Greasing Non-Stick Pans: Yay Or Nay?

Non-stick pans are a handy tool in the kitchen, especially for beginner cooks, but they can be high maintenance. One of the most important things to remember when using a non-stick pan is that you should avoid cooking over high heat. This is because high temperatures are bad for the non-stick coating and can cause it to deteriorate over time. Instead, you should cook over low to medium heat.

Another common mistake people make when using non-stick pans is using non-stick cooking spray. This can cause a sticky buildup on the pan that is difficult to remove. It is recommended to use whole fats like oil or butter instead. You should also preseason and re-season your non-stick pan with a small amount of oil or butter to ensure it lasts longer and improve the way food cooks in it.

Use butter or oil to grease the pan

Greasing a non-stick pan is not rocket science, but it is important to ensure that the fat adheres to the pan and not the food itself. Using butter or oil is a great way to grease your non-stick pan.

To properly grease your non-stick pan, rub a small amount of butter or oil directly onto the pan before putting it on the heat. You don't need a lot of fat—depending on the size of the pan, one tablespoon or so should be enough. But you do still want a little bit of grease, and you want that grease to be effective.

When it comes to choosing between butter or oil, both have their advantages. Butter has fatty cells that create a non-stick coating on your pan, making it a great choice for baking. Oil, on the other hand, can provide a shimmering, protective coating that can help prevent food from sticking.

It's important to note that you should avoid using high heat with non-stick pans, as it can damage the coating and release potentially toxic vapors. So, cook over low to medium heat and make sure to properly grease your pan with butter or oil to ensure the best results.

Additionally, you should also preseason and re-season your non-stick pan. To do this, simply rinse and completely dry the pan, then use a paper towel to rub about a teaspoon of oil or butter around the inside of the pan. This will help your pan last longer and improve the way food cooks in it.

Avoid cooking spray

Nonstick pans are a handy tool in the kitchen, especially for beginner cooks. However, they do require extra care to keep their nonstick coating intact. One of the most common mistakes people make when using nonstick cookware is using cooking spray.

Cooking sprays, such as Pam or Smart Balance, contain lecithin, which has the unfortunate ability to stick to nonstick coatings. The film left by cooking sprays builds up over time and becomes very hard to remove, even with serious scrubbing. This buildup will eventually degrade the cooking surface, causing food to stick and reducing the pan's performance. Anolon, a manufacturer of nonstick pans, even warns customers that using cooking sprays will void their product warranty.

Instead of cooking spray, it is recommended to use a small amount of natural fat, such as olive oil, avocado oil, or butter, to grease the pan. Add the grease directly to the pan before putting it on the heat. You don't need a lot, just enough to form a thin, protective coating. This will ensure that your food doesn't stick and help extend the life of your nonstick pan.

If you prefer the convenience of a spray, you can opt for a refillable manual oil mister, which can be filled with your preferred cooking oil. This is a better alternative to cooking spray, as it won't damage your nonstick pan.

Pre-season your non-stick pan

To ensure your non-stick pan lasts longer and improve the way food cooks in it, pre-seasoning is a must. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve that:

Firstly, if your non-stick pan is brand new, give it a good wash to remove any leftover residue from the factory. Ensure that the pan is completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Next, take a paper towel or a clean towel and use a teaspoon of oil (vegetable, canola, or any other neutral oil) to coat the inside of the pan. Bring the oil all the way up to the rim of the pan and distribute it evenly across the surface.

Once the oil is applied, it's time to heat the pan. Place it on a stove over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Alternatively, if your cookware is oven-safe, you can put it in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius) for about 20 minutes.

After heating, remove the pan from the heat source and allow it to cool down completely. Once it has cooled, use a clean towel or paper towel to wipe away any excess oil that may be left in the pan.

And that's it! Your non-stick pan is now pre-seasoned and ready to use. This process will create a protective layer on your pan, enhancing its non-stick properties and making cleanup easier.

It is also beneficial to re-season your non-stick pan from time to time. Simply follow the same steps, rubbing a small amount of oil into the pan before each use. Remember to avoid using non-stick cooking sprays, as they can leave a sticky residue that is difficult to remove. Instead, opt for whole fats like butter or oil.

Avoid metal utensils

Non-stick pans are a fantastic addition to any kitchen, making cooking and cleaning a breeze. However, one of the top rules of using non-stick pans is to avoid using metal utensils on them. Metal utensils, such as spatulas, spoons, knives, and forks, often have sharp edges that can easily scratch or chip the non-stick coating, compromising its integrity.

The non-stick coating, often made of Teflon, creates a non-reactive and smooth surface, allowing food to slide right off. However, metal utensils can quickly destroy this coating, leading to small fragments ending up in your food. Over time, the coating will deteriorate, causing food to start sticking to the pan, defeating the purpose of investing in a non-stick pan.

Even if your pan has a more durable ceramic coating, metal utensils can still cause cosmetic scratches. While these small scratches may not impact the pan's performance, deeper scratches that penetrate through all layers of the coating can affect its non-stick properties, requiring you to replace the pan. Therefore, it is best to avoid metal utensils altogether and opt for wooden, plastic, or silicone alternatives.

By using the right utensils, you can ensure the longevity of your non-stick pan and maintain its optimal performance. So, before you reach for that metal spatula, remember that it's not worth the risk of damaging your pan and stick to the recommended utensils instead.

With proper care and maintenance, your non-stick pan can last for years, making it a valuable asset in your culinary adventures. So, treat it with care, avoid metal utensils, and enjoy the benefits of effortless cooking and easy cleaning that a non-stick pan provides.

Wash non-stick pans by hand

Non-stick pans are a handy tool in the kitchen, especially for beginner cooks, as they are easy to use and clean. However, they require proper care and maintenance to ensure they remain non-stick and last longer. Here are some detailed and instructive tips to keep your non-stick pans in top shape:

Avoid the Dishwasher

Always wash non-stick pans by hand. Even if your non-stick pan is labelled dishwasher-safe, the high temperatures and harsh detergents in the dishwasher can break down the non-stick surface, causing it to deteriorate much faster than washing by hand. The slippery coating on non-stick pans can deteriorate quicker under the high heat and harsh conditions of the dishwasher.

Wash Immediately with Hot, Soapy Water

The best way to clean a non-stick pan is to wash it immediately after use. If you clean the pans right away, most debris will rinse right off. Use a gentle dish soap made to cut grease and wash the entire inside and outside of the pan with soap, warm water, and a microfiber cloth or soft sponge. Avoid using anything metal on non-stick surfaces. Instead, opt for soft cloths, sponges, or non-metallic brushes.

Remove Stubborn Residue

For stubborn residue, you might need to soak the pan for a few hours in warm, soapy water before gently scrubbing it clean. Alternatively, you can use a natural cleaning solution by mixing baking soda with water or olive oil until it forms a paste. Apply this paste to the pan and lightly scrub with a non-abrasive sponge. You can also try a "cleaning cocktail" by adding 1/2 cup vinegar and 1 1/2 cups water to the pan, heating it over medium heat for 5-10 minutes, and then washing it with warm, soapy water.

Proper Cleaning and Storage

Always allow the pan to cool down before washing it to avoid warping. It is best to hand-wash the pan as soon as possible after use, rather than leaving it in the sink for too long. Avoid using harsh, abrasive cleaning materials like steel wool or scouring pads, as they can damage the non-stick coating. Instead, use a gentle dishwashing liquid and a soft sponge or cleaning cloth. After cleaning, dry the pan completely and store it safely. If you need to stack the pan, place a dry cloth or paper towel between each pan to prevent scratching.

Frequently asked questions