Finding The Perfect Non-Stick Fry Pan

Non-stick pans are a kitchen essential for cooking sticky foods such as eggs and pancakes. They are also great for frying fish fillets, whipping up grilled cheese sandwiches, and searing meats. When choosing a non-stick pan, it is important to consider the type of stove you have, as not all non-stick pans are compatible with induction cooktops. Other factors to consider include the weight, balance, and handle design of the pan. Additionally, it is crucial to properly care for your non-stick pan to prolong its lifespan. Here are some tips for maintaining your non-stick pan: avoid using metal utensils, hand-wash the pan instead of putting it in the dishwasher, and avoid high heat or cooking spray.

How to clean a non-stick pan

To clean a non-stick pan, it is recommended to hand wash it with hot, soapy water and dry it thoroughly before storing. This is because the high temperatures and detergents used in dishwashers can break down the non-stick surface. When washing by hand, use a soft cloth or sponge and mild dish soap to scrub the pan. Avoid using abrasive tools such as steel wool, scouring pads, or stiff brushes, as these can damage the non-stick coating. For stubborn residue, soak the pan in warm, soapy water for a few hours before gently scrubbing it clean.

If you are dealing with burnt food or oil residue, you can create a paste by mixing a small amount of baking soda with water and applying it to the pan. Lightly scrub with a non-abrasive sponge, then rinse, dry, and re-season the pan with a swipe of cooking oil.

Additionally, it is important to follow the manufacturer's care instructions for your specific non-stick pan, as they can vary depending on the brand and materials used.

How to store a non-stick pan

To keep your non-stick pans in top condition, it's important to store them properly. Here are some tips to help you do that:

How to Store Non-Stick Pans:

• Clean the pans thoroughly before storing. Use warm or hot soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth to remove any food particles or grease. Rinse and dry the pans completely to prevent moisture from damaging the non-stick coating.
• Use stacking protectors or felt pads between each pan if you plan to stack them. This will prevent scratches and help preserve the non-stick coating, especially if your pans have metal handles.
• Utilize a pot and pan organizer rack to store your pans upright and minimize contact between them. This will help prevent scratches and provide easy access when you need them.
• Consider a lid organizer if your non-stick pans come with lids. This will keep them neatly arranged and easily accessible, preventing clutter, and ensuring you can always find the right lid.
• Install a wall-mounted pot rack if you have limited cabinet space. This will free up cupboard space while keeping your pans within reach.
• Use cabinet shelf organizers to create additional storage space in your cabinets and stack your pans more efficiently, preventing overcrowding and potential damage.
• Wipe down the pans with a microfiber cloth or soft towel before placing them in their designated storage area to ensure they are free from any residue or moisture.

Additional Tips for Maintaining Non-Stick Pan Performance:

• Avoid using metal utensils with non-stick pans as they can scratch and damage the coating. Opt for non-abrasive materials like silicone, wood, or nylon instead.
• Use medium to low heat when cooking to avoid degrading the non-stick coating over time.
• Never leave your non-stick pans unattended on high heat or an empty burner as overheating can cause the coating to break down and release toxic fumes.
• Hand wash your pans even if they are labeled dishwasher-safe. Use mild dish soap and a soft sponge or cloth to prolong their lifespan.
• Avoid stacking pans while they are still hot to prevent warping or damage to the coating.
• Store pans in a dry place and ensure they are completely dry before storing to prevent moisture-related issues.
• Avoid using aerosol cooking sprays as they can create a sticky residue on non-stick pans. Instead, use cooking oils or butter.
• Don't use harsh abrasives or abrasive scrub brushes when cleaning non-stick pans as they can scratch the coating.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Stacking pans without protectors can lead to scratches and damage to the coating.
• Storing pans with metal utensils inside can cause scratches and compromise the integrity of the coating.
• Storing pans while they are still wet can lead to mold, rust, or deterioration of the coating.
• Stacking pans too tightly can result in scratches and damage as the pans rub against each other.
• Using harsh cleaning agents or abrasive scrub brushes can scratch the coating and affect its non-stick properties.
• Storing pans in high-heat areas can cause the non-stick coating to deteriorate more quickly.
• Neglecting to check for damage can lead to potential health risks. Regularly inspect your pans for any signs of wear, chipping, or peeling of the coating.

By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure that your non-stick pans remain in excellent condition and provide effortless cooking and easy cleanup for years to come.

How to know when to replace a non-stick pan

Non-stick pans are a convenient tool for any cook, but they don't last forever. Here are some signs that it's time to replace your non-stick pan:

The Coating Is Flaking or Scratching Off

If the non-stick coating starts to flake or scratch off, it's time for a new pan. While ingesting these flakes is not a safety hazard, it can be unpleasant to find them in your food. Once the coating starts to come off, it will likely continue to do so because of how the non-stick layer is bonded to the pan.

Discoloration or Sticking

If your non-stick pan has become discoloured or is starting to stick, its coating has probably been damaged. A whitish discolouration means the coating has worn away, and you'll need to add extra fat to avoid sticking. If you're constantly struggling with sticking, it's probably time for a replacement.

Warping

Warping isn't dangerous, but it will affect the quality of your food. A warped pan will cook your food unevenly, and you may end up with undercooked or overcooked meals.

Age

Even with proper care, non-stick pans will need to be replaced eventually. Depending on the material and quality of the pan, you can expect non-stick pans to last between two and seven years. A good rule of thumb is to replace them approximately every five years.

Alternative Options

If you're tired of replacing your non-stick pans, you may want to consider investing in cast iron or carbon steel pans. With some minor maintenance, these pans can become naturally non-stick and will last much longer.

How to cook eggs in a non-stick pan

Choosing the right pan

Non-stick pans are a great option for cooking eggs, as they are efficient for cooking and easy to clean. The type of non-stick pan you use will depend on the number of eggs you want to fry at once. For one egg, a single egg frying pan is best. These are available in three and four-inch sizes. For two eggs, opt for an eight or nine-inch non-stick pan.

Oil or butter?

The fat you use to fry your eggs depends on how you like them. Using olive oil will make the egg white crispier, whereas butter will give you a creamier egg white.

Lid or no lid?

Most fried egg recipes recommend using a lid to help cook the egg with steam and prevent overcooking. Frying eggs without a lid will result in a longer cook time and may cause the egg whites to burn.

Step-by-step guide

• Crack the egg(s) into individual bowls to make it easy to remove any shell pieces and prevent excess egg from getting on the pan.
• Heat the pan on medium heat and add your chosen fat. Let the pan warm up for about a minute.
• Gently pour the egg into the pan. The egg white will start to cook when it whitens around the edges, which usually takes a minute or so.
• Cover the pan with a lid and lower the heat to medium-low. This will help cook the egg white with steam while keeping the yolk soft and runny.
• For sunny-side up eggs, cook for four minutes. For a more set yolk, cook for five minutes. For a hard yolk, cook for six minutes.
• If you like your eggs over-easy, gently flip them when the egg white has completely set. Cook on the other side for one minute for over-easy, two minutes for over-medium, and three minutes for over-hard.

Tips from a top chef

James Beard Award-winning chef Ashley Christensen recommends frying eggs in grass-fed butter. She suggests melting the butter and tilting the pan slightly so the butter collects at the edge. Then, crack the egg into the well of butter at the edge of the pan and hold it in place for about a minute. Using a heatproof spatula, slide the egg to the centre of the pan and lower the pan back down. This helps to keep the yolk centred and prevents the egg white from running and overcooking or drying out. Christensen also recommends basting the egg gently with the liquefied butter, allowing the white to set while keeping the yolk liquid.

Scrambled eggs

For scrambled eggs, Christensen suggests pre-seasoning the beaten raw eggs with a little salt 15 minutes in advance. This allows you to season the eggs throughout and prevents them from becoming watery. To cook, heat some grass-fed butter over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low-medium. Pour in the beaten eggs and use a heatproof rubber spatula to stir them around the pan. Once they're halfway done, turn off the heat and continue stirring until they reach your desired level of doneness.

How to cook pancakes in a non-stick pan

Cooking pancakes in a non-stick pan is a great way to make breakfast without the hassle of scrubbing burnt residue off your pans. Here are some tips to help you make the perfect pancakes without the sticking.

Choosing the right pan

First, you need to select a good non-stick pan. Heavy pans are better for cooking pancakes as thin pans can heat unevenly, causing your pancakes to stick. You can use either a traditional non-stick pan or a ceramic non-stick pan. Ceramic pans are PTFE- and PFOA-free, but their non-stick coating tends to degrade faster. Traditional non-stick pans are more durable but contain chemicals that can be released if the pan is overheated.

Preparing the pan

Before you start cooking, rinse and dry your pan to ensure there is no food residue left on the pan. Then, wipe the inside of the pan with an oil-drenched paper towel. Vegetable or canola oil is best for this. You only need a thin layer of oil, so wipe off any excess with a clean paper towel.

Preparing the batter

Allow your pancake batter to sit for at least 15-20 minutes before cooking. This gives the flour molecules time to absorb the water fully. Lumps in the batter are fine – in fact, it's better to under-mix than over-mix, as this can create too much gluten, making your pancakes tough.

Cooking the pancakes

Place your pan on the stove and set the burner to medium-high. To test if the pan is hot enough, wet your hand and flick a few drops of water onto the pan. If the pan is hot enough, the water will bead and sizzle before disappearing.

Once the pan is hot, add a small spoonful of butter. This adds flavour and helps to stop the pancakes from sticking. Be aware that butter contains saturated fats, which can be unhealthy, so use a minimal amount.

Now you're ready to cook your pancakes! Pour the batter into the pan to your desired size and cook until the edges start to bubble. Then, flip the pancakes and cook the other side.

Tips for non-stick success

• Only use wooden or plastic utensils in your non-stick pan to avoid scratching the coating.
• Don't use cooking spray on your non-stick pan, as this can damage the coating.
• Don't use high heat when cooking with a non-stick pan.
• If your pancakes are sticking, it could be due to residue in the pan. Soak the pan in hot water and dish soap, then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge.

Frequently asked questions