Ella Walter
Non-stick pans are a godsend in the kitchen, but they do require some TLC to keep them in tip-top condition. With the right care, your non-stick pans can last for years, but without it, they can quickly become warped, scratched, and lose their non-stick properties. Here are some dos and don'ts to help you cure and maintain your non-stick pans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning products | Vinegar, water, baking soda, mild dish soap, soft sponge or cloth, wooden or silicone utensils |
| Cleaning methods | Boil vinegar and water in the pan, scrub, soak, preheat the pan with oil, wash, dry, season, rinse |
| Avoiding | High heat, metal utensils, overcrowding the pan, stacking without protection, harsh chemicals, steel wool, cooking spray |
What You'll Learn
Wash non-stick pans by hand with a soft sponge and mild dish soap
To keep your non-stick pans in good condition, it's important to wash them by hand with a soft sponge and mild dish soap. Avoid using a dishwasher, as the high temperatures and harsh detergents can break down the non-stick surface.
Start by filling your sink with warm, soapy water, using a mild dish soap. Then, use a soft sponge or cleaning cloth to gently wash the pan, ensuring that you cover both the inside and outside of the pan. Rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water and dry it completely before storing it away.
If you're dealing with stubborn residue, you can let the pan soak in the soapy water for a few hours before gently scrubbing it clean. For burnt-on food or oil residue, create a paste by mixing a small amount of baking soda with water and apply it to the affected area. Use a non-abrasive sponge to lightly scrub the area until the residue is removed. Then, rinse, dry, and re-season the pan by rubbing a small amount of cooking oil over its surface.
It's important to avoid using abrasive tools such as steel wool, scouring pads, or stiff scrubbing brushes when cleaning non-stick pans, as these can damage the surface. Always allow your non-stick pan to cool down before washing it and avoid leaving it to soak for extended periods, as this can lead to warping.
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Avoid using metal utensils on non-stick pans
Non-stick pans are a great addition to your kitchen, making cooking and cleaning easier. However, they do require special care to prevent their surface from scratching, peeling, or warping. One of the most important things to keep in mind when using non-stick pans is to avoid using metal utensils.
Metal utensils can easily scratch or chip the non-stick coating, and if that happens, it's time to get a new pan. The coating may be Teflon (PTFE) or a ceramic finish, and both can be damaged by metal. So, instead of metal, opt for wooden spoons, silicone utensils, or plastic utensils. These materials are gentle on the non-stick surface and won't cause any damage.
If you're using a non-stick pan, it's also important to be careful with cleaning. Avoid using steel wool or other abrasive materials, as these can also damage the coating. A soft sponge or cloth, along with mild dish soap, is the best way to clean your non-stick pans and keep them in good condition.
By following these simple tips, you can extend the lifespan of your non-stick pans and enjoy their benefits for longer.
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Do not put non-stick pans in the dishwasher
While it may be tempting to put your non-stick pans in the dishwasher, especially after a long day, it is best to avoid doing so. Non-stick pans are a must-have in the kitchen, with their slick surface keeping food particles from sticking and burning onto the pan. However, they do require special care to prevent their surface from scratching, peeling, or warping.
Why you should avoid the dishwasher
The high-pressure jets of hot water and the enzymes found in most dish detergents can damage non-stick coatings. Even if your non-stick pan is labelled dishwasher-safe, it is recommended to wash it by hand only. The harsh detergents and high temperatures in the dishwasher can cause the non-stick coating to break down, reducing the performance and lifetime of your pan.
How to wash non-stick pans
When washing non-stick pans, always use a soft sponge or dishcloth. Avoid steel wool or coarse brushes, as these can easily scratch the surface. For tough messes, use the scrubby side of a sponge or a soft dish brush. For burnt-on food, a mixture of water, baking soda, and vinegar can help loosen the residue. Always be sure to wash your non-stick pans gently and with care.
How to care for your non-stick pans
To maintain the non-stick coating and prolong the lifespan of your pans, it is recommended to hand wash them with hot soapy water. Avoid using metal utensils as these can scratch or deteriorate the coating. Additionally, always allow your pans to cool naturally before washing, as shocking them with cold water can cause the metal to warp.
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Do not use cooking spray on non-stick pans
Non-stick pans are a godsend in the kitchen, making it easy to whip up frittatas, pancakes, stir-fries, and anything that might otherwise stick to the pan. However, non-stick pans require a little extra care to maintain their non-stick properties. One of the most important things to remember is to avoid using cooking spray on your non-stick pans.
Cooking sprays often contain lecithin, an emulsifier that sticks to the non-stick coating of your pan. Over time, lecithin builds up and becomes incredibly difficult to remove, eventually degrading the cooking surface and causing food to stick. This buildup can also lead to discolouration and the formation of a dark, sticky residue. The thinner layer of oil achieved with cooking sprays also means that the oil heats up and carbonizes faster, further contributing to the stickiness.
The use of cooking sprays can void your product warranty, as they burn at lower temperatures than the non-stick coating, damaging the surface. Instead of cooking sprays, it is recommended to use a refillable manual oil mister or a small amount of oil or butter in your pan. If you prefer the coverage of a spray, you can use an oil mister filled with your choice of cooking oil.
To prevent stickiness, it is also important to add oil or fat to your non-stick pan as soon as you put it on the heat. Greasing a cold non-stick pan helps it work better and reduces the production of potentially harmful fumes.
By avoiding cooking sprays and following the manufacturer's care instructions, you can help maintain the non-stick properties of your pan and ensure it lasts for years to come.
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Do not use high heat when cooking with non-stick pans
Non-stick pans are a great addition to your kitchen, especially when you want to cook eggs, fish, and other delicate foods. However, they do require some extra care to keep them in good condition. One of the most important things to remember is to avoid using high heat when cooking with non-stick pans. Here's why:
The Impact of High Heat on Non-Stick Pans
Non-stick pans are coated with a special material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly known as Teflon, to create a slick surface that prevents food from sticking. However, exposing this non-stick coating to high heat can have several detrimental effects.
Firstly, high temperatures can damage the coating over time, causing it to peel, flake, or warp. This not only affects the non-stick properties of the pan but may also render it unusable. In fact, a single session of heating a non-stick pan above 500°F (260°C) can permanently destroy the non-stick coating, regardless of the price or quality of the pan.
Secondly, overheating a non-stick pan can release harmful toxins. At extremely high temperatures, Teflon can release potentially dangerous fumes. While reaching such high temperatures on a stovetop is unlikely, it is still a concern. Additionally, when heated above 400-500°F, the molecules on the coating break down and release fluorocarbons into the air. Inhaling these polymers, which are common in household products, has been linked to respiratory illnesses.
Tips for Avoiding High Heat
To protect your non-stick pan and ensure its longevity, always use low to medium heat during cooking. Non-stick pans are ideal for foods that require gentler heat, such as eggs and vegetables. For dishes that require high heat, like searing a steak, opt for a stainless steel or cast-iron pan instead.
Additionally, remember to never heat your non-stick pan while empty. Always add oil, water, or food to the pan before turning on the burner. This helps protect the non-stick coating and also serves as a temperature gauge, as most oils start to smoke at 400°F or higher.
By following these simple guidelines, you can extend the lifespan of your non-stick pans and continue to enjoy their convenience and ease of use.
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Frequently asked questions
To clean your non-stick pan, let the pan cool, then wash it by hand with warm soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth. Dry it thoroughly before putting it away. Avoid using harsh cleaning materials such as steel wool, and do not put your non-stick pan in the dishwasher.
For stubborn residue, create a mixture of baking soda and vinegar and boil it in your pan. Let it cool, then skim away any residue that has risen to the top. Once cool, pour out the liquid and wash the pan with warm soapy water.
To prevent your non-stick pan from warping, always let the pan cool down before washing it with cold water.
To maintain the non-stick coating on your pan, avoid using metal utensils, cooking sprays, and high heat. Instead, opt for wooden or silicone utensils and cook with low to medium heat.
