Tefal Pan Sticking: How To Fix It?

Tefal pans are designed to be non-stick, but over time, they can start to lose their non-stick properties. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as a build-up of food residue, overheating, or using the wrong cleaning methods. To prevent food from sticking, it is important to properly maintain your Tefal pan by regularly oiling the pan, avoiding overheating, and using the correct cleaning techniques.

Cooking spray and high heat usage

Tefal pans are designed to be non-stick, but there are several reasons why food might start sticking to the surface. One of the main reasons is the use of aerosol cooking sprays. These sprays burn at lower temperatures and will burn into the coating, resulting in spray build-up, which can cause sticking and damage the non-stick surface.

Aerosol cooking sprays are designed to be a healthier alternative to oils, reducing the amount needed for cooking. However, when using a Tefal pan, it is recommended to use a small amount of oil when stir-frying or grilling, as this will extend the life of the coating. Oils such as olive oil, coconut oil, butter, margarine, peanut oil, and vegetable oil are all suitable.

Another reason food may start sticking to your Tefal pan is the use of high heat. High temperatures can damage the non-stick coating, so it is recommended to cook at medium temperatures. This will also help to prevent warping, which can occur when a hot pan comes into contact with cold water or is placed on a cold surface.

To prevent food from sticking, it is important to maintain your Tefal pan properly. This includes avoiding overheating and scratches caused by metal utensils and abrasive cleaning sponges or pads. After each use, wash and dry your pan, and re-coat the non-stick surface with cooking oil to prevent it from drying out.

Food and oil build-up

If you have a burnt, blackened mess in your pan, this can happen if you leave food or oil unattended in a pan with the burner on, or if you cook with the pan on high heat. A layer of burnt-on oil or food gets in between the coating and whatever food you're cooking, effectively rendering that coating ineffective. While it's better to prevent burnt messes than it is to remove them, you can usually get rid of them with a bit of extra elbow grease.

To prevent food and oil build-up, Tefal recommends handwashing your non-stick cookware. After cooking, wait for it to cool and use a soft cloth or sponge with warm, soapy water. If stubborn food debris still won't budge, you can use a cleaner other than dish soap labelled "safe for non-stick surfaces". Do not use abrasive steel wool pads, harsh cleansers like scouring powder, or oven cleaners on any non-stick Tefal pans.

If you have burnt-on food or oil, you can try using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to clean your pan. Fill your dirty pot or pan with just enough water to cover the stuck-on food. Place the cookware over the stove and add a cup of vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove the pan from the heat source and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Mix and empty the pan into the sink, then use a cloth, sponge, or non-abrasive scrubber to remove the remaining food debris.

To prevent food and oil build-up in the future, make sure to properly maintain your Tefal pan. Slightly oil the pan before first use, then wash and dry it. Repeat this process from time to time, especially if you wash the pan regularly in the dishwasher. It is also necessary to avoid overheating and scratches, particularly due to the use of metal accessories (spatulas, ladles) and/or due to cleaning with a scouring sponge.

Abrasive cleaning methods

• Use a soft nylon scrubber, sponge, or paper towel: These materials are less likely to scratch the non-stick coating than other abrasive materials.
• Avoid metal scrubbers and scouring pads: Metal scrubbers and scouring pads can scratch and damage the non-stick coating.
• Use baking soda and vinegar: This combination can help to break down food residue and grease without being too abrasive. Create a paste with baking soda and water, and gently scrub the pan with a soft sponge. Alternatively, mix vinegar and water in the pan and bring it to a boil.
• Use salt: Salt is a natural abrasive that can be used to scrub the pan. Mix two tablespoons of salt with two tablespoons of baking soda and some water to form a paste. Gently scrub the inside of the pan with a soft cloth or sponge, then rinse and dry the pan.
• Use a plastic scouring pad: If the pan has stubborn dirt, you can use a plastic scouring pad with some liquid abrasive cleaning detergent. However, be gentle and avoid using metal scouring pads as they can damage the coating.

Overheating and scratching

Overheating

Non-stick pans are designed to be used at medium to low temperatures. Cooking at high temperatures can damage the non-stick coating, reducing its non-stick properties and limiting its lifespan. Overheating can also cause the pan to warp, resulting in poor cooking results. Therefore, it is important to avoid cooking on high heat for long periods and to allow the pan to cool down before cleaning.

Scratching

The non-stick coating of a Tefal pan is easy to scratch, even with gentle metal utensils such as spatulas or spoons. Scratches can expose the metal underneath, causing food to stick and the coating to flake off into your food. While a superficial scratch or two may not significantly affect the pan's performance, a pan with a surface covered in scratches, especially those exposing the metal underneath, should be replaced. To prevent scratching, Tefal recommends using plastic or wooden utensils and avoiding sharp-edged or metal utensils.

Pan maintenance

Non-stick pans are a great addition to your kitchen, making cooking and cleaning easier. However, they do require some care to keep them in good condition. Here are some tips to maintain your non-stick pans and ensure they have a long life:

• Avoid using metal utensils such as spatulas and spoons on non-stick pans. Instead, opt for wooden or silicone alternatives to prevent scratching the surface.
• Do not place non-stick pans in the dishwasher. Always hand wash with gentle dish soap and a soft sponge or cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaning pads or steel wool, as these can damage the coating.
• Avoid stacking non-stick pans when storing them. If necessary, place a paper plate, towel, or cloth between each pan to prevent scratches.
• Do not use cooking sprays on non-stick pans. These sprays can burn at lower temperatures and build up on the coating, causing sticking and damage. Instead, use oils such as olive oil, coconut oil, or butter.
• Always use a small amount of oil when stir-frying or grilling to extend the life of the coating.
• Do not heat an empty non-stick pan. This can cause the coating to degrade faster.
• Avoid cooking at high temperatures. High heat can damage the non-stick coating and is not necessary for effective cooking. Medium or low heat is recommended.
• Allow the pan to cool before cleaning. Washing a hot pan can cause thermal shock, leading to warping and poor cooking results.
• Wash and dry your pan after each use. Food residue and oil can build up over time, causing sticking and affecting the performance of the non-stick surface.
• Re-season your pan occasionally to maintain its non-stick properties. This can be done by coating the pan with oil and heating it until the oil smokes, then allowing it to cool and wiping away any excess oil.

Frequently asked questions