Nonstick pans are a great way to cook without having to worry about food sticking to the pan. However, they do require a bit of special care in order to keep them in good condition. In this article, we will discuss how to use nonstick pans and how to care for them so that they last longer. We will also tell you what are favorite pan is and why.
Why Use Nonstick Cookware?
First, they can make cooking easier because you don’t have to worry about food sticking to the pan. This can be helpful if you are new to cooking or if you are trying to cook something that is particularly sticky or difficult to clean up.
Second, nonstick pans can help you to cook food more evenly. If you are cooking something that tends to stick, like pancakes or eggs, nonstick pans can help to prevent them from burning or sticking to the pan.
Third, nonstick pans are generally easier to clean than other types of pans. Because food doesn’t stick to them, you won’t have to scrub as hard to get them clean. This can save you time and effort in the kitchen.
How to Use Nonstick Pans
Now that we’ve discussed some of the reasons why you might want to use nonstick pans, let’s talk about how to actually use them.
Keep The Heat Down
When cooking with a nonstick frying pan, it’s important to use lower temperatures than you would with other types of pans. This is because the nonstick coating can be damaged by high heat. Most nonstick cookware heats evenly and rarely need to go above medium heat. Most nonstick cookware is designed to be used at low or medium heat and will last longer than if you use them at high heat.
Avoid Cooking Sprays
Cooking sprays are commonly used with nonstick cookware to help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. However, cooking sprays can actually damage the pan’s nonstick coating. The chemicals in the spray can interact with the coating, causing it to break down over time. Additionally, the aerosols in the spray can build up on the surface of the pan and make it more difficult to clean.
Avoid Metal Utensils
It’s also important not to use metal utensils on nonstick pans. This includes things like spatulas, tongs, and knives. Nonstick pans are designed to be used with wood, silicone, or plastic utensils so that you don’t damage the coating. We have a list of the best cooking utensils for non-stick pans here.
Avoid Quick Temperature Changes
Sudden changes in temperature can also damage the nonstick coating. For example, don’t add excessively cold liquids or foods to a preheated pan. Allow foods to sit or thaw before adding them to a hot pan.
Be careful With Oven Use
A lot of nonstick pans are not designed to be used in the oven at high temperatures. Some nonstick pans can be used in the oven at low to medium temperatures, but you should always check the manufacturer’s instructions to be sure.
How to Care for Nonstick Pans
If you want your nonstick pans to last, it’s important to take good care of them in order to protect the nonstick surface. Here are a few tips for how to do that:
Don’t Stack Them
Stacking nonstick pans on top of each other can damage the nonstick coating. If you need to store them, put something soft in between them like towels or paper towels.
Don’t Store Food In Them
You should also avoid storing food in nonstick cookware. This is because the nonstick coating can absorb flavors and odors from foods. Also if your food has acidic sauce, it can damage your coating.
Use Non-Abrasive Cleaners
It’s important to know how to clean nonstick pans if you want to keep them in the best condition. When it comes to cleaning nonstick pans, you should avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers such as steel wool. This is because they can damage the nonstick coating. Instead of steel wool or abrasive sponges, opt for a non-abrasive cleaner like dish soap and a soft sponge. If you properly clean nonstick pans they will last a long time.
Let Them Cool Before Washing
It’s important to let hot nonstick cookware cool before washing them. If you wash them while they are still hot, the nonstick coating can be damaged.
Don’t Put Them In The Dishwasher
Sure the advertising says “dishwasher safe” but even though nonstick pans are designed to be easy to clean, you should avoid putting them in the dishwasher. The detergent and high temperatures can damage the nonstick coating. Instead, wash them by hand with warm water and a non-abrasive cleaner . A good nonstick pan will clean very easily with very little effort in some soapy water. After you clean nonstick pans, dry them with a soft cloth or paper towel.
How Do I Clean The Discoloration On The Bottom Of My Pan?
If you notice discoloration or burn marks on the bottom of your nonstick cookware, there are a few things you can do to clean it. First, try scrubbing the area with warm water and a soft sponge. If that doesn’t work, you can also try using white vinegar or baking soda. Make a baking soda paste by sprinkling some soda on the bottom of the non stick cookware and then add a little vinegar. gently scrub with a soft bristled brush and let it sit for 5-10 minutes and then wipe it off with wet cloth. Just be sure to avoid any harsh cleaning chemicals or abrasive scrubbers, as these can damage the pan’s surface.
Read Your Warranty
Most nonstick pans come with a warranty. Be sure to read it so that you know what is covered and how long the warranty lasts. Most companies have “lifetime warranties.” This usually means 5-7 years. If your pan gets damaged, it will pay off to know what the warranty covers and if you voided the warranty in your use of the pan.
*Disclosure, below are affiliate links to products we recommend. We do not include links to products we have not used or honestly recommend*
Our Favorite go to nonstick pan is the Ninja Never Stick. Before I go any further, I am not sponsored by Ninja in any way. I have used several nonstick pans but this one stood out in a big way.
It Doesn’t Stick
It truly doesn’t stick with anything I have thrown its way. The first test has to be eggs right? It passed with flying colors, there was no sticking on any variation, scrambled, over easy, omelets, you name it.
It Cleans Easily
For most dishes, I could get away with simply wiping out the pan with a paper towel if I wanted to. Others simply add a few drops of dish soap and gently wash with a soft sponge and you are done.
It Cooks Evenly
I have had nonstick pans in the past that would cook some foods perfectly and others not so much. The Ninja Never Stick heats evenly across the entire pan no matter what you are cooking.
The Warranty
The Ninja Never Stick comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee and a lifetime replacement warranty. Lifetime in this case means 10 years.
They Stand By Their Product
This is where they won me over, After 3 months of being impressed with this pan, I bought a set. This prompted me to do a test, they claimed it was dishwasher safe. So I decided to go against what I normally would and began washing this one pan in the dishwasher regularly. After about 2 months I noticed the surface was starting to flake off in a couple of areas. This prompted test 2 where I wanted to see how their warranty worked. I called the number listed for the warranty and explained the issue to the representative. After about a few minutes of answering questions to make sure I didn’t void the warranty, he asked for my information and my new pan was sent out. I will note that you do have to pay 5 dollars for shipping, but that didn’t bother me as the pan itself is worth over 50 and because they honored their warranty I wasn’t completely out a pan. The new pan arrived 4 days later and is still holding up to this day as are the other pans.
Summary
Nonstick pans are a great option for those who want an easy to clean and care for cooking surface. Be sure to use non-abrasive cleaners, let them cool before washing, and hand wash instead of putting in the dishwasher. Our favorite nonstick pan is the Ninja Never Stick because it doesn’t stick, cleans easily, cooks evenly, and has a great warranty. If you are in the market for nonstick pans, we highly recommend the Ninja Never Stick.
