5 Mistakes to Avoid with Nonstick Cookware

5 Mistakes to Avoid with Nonstick Cookware

Do Not Put Nonstick Cookware in Dishwasher

When it comes to cleaning, hand washing is the best. The nonstick surface should make it a simple and easy process. Let the pans cool to room temperature before cleaning. This will ensure it doesn't deform due to temperature fluctuations. From there, use cool water and a sponge or soft brush with a few drops of dish soap to wash away any stubborn food. As long as your nonstick pans are in good shape, the process should be as simple as a quick wipe and rinse.

Do Not Use Abrasive Cleaners or Metal Utensils

It's tempting, but even if you promise to do your best not to scratch the pan during use, metal utensils are a surefire way to cause lasting damage to nonstick pans because they can easily scratch the coating surface. Abrasive cleaners and stacked pans can also scratch or the surface, so avoid these pitfalls too. If stacking is your only option, place a dish towel between each pan as a protective layer.

Make Sure to Avoid Shocking Temperature Changes

Few materials perform well from hot to cold or vice versa and nonstick cookware is no exception. As we mentioned above in the instructions for hand washing the pans after they have cooled, the practice of allowing the pans to come to a new temperature gradually will help avoid warping. The same can be said if you want to take your pans from the fridge to the stovetop. Let’s be honest, your pan shouldn’t have been in the fridge in the first place. Nonstick pans are not for food storage, especially when we're talking a big pot of marinade. As with cast iron, prolonged exposure to acidic components will wear down the finish.

Do Not Dry Heating Your Nonstick Cookware

Don't let your pan heat up without food or liquid. The pan can heat to an unsafe temperature in a few minutes or less, so having something in the pan will help keep the temperature steady and avoid spoilage and smoking. While we're on the topic, it's also not advisable to let your nonstick cookware get too hot regardless of what's in it. It's best to avoid heat levels that exceed the medium setting of your stovetop. High temperatures in the oven are also definitely not wise. For items that need a tasty crust, pull out your trusty cast iron for searing work.

Do Not Use Cooking Sprays

What makes the super smooth surface even more nonstick? Cooking spray, right? Definitely wrong. Lecithin, an ingredient in the spray, is the nemesis of nonstick coatings and will adhere to it even when you don't want it to. If you just want to give your nonstick pan a little extra kick by dusting it a little, a spray of oil will do the trick.


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