating of a non-stick pan. Wooden utensils require more maintenance than other materials—they cannot be washed in the dishwasher or left wet for long periods, as this can lead to warping, cracking, or breaking. They also need to be oiled occasionally to prevent cracking.

Silicone utensils are another option for non-stick pans. They are incredibly durable, heat-safe to high temperatures, dishwasher-safe, and fantastic for use in non-stick cookware. Silicone utensils can mould to the shape of your pan to get to every last drop of food. However, some silicone utensils are made of two pieces—a handle and a head—and the adhesive used to attach the head can wear out over time. When choosing a silicone utensil, look for one that is heat-safe above 500°F with a stainless steel core for better rigidity and durability.

Nylon utensils are also an option for non-stick pans, but they are not as gentle on the coating as wooden or silicone utensils. Nylon is a fairly rigid material that can leave noticeable scuffs and superficial scratches on the non-stick surface. Additionally, nylon often has a low heat safety rating and could melt if left exposed to heat for too long. Over time, nylon can become brittle and crack, so these tools are not ideal for long-term use.

By using wooden or silicone utensils with your non-stick pans, you can help prevent scratching and extend the lifespan of your cookware.

Frequently asked questions