Spraying Non-Stick Cookie Pans: Yay Or Nay?

Non-stick cookie pans are extremely useful in the kitchen for whipping up a variety of dishes. However, they do need some extra care. Most people know not to use metal utensils on non-stick pans, but did you know that non-stick cooking sprays can also be detrimental to your non-stick pans? Non-stick sprays contain lecithin, which has the unfortunate ability to stick to non-stick coatings, building up over time and degrading the cooking surface. This results in food sticking to the pan, which is the opposite of the desired effect. So, what should you use instead? Well, a bit of fat from butter or a drizzle of olive oil is a good natural alternative.

Why you shouldn't use non-stick spray on non-stick cookie pans

Non-stick cookie pans are a handy tool to have in the kitchen. They are perfect for whipping up sticky treats like cookies, pancakes, and eggs, and they make cleaning up afterward a breeze. However, despite their name, non-stick pans can lose their non-stick properties over time, and one of the main reasons for this is the use of non-stick sprays.

Non-stick sprays may seem like a good idea to use on non-stick pans, but they can actually do more harm than good. Many non-stick sprays contain an ingredient called lecithin, an emulsifier that will slowly build up on the surface of non-stick pans over time. This build-up is very difficult to remove and will eventually degrade the cooking surface, causing food to stick. Lecithin sticks so well to non-stick coatings that some non-stick pan manufacturers, like Anolon, warn their customers that using cooking sprays will void their product warranty.

Instead of using non-stick sprays, it's recommended to use a small amount of oil in non-stick pans. Oil not only helps keep food from sticking but also preserves the non-stick surface and adds flavor to your dish. You can purchase a refillable manual oil mister and fill it with your preferred cooking oil. Simply spray a light coating onto the pan as you would with any cooking spray. Alternatively, you can use butter or vegetable shortening to grease your pan, creating an effective non-stick surface.

Another thing to keep in mind when using non-stick pans is to avoid using metal utensils and cooking tools that can scratch the non-stick surface. Also, be sure to avoid putting non-stick pans in the dishwasher, as the heat and detergent can damage the pan. Instead, wash non-stick pans by hand with a soft sponge, cool water, and gentle detergent after allowing them to cool completely.

What to use instead of non-stick spray

Non-stick sprays are not always the best option for your pans, and there are several alternatives that can be used instead. Firstly, it is important to note that non-stick sprays can contain lecithin, which can stick to non-stick coatings, build up, and degrade the cooking surface. Therefore, it is recommended to use other alternatives, such as:

• Butter: The fatty cells in butter create a non-stick coat on your pan. Butter is a great option for baked goods.
• Vegetable oil: Most commercial baking sprays are made with vegetable oil, so using this as a replacement is a no-brainer. You can pour some on a paper towel and rub it along the sides of the pan to ensure an even coating.
• Lard: This is a good option when roasting meats and vegetables.
• Olive oil: This is a good option for pan cooking.
• Safflower oil: This oil has a high burning point, so it is a good option for baking.
• Avocado oil: A neutral-flavoured oil that can be used as a replacement for cooking spray.
• Flour: Dusting a greased pan with flour is a fantastic way to prevent baked goods from sticking to the pan.
• Shortening: This is generally made from a combination of vegetable oils and can be rubbed across the baking surface.
• Bacon fat: A good substitute, but may alter the taste of baked goods.
• Refillable manual oil mister: This can be filled with your preferred cooking oil.

How to clean a non-stick pan

Non-stick pans are a popular choice for cooks due to their ease of use and cleanup. However, they do require special care to maintain their non-stick properties and avoid damage. Here are some detailed instructions on how to clean and care for your non-stick pans:

Cleaning Non-Stick Pans:

• Always wash your non-stick pans by hand. Although some pans may be labelled dishwasher-safe, the high temperatures and harsh detergents in dishwashers can break down the non-stick coating.
• Wash your pans immediately after use. The non-stick coating will help most food debris rinse off, but the longer a pan sits, the more food will cling to it.
• Use hot, soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge to clean your pans. Avoid using abrasive tools like steel wool, scouring pads, or stiff brushes, as these can damage the non-stick surface.
• For stubborn residue or burnt-on food, soak the pan in warm, soapy water for a few hours before gently scrubbing it clean.
• For heavily burnt pans, create a paste or slurry with baking soda and water, or a mixture of vinegar, water, and baking soda. Apply this to the pan, let it sit for a few hours, and then scrub gently to remove burnt residue.
• Rinse, dry, and reseason your pan after cleaning. To season, rub a small amount of cooking oil over the surface, heat the pan on medium heat for a few minutes, and then wipe out any excess oil with a paper towel before storing.

Caring for Non-Stick Pans:

• Always follow the manufacturer's care instructions, as different brands may have specific directions.
• Wash and season your non-stick pans before using them for the first time.
• Avoid using metal utensils with non-stick pans, as they can chip the coating. Opt for wooden or silicone utensils instead.
• Do not place non-stick pans on high heat. Stick to low or medium heat to protect the coating and prevent the release of potentially dangerous fumes.
• Always add oil, water, or food to the pan before turning on the heat. Dry heating and overheating can damage the non-stick surface.
• Avoid using non-stick cooking sprays. These can create a residue that builds up and ruins the non-stick surface over time. Instead, use a small amount of oil or butter to prevent sticking.

How to grease a baking pan without non-stick spray

Greasing a baking pan is essential to prevent your baked goods from sticking to the pan. While non-stick sprays are a popular choice for this, there are several other effective methods to grease a baking pan without using non-stick spray. Here are some alternative ways to ensure your baked goods don't stick:

Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil is a versatile option for greasing your baking pan. Simply pour some vegetable oil onto a paper towel and rub it along the sides and bottom of your pan to create a non-stick coating. This method is effective because most commercial non-stick sprays are made with vegetable oil.

Shortening

Shortening, which is made from a combination of vegetable oils, is another alternative. The fatty nature of shortening allows it to create a non-stick layer on your pan. For cakes, you can even sprinkle some flour on top of the shortening to enhance its non-stick properties.

Butter

Butter is a traditional and effective way to grease a pan. The fatty cells in butter create a non-stick coat. You can simply run a stick of butter around the surface of your pan. For extra stickiness, you can coat the buttered pan with powdered sugar or flour.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is another option for greasing your baking pan. You can use a pastry brush to apply a thin layer of coconut oil to the pan, ensuring it sticks to the sides.

Olive Oil

Olive oil can be used, but it may be more challenging to get it to stick to the sides of the pan. It is recommended to use a small bowl and a pastry brush to apply a thin layer, being careful not to use too much, as it can slide back down the sides of the pan.

Bacon Fat

For a savoury twist, bacon fat can be used as a substitute for non-stick spray. This option may not be suitable for all baked goods, as it will impart a slight bacon flavour.

Parchment Paper

If you don't have any of the above options available, lining your pan with parchment paper can be an effective way to prevent sticking.

Remember, when greasing your pan, it's important to apply a light layer of your chosen grease to avoid making your baked goods greasy and heavy.

How non-stick spray can ruin non-stick pans

Non-stick pans are extremely useful in the kitchen for whipping up frittatas, pancakes, stir-fries, or anything that might stick to the pan. However, non-stick pans need a little extra care. It is important to know that non-stick cooking sprays can ruin your non-stick pans.

Non-stick cooking sprays, such as Pam or Smart Balance, can damage the non-stick finish of your pan. Cooking sprays leave a film that adheres to the non-stick surface and is tough to remove with just soap and water. Over time, that buildup of propellant reduces a pan's performance, and food may start to stick to it.

Non-stick sprays contain lecithin, an emulsifier, dimethyl silicone, an anti-foaming agent, and a propellant such as propane or butane. The lecithin in the non-stick spray will cook onto the surface of your pan, build up, and become nearly impossible to remove. The result is that the coating gets completely degraded, and your pan will no longer be non-stick.

Cookware manufacturers like Anolon advise against using cooking sprays on non-stick pans as they "will damage the non-stick coating of your product. An invisible buildup will impair the non-stick release system causing food to stick." Instead, they recommend using a refillable manual oil mister, which can be filled with your preferred cooking oil, or a light seasoning of butter or olive oil.

To maintain the non-stick properties of your pan, it is also important to avoid exposing your pan to high heat, using metal utensils, or washing your pan in the dishwasher.

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