Non-Stick Pan Flaking: What's The Real Issue?

Non-stick pans are popular because they are easy to clean and food cooked in them slides right off. However, the non-stick coating can sometimes come off, which can be due to several reasons. Firstly, cooking at high heat without oil can destroy the coating. Secondly, not seasoning the pan before use can make the coating susceptible to wear and tear. Thirdly, using non-stick spray is redundant and can cause a sticky residue to build up on the pan. Fourthly, using a dishwasher to clean the pan can damage the coating. Lastly, using abrasive utensils can scratch the coating. If the coating is damaged, it is best to replace the pan as it may become unsafe to use. However, there are some temporary fixes such as using a non-stick repair spray or re-seasoning the pan with oil.

High heat cooking

Non-stick pans are usually made of aluminium, which heats up faster than stainless steel. Therefore, it is important to avoid preheating an empty pan. Instead, add a bit of oil to the pan first, and preheat it for a few seconds before adding food.

It is also recommended to only use low or medium heat when cooking with non-stick cookware. Higher heat can cause the non-stick coating to break down and may release toxic vapours into the air. This is especially true if you are cooking for extended periods.

To prevent the non-stick coating from breaking down, it is important to season your pan regularly. This involves rubbing a thin coating of vegetable oil over the cooking surface to condition and protect it.

Additionally, when cleaning non-stick pans, it is best to use a soft dishrag or non-abrasive sponge with warm water and dish detergent. Avoid using abrasive cleansers, steel wool, or other harsh cleaning tools, as these can damage the non-stick surface.

Not seasoning the pan

Not seasoning your non-stick pan can cause its coating to start flaking. Seasoning a non-stick pan involves adding a layer of oil to the pan's surface, which forms a protective layer. This helps the pan remain effective and reduces the amount of oil needed when cooking.

Seasoning a non-stick pan is a simple process. First, wash your pan to remove any factory residue and ensure it is completely dry. Next, coat the surface with a thin layer of oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, and heat the pan over medium heat for 1-2 minutes. If your pan is oven-safe, you can place it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 20 minutes instead. Finally, remove the pan from the heat and wipe away any excess oil.

It is recommended to season non-stick pans regularly to ensure they last longer. Some brands recommend seasoning monthly, while others suggest doing so every six months. However, if you notice that your pan is not as non-stick as it used to be, it is probably time to season it again.

In addition to seasoning, there are other ways to maintain your non-stick pan. It is important to use the right oils or fats with a higher smoke point and avoid non-stick cooking sprays. Keep the heat low to medium to prevent overheating and stick to wooden spoons and silicone utensils to avoid scratching the surface. Always wash your non-stick pan by hand with warm soapy water and a soft sponge or washcloth.

Using non-stick spray

Non-stick pans are popular due to their convenience and ease of use. However, non-stick coatings are prone to flaking and peeling over time, which can expose you to toxic compounds. To prevent this, it is important to properly care for your non-stick pans. One common mistake people make is using non-stick cooking spray, which can actually damage the pan's non-stick finish.

Non-stick cooking sprays, such as Pam or Smart Balance, contain lecithin, which sticks to the non-stick coating and is difficult to remove. This buildup degrades the cooking surface, causing food to stick. Anolon, a manufacturer of non-stick pans, warns that using cooking sprays will void the product warranty. Instead of cooking spray, they recommend using a refillable manual oil mister with your preferred cooking oil.

The buildup from cooking sprays can be tough to remove, requiring more than just soap and water. Over time, the pan's performance will suffer, and food will begin to stick. This can be frustrating, as the whole point of a non-stick pan is to prevent food from sticking.

In addition to avoiding cooking sprays, there are several other things you can do to care for your non-stick pans. Firstly, avoid using metal utensils and cooking tools, as these can scratch the non-stick surface. Secondly, don't put your non-stick pans in the dishwasher, as the heat and detergent can damage the pan. Thirdly, when adding oil or butter to the pan, do it before turning on the heat. This enhances the non-stick effect and prevents the pan from emitting potentially unhealthy fumes. Finally, when washing your non-stick pan, stick to soft sponges, soft brushes, and microfiber towels with dish soap. Avoid abrasive cleaners like scouring pads and steel wool, which can damage the surface.

By following these tips, you can help extend the life of your non-stick pans and avoid the flaking and peeling that can expose you to toxic compounds.

Using a dishwasher

While some non-stick pans are labelled as dishwasher-safe, it is generally not recommended to put non-stick pans in the dishwasher. The high-pressure jets of hot water, harsh detergents, and abrasive chemicals used in dishwashers can damage the non-stick coating, causing it to peel, scratch, or discolour. Even if your non-stick pan is labelled as dishwasher-safe, it is still advisable to wash it by hand to prolong its lifespan.

Non-stick pans are typically easy to clean, requiring just a quick rinse with warm, soapy water. For burnt-on food, a mixture of water, baking soda, and vinegar can be used after an initial scrub with dish soap and water. Soft sponges or cloths, or the scrubby side of a sponge for tougher messes, are ideal for cleaning non-stick pans. Avoid using steel wool or coarse brushes, as these can scratch the surface.

By washing non-stick pans by hand, you can avoid the potential damage caused by the dishwasher's intensive high heat and detergent, which can cause the non-stick coating to break down over time. This breakdown can result in food beginning to stick to the pan, requiring more butter or oil during cooking.

Using abrasive utensils

Therefore, it is recommended to use wooden, plastic, or silicone utensils with non-stick pans. These materials are soft and scratch-free, so they won't damage the coating. For example, a wooden spoon is hard enough to break up chunks of food or scrape up fond from the bottom of a pan, but it is malleable enough that it won't scratch or gouge the delicate coating. Silicone utensils are also highly durable, heat-safe, and can mould to the shape of the pan.

It is also important to note that the "don't use metal" rule applies not only to cooking utensils but also to cleaning tools. Avoid using abrasive materials like steel wool to scrub your non-stick pans, as this can damage the coating just like metal utensils. Instead, opt for hand washing your non-stick pans using soft sponges or plastic scourers.

Frequently asked questions