The Best Tools For Your Non-Stick Pan

Non-stick pans are a handy tool for any cook, but they can be easily damaged if not used and maintained properly. The non-stick coating makes it easier to cook delicate foods like eggs and fish, and it also makes cleaning a breeze. However, it's important to avoid common mistakes such as using cooking spray, metal utensils, or harsh cleaning methods, which can ruin the non-stick surface. To make your non-stick pan last longer, season it with oil, avoid high heat, and always wash it by hand.

Use oil, butter, or cooking spray

Non-stick pans are a godsend when it comes to cooking sticky foods like eggs, pancakes, seafood, and rice. The coating on the pan allows you to stir-fry, sear, or sauté without worrying about food getting stuck on the surface. While some non-stick pans can cook food without any butter or oil, using a small amount of fat can help improve the non-stick properties of the pan and prevent any damage to the coating.

When using a non-stick pan, it is best to use oil, butter, or cooking spray as a lubricant. Cooking sprays like PAM are convenient, but they can damage the non-stick coating over time. This is because, in addition to oil, cooking sprays contain lecithin (an emulsifier), dimethyl silicone (an anti-foaming agent), and a propellant such as propane or butane. The lecithin in the cooking spray will gradually cook onto the surface of your pan, creating a buildup that is challenging to remove. As a result, your non-stick pan will lose its non-stick properties, and food will begin to stick.

To avoid this issue, it is recommended to use pure ingredients like olive oil or butter. You can simply add a small amount of oil or butter to the pan before turning on the heat. This will help protect the non-stick coating and ensure your food doesn't stick. Additionally, using oil or butter will not damage the coating by burning prematurely, as is the case with cooking sprays.

If you prefer the convenience of a spray, you can create your own DIY cooking spray by filling a refillable manual oil mister with your favorite cooking oil. This way, you can still enjoy the ease of use of a spray without risking damage to your non-stick pan.

Remember, when using oil, butter, or cooking spray with a non-stick pan, always add the fat to the pan before heating it up. Heating a dry non-stick pan can shorten the coating's longevity, so it's important to lubricate the surface before turning on the heat.

Avoid metal utensils

Non-stick pans are a great tool for home cooks. They are easy to use and clean, and they require less oil and butter than other types of pans, making them ideal for healthier cooking. However, there are right and wrong ways to use non-stick pans. 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 whisks, have sharp edges that can scratch or chip the non-stick coating. This can cause small fragments of the coating to end up in your food, which is not only unpleasant but also dangerous. The non-stick coating can also be destroyed over time, causing food to start sticking to the pan, which defeats the purpose of using a non-stick pan in the first place.

Once the non-stick coating has been compromised, it is best to replace the pan rather than continue using it. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to use wooden, plastic, or silicone utensils with non-stick pans. Additionally, when cleaning non-stick pans, it is best to hand wash them using a soft sponge or plastic scourer, as dishwashers, steel wool, and other abrasive materials can also damage the coating.

It is important to note that not all non-stick pans are created equal. Some non-stick pans, such as those made of anodized aluminum, are harder and more scratch-resistant than others. These pans may be able to withstand the use of metal utensils without sustaining damage. However, it is always best to err on the side of caution and use wooden, plastic, or silicone utensils to prolong the life of your non-stick pans.

By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your non-stick pans remain in optimal condition and provide you with years of easy cooking and cleaning.

Don't preheat an empty pan

Non-stick pans are designed for moderate heat and are not suitable for high-heat use. Preheating an empty non-stick pan is not recommended as it can damage the non-stick surface, release toxins, and cause the pan to warp.

Non-stick pans are coated with a chemical compound, commonly known as Teflon, which creates a surface resistant to sticking. This allows you to use little to no fats, which is beneficial for those who wish to limit their fat intake or have dietary restrictions. However, it is important to note that exposing non-stick pans to very high temperatures can release potentially toxic chemicals into the air.

To avoid damaging your non-stick pan, follow these recommendations:

• Set the stove to low or medium heat for a maximum of 30 seconds. You want the pan to be warm, but not super-hot.
• If using oil or butter, add it at the beginning and heat it up with the pan. This will also help indicate when the pan is ready as the oil will start to shimmer or lightly smoke.
• There is no need to preheat non-stick pans for boiling or simmering liquids.
• Avoid using high heat settings or preheating for more than 30 seconds, as this can damage the non-stick surface.
• Use a soft dishrag or non-abrasive sponge to clean the pan with dish detergent and warm water. Avoid using abrasive cleansers, steel wool, or other harsh cleaning surfaces.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your non-stick pan performs better and lasts longer.

Don't use high heat

Nonstick pans are not designed for high heat. While they are great for cooking sticky foods like eggs, fish, and pancakes, they are best suited for low to medium heat. Using high heat can damage the coating and cause it to break down, releasing harmful toxins.

The coating on nonstick pans is typically made of a plastic or waxy substance that fills in the small nooks and crannies of the metal pan, creating a smooth surface. When exposed to high temperatures, this coating can begin to flake, break down, and release fluorocarbons into the air. These fluorocarbons are polymers commonly found in household products, and inhaling them has been linked to respiratory illness. Therefore, it is essential to use nonstick pans at the recommended low to medium heat settings.

The specific temperature at which the coating starts to break down depends on the type of nonstick coating. For example, Teflon, or polytetrafluoroethylene, begins to break down at 500 degrees Fahrenheit and completely decomposes above 662 degrees Fahrenheit. These extremely high temperatures can only be reached in residential cooking by searing steaks or preheating an empty pan.

To prolong the life of your nonstick pans and avoid releasing harmful toxins, always use them at low to medium heat settings. If you need to cook at higher temperatures, it is recommended to use a stainless steel or cast iron pan instead. Additionally, always add a little oil to the pan before heating it to protect the coating and prevent sticking.

In summary, nonstick pans are convenient for cooking sticky foods, but they should not be used at high heat. By using them correctly and maintaining them properly, you can ensure they last for a long time and continue to provide an easy cooking and cleaning experience.

Hand-wash with soft sponges

Non-stick pans are designed to prevent food and other materials from sticking to the cooking surface. They are easy to clean and make the cooking process more convenient. However, it is important to clean and maintain them properly to ensure they last a long time.

To clean non-stick pans, it is recommended to hand-wash them with a soft sponge or dishcloth. Here are some steps to follow:

• Allow the pan to cool down completely before cleaning. Rinsing a hot pan with cold water can cause it to warp and get damaged.
• Fill the sink with warm water and add some mild dish soap.
• Using a soft sponge or washcloth, scrub the surface of the pan gently to remove any food particles. Avoid using abrasive tools like steel wool, scouring pads, or stiff brushes, as they can damage the non-stick surface.
• Rinse the pan again after scrubbing to remove any soap residue.
• Dry the pan thoroughly with a clean towel or let it air dry.

For stubborn residue, you can soak the pan in warm, soapy water for a few hours before gently scrubbing it clean. If you're dealing with burnt-on food or oil residue, you can make a paste with baking soda and water and use a non-abrasive sponge to scrub it away. Rinse, dry, and then re-season the pan with a thin layer of cooking oil.

By hand-washing your non-stick pans with soft sponges and following these steps, you can effectively clean your cookware while preserving the non-stick surface, ensuring it lasts for years to come.

Frequently asked questions