Here's How To Care For Your Non-Stick Pans So They'll Last Longer
Are you afraid that the non-stick surface on your pan might get scuffed off? Here's how to avoid that.
Non-stick cookware and bakeware are popular kitchen items. Because these allow easy release of food even without the aid of butter or cooking oil, these items are great for those who want to watch the fat and cholesterol content of their food.
However, caring for the maintenance of non-stick cookware is not as straightforward. Here are simple tips to help you make sure that you can use your non-stick pans and tools for a long, long time.
“Season” your pan before usage
Non-stick cookware feature surfaces that can be damaged easily, so if you want to preserve the condition of these items, it is important to perform simple maintenance practices. Before using your non-stick cookware for the first time, wash it with hot, soapy water, rinse well, then dry with a soft cotton or linen towel. Another standard practice to ensure performance is by coating the pan with a little bit of oil or grease before using it, and repeating this after every use.
Keep heat at a minimum
This may be a bit of a surprise, but non-stick cookware should never be used at high heat. This is to prevent the pan from releasing harmful chemicals in the air, and to ensure that it cooks food well. Similarly, non-stick cookware should not be put under the broiler or in an oven with temperatures higher than 450 degrees Fahrenheit, to avoid damaging the surface finish.
Never use metal on your pan’s surface
Again, non-stick cookware have surfaces that may be ruined with mishandling or using the wrong cooking tools, and one material that can do a lot of damage on these is metal. When you use your non-stick cookware, opt for utensils or cooking tools that are made of wood, plastic, rubber, or nylon.
Wash it after every use
After every use, wash your non-stick pan and remove any residue. Use hot, soapy water and dishwashing soap, and stay away from harsh cleaning agents like bleach, abrasive cleaners, and chemicals. But before you start washing, make sure to allow your non-stick pan to cool completely first.
Store it properly
Proper storage is key in preserving the condition of non-stick cookware. If you don’t have a rack where you can hang your pans, layer a soft cloth between each, so that the surfaces of your non-stick pans do not come into contact with the metal material of your other pans.
Source: The Spruce
