Dos and Don'ts of Non-stick Cookware

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Carote skillet, non stick frying pan with glass lid

"I chose non stick pots and pans carefully, and I bought a high-quality one that other buyers mostly recommend. But after a couple of months, it turned out to be total junk!" 

Have you ever questioned yourself about this problem? Pots and pans were performing pretty well in the first months, but it worsened as time passed! Well, I don't want to rain on your parade, but it's not always pan's fault. Even if the cookware is top quality, it's just like other regular ones if you don't treat it with reasonable care.

But don't be upset, this article is to show you about dos and don'ts of non stick cookware that you should pay good attention to.

 

 

Dos:

1.Using Oil Or Butter.

As we mentioned in previous blogs, even if it's a "nonstick" pan, you may think, "Why on earth would I still use butter or oil while it's a non stick pan!" Well, empty heating in the pan will eventually degrade the protective layer and make it sticky. Using butter or oil protects the non-stick surface from directly touching the food and brings a good flavor to your food. Only a little should do the trick.

 

2.Wash The Pan With Good Care.

If you are already getting used to putting the pan directly in the dishwasher. Then maybe it's time to change that because it's not suitable for all non stick pans. Even if the brand allows you so, handwashing is way better. You only need to soak it in warm soapy water and use soft dishwashing cloth or soft side sponge to clean it. Then wipe out the water with paper towel. But don't wash it with steel wool or other abrasive tools. Those are a no-no to nonstick cookware.

 

3.Store The Cookware Properly.

For storing cookware sets, we recommend using paper towel to put between those pans, one after another. That way can keep the pans from scratching or chipping by other pans if you want to stack them.

 

 

Don'ts:

1.Don't Heat An Empty Pan & Cook On High Heat.

Heating an empty pan would make the non-stick surface discolored, causing some brownish or even black stains. The worse thing is that the non-stick surface will deteriorate if the temperature s too high; it could even damage the coating and make it less non-stick. 

Same as using high heat. Although many cooking methods need to use high heat, for the good of your non-stick pans, only a low to medium fire level is enough. 

 

2.Do Not Use Metal Utensils.

You may keep those metal utensils in your drawer. Only wooden and silicone utensils are recommended because using metal utensils or even cutting food on a non stick surface will cause some scratches or chips. That's the last thing you want to hear.

 

3.Do Not Use Any Cooking Spray.

Some people use cooking spray only to save time and hope it could bring less fat. But it'll create a sort of barrier between the pan and food, making it difficult to wash. Using butter or oil is perfect for a non-stick surface.

 

4.Don't Wash The Pan Immediately After Use.

The sudden temperature change will cause the pan to warp and reduce its use time. Leave the pan for a while till it's cool down, then wash it.

 

These are basically all you need to take into account, nonstick cookware brings a whole lot of different experiences than traditional pans. And with reasonable care, it could last for a very long time.

 

Sources:

(Nonstick pans: Top 10 rules for using them)

 

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