Revive Your Non-Stick Pan: Re-Coating Made Easy

Non-stick pans are a blessing for cooks, but the coating can deteriorate over time due to scratches or peeling. While it is not possible to replace the non-stick coating at home, there are some ways to restore the non-stick quality of your pan. One option is to use a non-stick spray designed for frying, but this will need to be applied each time you use the pan. Another option is to season the pan by applying vegetable oil to the surface and then heating it in the oven. This method can make food glide off the surface like new. If you want to recoat the pan professionally, you can send it to the manufacturer or a specialised company, but this can be expensive.

Using a non-stick spray

While it is not possible to replace the non-stick coating of a pan at home, non-stick sprays can be used to make a pan non-stick again. However, it is important to note that non-stick sprays are not a one-time solution. You will need to use the spray every time you use the pan.

Non-stick sprays are designed for use during baking and grilling, but they also work well for frying. The sprays are applied directly to the surface of the pan, and the pan is then allowed to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. It is important to note that the spray residue can build up on the surface of the pan, so it is crucial to clean the pan thoroughly after each use.

One popular non-stick spray is the Weber Non-Stick Spray, which is designed to work well on grills and BBQs but can also be used on frying pans. The bottle is designed to spray at any angle, and only a small amount is needed to achieve non-stick cooking. However, this spray is not cheap, and it needs to be used every time you cook.

When choosing a non-stick spray, it is important to avoid spray lubricants like Teflon sprays, as these are designed for the automotive industry and should not be used for cooking. Additionally, non-stick sprays may contain PTFE and other harsh chemicals, so it is recommended to opt for a natural seasoning method instead.

While non-stick sprays can be effective in making pans non-stick again, they are not a permanent solution and may not be suitable for those concerned about the use of chemicals.

Seasoning the pan

Seasoning a non-stick pan is a simple method to bring it back to life and make food glide off the surface like it was new.

First, scrub the pan with steel wool, Brillo pads, or sandpaper to get it as clean as possible and return it to its original grey-blue finish. Dry the pan completely. Then, spread a thin layer of vegetable shortening or vegetable oil over the inside of the pan. Place tin foil on the bottom rack of your oven to catch any drips, and place the pan upside down on the middle rack. Bake at 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit for one to two hours, then turn off the oven and let the pan cool inside.

You will only need to repeat this process if someone "screws up" your pan. Otherwise, the second step is to never let water sit in the pan for more than a few minutes before washing it out and drying it thoroughly. If you use the pan every day, dry it with a dishtowel, and if you seldom use it, dry it on the stove as in step one.

The third step is to re-season when you notice anything sticking to the pan. If there is no rust, you can warm the pan on the stove eye, rub it with a bit of oil, and buff it to a sheen.

Removing the coating

Removing the non-stick coating from a pan is not recommended, as it can be dangerous and may result in further damage to the pan. However, if you choose to do so, there are a few methods you can try. Please note that these methods may be ineffective or dangerous, and you should proceed with caution.

One method is to use a wire brush or a rotary wire brush with a drill to remove the coating. This process may require a lot of time and effort, and there is a risk of damaging the pan beyond repair. Another option is to use a strong solvent or reactant to remove the coating. However, this method can be dangerous, as the solvent may also attack the metal of the pan.

If you are looking for a more natural approach, you can try using steel wool and soapy water to scrub off the coating. This method may be time-consuming and labour-intensive, but it is a safer alternative to using chemicals. Keep in mind that even with this method, there is still a risk of inhaling airborne particles, so it is important to wear a mask during the process.

Another option is to use abrasive blasting with aluminium oxide blast media. This method can effectively remove the Teflon coating, but it may deform the substrate of the pan. Additionally, plastic media such as "aerolite" can be used for thinner coatings. However, these abrasive methods should be approached with caution, as they may not be safe for home use and can damage the pan.

It is important to note that applying a non-stick coating to a pan is typically an industrial process. While there are some spray products available that claim to resurface pans, these may not provide a long-lasting solution and may contain harsh chemicals. If you are considering recoating your pan, it may be best to consult a professional or consider purchasing a new pan.

Professional resurfacing

If you don't have the time or resources to recoat your non-stick pan at home, you can always get a professional to do it for you. There are plenty of companies that offer non-stick coating services for worn-out cookware.

The original manufacturer of your cookware may be able to reapply a non-stick coating, but this option is likely to be expensive. For example, the Australian company Surface Technology offers non-stick recoating services for frying pans, but the cost of shipping to and from Australia can add up.

Another option is to send your cookware to Dupont for professional resurfacing.

American Pan also offers non-stick coating services for baking pans. They have operations and representatives across the globe and claim to have perfected the process of cleaning and recoating baking pans through almost 50 years of experience serving some of the world's largest bakeries.

Using home ingredients

For those who enjoy DIY projects, there is a way to recoat non-stick pans using home ingredients. This method involves a process called "seasoning", where vegetable oil is applied directly to the surface of the pan, and then the pan is subjected to extreme heat to make it non-stick. This is similar to the process used to season cast-iron pans, where a protective layer is added to prevent rusting and food from sticking.

To begin, make sure your pan is clean and dry. You can use steel wool or sandpaper to remove any rust or stuck-on food residue. Then, heat the pan over medium heat for about three minutes. Add two tablespoons of vegetable, canola, or coconut oil to the pan, coating the entire bottom. Heat the oil until it smokes, then let the pan cool completely. Finally, wipe out any remaining oil with a paper towel and your pan should be re-seasoned and stick-free!

For best results, repeat this process six times. You can also use other types of oil, such as peanut oil or olive oil, but be aware that olive oil has a low smoke point and may start to smoke in the oven. It is also recommended to season your non-stick pan every six months to maintain its effectiveness.

Frequently asked questions