Tempering Non-Stick Pans: A Step-By-Step Guide

Non-stick pans are a popular choice for home cooks due to their easy cleanup and stick-free cooking surface. However, they are not without their limitations and require careful handling to maintain their non-stick properties. One of the most common ways that non-stick pans get damaged is by dry heating and overheating. Dry heating occurs when the pan is heated for extended periods without anything in it, and overheating occurs when the pan is left over very high heat for too long. To avoid dry heating, always add cooking fat or other ingredients before turning on the heat. To avoid overheating, cook over medium-high heat at maximum and treat the pan gently.

If your non-stick pan does get burnt, there are a few methods you can try to restore it to its former glory. One method is to simply wash the pan with dish soap, hot water, and a dish sponge. If food has burnt onto the pan, let the pan soak in hot water for 10-15 minutes to loosen the residue. Another method is to create a mixture of white vinegar, water, and baking soda in the pan, bring it to a boil, and allow it to cool before discarding the solution and rinsing the pan.

To prevent your non-stick pan from deteriorating and ensure its longevity, it is important to follow a few care tips. Firstly, always hand wash the pan with mild dish soap and a soft cloth, avoiding harsh chemicals and abrasive materials like steel wool that can scratch the coating. Secondly, avoid using metal utensils as they can scrape off the non-stick coating; instead, opt for wooden or silicone utensils. Thirdly, always allow the pan to cool before washing or rinsing, as a dramatic temperature change can damage the coating and cause the pan to warp. Finally, avoid using non-stick sprays as they can damage the pan; instead, use cooking oils. By following these tips, you can keep your non-stick pan in good condition for longer.

Avoid high heat

Nonstick pans are not designed for high heat. Heating a nonstick pan above 500° Fahrenheit or 260° Celsius will burn off the nonstick coating, releasing toxic vapours that can be harmful to humans and fatal to birds.

The nonstick coating is made of plastic, which will begin to flake and break down at high temperatures. When heated above 400–500 degrees, the molecules on the coating break down and release fluorocarbons into the air. These polymers, commonly found in household products, are linked to respiratory illness.

To prevent the nonstick coating from breaking down, use a nonstick pan for cooking at medium or low heat. For cooking that requires high heat, use a stainless steel or cast-iron pan.

Use oil or butter

Non-stick pans are great for cooking sticky foods like eggs, but they do require careful handling. One of the most important things to remember is to avoid exposing your non-stick pan to high heat. This is because higher temperatures will damage the coating over time, and high heat can also cause the release of harmful toxins, depending on the type of coating on your pan.

So, when using a non-stick pan, it's important to add oil or butter to the pan as soon as it's exposed to heat. This is because cooking fat amplifies the coating's effect when added to the pan before the food.

In addition, some non-stick pans can release toxins when heated without any kind of cooking fat in the pan. This is always good to avoid, especially when friends, family, or pets are present.

When using a non-stick pan, it's best to use cooking fats like butter or olive oil. Avoid using cooking spray, as this can cause a build-up of residue around the edge of the pan that doesn't burn off. The effort needed to scrub off this residue can damage the pan.

It's also important to note that non-stick pans should not be preheated without food in them. Always start at a lower temperature using a fat like oil or butter, or with the food already included. Empty pots and pans reach high temperatures very quickly, and when heated accidentally over 348 °C (660 °F), the coating can begin to deteriorate.

Butter, fats, and cooking oils begin smoking at 204 °C (400 °F). So, if you're using butter or oil in your non-stick pan, make sure to keep the temperature below this point.

Wash by hand

Washing by hand

It is recommended to wash your non-stick pan by hand after every use. Even if your pan is labelled as dishwasher-safe, the hot temperatures and detergents used in the dishwasher can break down the non-stick surface.

Use a mild, soft soap with a soft cloth or sponge and rinse the pan with lukewarm water. You can use a nylon or microfiber cloth or sponge to best remove dirt and grime.

If there is burnt-on food, soak the pan in warm, soapy water for 10-20 minutes and then handwash it. You can also use a paste made from baking soda and water to treat stubborn burnt-on food. Apply the paste, let it sit for 15 minutes, and then rinse it away.

Never use steel wool or any metallic sponges or brushes to scour your non-stick pan.

Avoid metal utensils

Non-stick pans are a great investment for any home cook. They are easy to use, clean, and require less oil and butter than other types of pans. However, they do require a certain level of care to ensure their longevity. One of the top rules of using non-stick pans is to avoid using metal utensils on them.

Metal utensils, such as spatulas, spoons, forks, and knives, have sharp edges that can scratch or chip the non-stick coating. This coating, often made of Teflon, creates a non-reactive and nearly frictionless surface for cooking. When scratched or chipped, small fragments of the coating can end up in your food, which is certainly not something you want. Additionally, the non-stick coating will be destroyed over time, and food will start to stick to the pan, defeating the purpose of using a non-stick pan.

If you accidentally use a metal utensil and scratch your non-stick pan, it is recommended to replace the pan instead of continuing to use it. To avoid this issue altogether, always use wooden, plastic, or silicone utensils with your non-stick pans. With proper care, these pans can last up to 5 years.

It is also important to note that non-stick pans should not be exposed to high heat. Higher temperatures can damage the coating and cause the release of harmful toxins. So, when you need to sear something, it is best to reach for a stainless steel or cast-iron pan instead.

Avoid harsh cleaning products

Non-stick pans are a great addition to your kitchen, but they do require some extra care to keep them in good condition. Here are some tips to help you avoid harsh cleaning products and keep your pans in top shape:

• Always hand wash your non-stick pans. While some are labelled dishwasher-safe, the heat from the dishwasher and detergents will cause the coating to degrade over time.
• Avoid using harsh, abrasive cleaning tools like steel wool, scouring pads or stiff scrubbing brushes. These can scratch and damage the non-stick surface. Instead, opt for soft sponges, brushes and microfiber towels.
• For burnt-on food or oil residue, create a paste with baking soda and water, and apply 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.
• Never put your non-stick pan in the dishwasher. Putting them in the dishwasher can warp your pans and strip away their non-stick coating, causing permanent damage.
• Avoid using aerosol cooking sprays. Many of these contain additives that can ruin the non-stick coating. Instead, use butter or oil.
• Always wait for your non-stick pan to cool down before washing. Submerging a hot pan in cold water or running cool water over hot non-stick cookware is the quickest way to warp a pan.

Frequently asked questions