Spray Oil And Nonstick Pans: A Bad Combination?

Nonstick pans are great for cooking sticky foods such as eggs, pancakes, and seafood. However, they require extra care to maintain their nonstick properties. One common mistake people make is using cooking spray on nonstick pans. While it may seem convenient, cooking spray can actually ruin your nonstick pan. This is because cooking sprays contain lecithin, which sticks to the nonstick coating, building up over time and becoming nearly impossible to remove. This buildup degrades the cooking surface, causing food to stick. Instead of cooking spray, it is recommended to use a small amount of natural fat such as olive oil, avocado oil, or butter on nonstick pans.

Cooking spray builds up on non-stick pans and ruins them

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, they do require some extra care and attention to keep them in good condition. One of the most common ways people accidentally ruin their non-stick pans is by using cooking spray.

Non-stick cooking sprays, such as PAM, are essentially cooking oil in a can. However, they also contain lecithin, an emulsifier, dimethyl silicone, an anti-foaming agent, and a propellant such as propane or butane. While these additional ingredients are harmless when used on most other types of cookware, they can stick to and build up on the non-stick coating of your pan. This build-up becomes very hard to remove and eventually degrades the cooking surface, causing food to stick.

Anolon, a manufacturer of non-stick pans, warns customers that using cooking sprays will void their product warranty. They recommend skipping the cooking spray and opting for a refillable manual oil mister, or simply using a paper towel or clean kitchen towel to wipe the interior of your pan with your favourite cooking oil.

If you do choose to use cooking spray on your non-stick pan, be prepared for the possibility that it will damage the non-stick coating over time and may void your warranty.

Non-stick pans should not be preheated

Non-stick pans are designed for moderate heat and are not suitable for high-heat cooking. Preheating them for more than 30 seconds or at high settings is not recommended. It is also considered hazardous to heat an empty non-stick pan. The pan can get too hot too quickly, potentially damaging the non-stick surface, releasing toxins, and causing the pan to warp.

Empty non-stick pans can quickly reach temperatures above 348 °C (660 °F), at which point the coating can begin to deteriorate. This can happen even more easily if the pan is heated on a stove burner that is larger than the pan's bottom. To prevent this, always start heating non-stick pans at a lower temperature, using a fat like oil or butter, or with food already in the pan.

Additionally, non-stick pans should not be used in ovens hotter than 260 °C (500 °F), as higher temperatures can discolour the coating or cause it to lose its non-stick properties.

To summarise, it is important to avoid preheating non-stick pans on high heat without food in them. Doing so can damage the non-stick surface, release toxins, and impact the pan's performance and longevity.

Don't use metal utensils on non-stick pans

Non-stick pans are a great addition to your kitchen, making cooking sticky foods like eggs, pancakes, and stir-fries a breeze. However, to ensure your non-stick pan remains in good condition, it's essential to avoid using metal utensils with them.

Metal utensils can easily scratch the non-stick coating on your pan, especially if it is a PTFE-based coating. These scratches can lead to the coating peeling and sticking, compromising the non-stick properties of your pan. Even small scratches can impact the performance of your pan over time.

So, what should you use instead? Wooden, silicone, or nylon utensils are excellent alternatives. Wooden utensils are sturdy and long-lasting if properly cared for, but they may not be ideal for flipping food. Silicone utensils are gentle on non-stick pans and can withstand high temperatures, but they may not be the best for flipping large pieces of meat. Nylon utensils are also a good option as they won't damage the coating, but be cautious as they can melt if exposed to high heat.

By choosing the right utensils and avoiding metal ones, you can extend the lifespan of your non-stick pans and maintain their performance.

Don't wash non-stick pans in the dishwasher

While it may be tempting to throw your non-stick pans in the dishwasher, it's best to avoid doing so. Even if the packaging says your non-stick pan is dishwasher-safe, washing it by hand will help prolong its lifespan.

Non-stick pans are designed to withstand heat when cooking, but the prolonged wet heat in a dishwasher can damage the non-stick coating, causing it to peel or leak into your food. The high-pressure jets of hot water and strong detergents can also scratch or chip the coating, leading to staining or discolouration.

Additionally, dishwasher detergent often contains harsher abrasives and chemicals than standard dish soap, which can be too abrasive for non-stick coatings.

So, what's the best way to clean a non-stick pan? All it takes is some warm water, a mild soap, and a gentle sponge or cloth. For tougher messes, a soft sponge or dishcloth should do the trick. If you're dealing with burnt-on food, try a mixture of water, baking soda, and vinegar after giving the pan a scrub with dish soap and water.

By hand-washing your non-stick pans, you can keep them in good condition for years to come.

Add oil to non-stick pans before heating

It is recommended to add oil to non-stick pans before heating them. This is because non-stick pans are more delicate than regular pans and can be damaged by high temperatures. By adding oil to the pan before heating, you create a protective layer between the pan's surface and the heat source, which helps to prevent the pan from warping or becoming damaged.

Additionally, adding oil to a non-stick pan before heating can help to improve the pan's non-stick properties. When a non-stick pan is heated without oil, the pores in the surface of the pan can expand, making it more likely for food to stick. Adding oil to the pan before heating helps to fill and smooth over these pores, creating a more even and slippery surface that food is less likely to stick to.

It is also important to note that non-stick pans should not be preheated for an extended period without any oil or food in them. Doing so can damage the non-stick coating and may void your warranty. Always add a small amount of oil to the pan and heat it gently before adding your food.

Furthermore, when adding oil to a non-stick pan, it is best to use pure oils such as olive oil or canola oil. Avoid using cooking sprays, as these often contain additives like lecithin that can build up on the surface of the pan and degrade the non-stick coating over time.

Finally, when cooking with a non-stick pan, always use wooden or silicone utensils to avoid scratching the surface. Avoid using metal utensils or sharp knives, as these can damage the non-stick coating and reduce the pan's effectiveness.

Frequently asked questions