Proper Storage For Non-stick Pans (Explained)
Non-stick pans have become extremely popular in home kitchens thanks to their convenience and ease of use. The non-stick coating allows you to cook with little to no oil, makes cooking and cleanup a breeze, and allows for healthy cooking methods like steaming.
However, the non-stick coating does require some special care to prevent it from getting scratched or flaking off. With proper storage and handling techniques, you can keep your non-stick pans in good condition for years. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about caring for non-stick cookware.
Benefits of Non-stick Pans
Before diving into storage tips, let’s first review the advantages non-stick pans offer:
Lower Fat Cooking
Food glides easily in a non-stick pan, meaning you can use little to no oil for cooking. This allows for quick cooking over high heat while keeping food lower in fat and calories. The non-stick surface also creates a nice crisp exterior on foods.
Easy Food Release
Foods slide right out of non-stick pans, avoiding the frustration of stuck-on eggs, pancakes, fish fillets, and more. The non-stick coating prevents food from bonding to the pan’s surface.
Quick Cleanup
After cooking, non-stick pans clean up fast with little effort. Food residue wipes away easily, often needing just a quick rinse or scrub with a soft sponge. The surface resists staining and buildup of cooked-on foods.
Versatile Cooking
A quality non-stick pan allows you to cook nearly anything—from eggs to pancakes to meat. The slick surface can be used for sautéing, pan-frying, steaming, and more cooking methods. Due to food releasing easily, non-stick pans also work nicely for delicate foods like fish fillets.
Proper Care Guidelines
To keep your non-stick cookware in good condition for the long run, follow these care guidelines:
Use Low to Medium Heat
The non-stick coating can deteriorate when overheated. Always cook over low to medium heat settings. High heat is unnecessary given how well non-stick pans conduct heat.
Avoid Metal Utensils
Metal spatulas, whisks, and spoons can scratch the coating. Use wood, plastic, silicone or other non-metal utensils.
Hand Wash Gently
Wash by hand with a soft sponge and mild dish soap. Avoid abrasive scouring pads.
Do Not Broil or Sear Meats
While the pans allow nice browning of foods, avoid broiling at very high heats or searing meats to prevent damage to the coating.
Allow to Cool Before Stacking
The non-stick surface can get damaged from contact with other cookware when hot. Always allow your pan to fully cool prior to stacking for storage.
Proper Storage Methods
Storing your non-stick pans correctly is just as important as daily care and handling. Improper storage can lead to scratches, warping, and deterioration of the non-stick coating. Follow these tips:
Allow to Fully Cool First
As mentioned previously, it’s crucial to let the pan cool completely prior to storage to prevent damage from contact with other items. Do not place in cabinets or stack other pans on top while still hot.
Store Separately
If possible, store non-stick pans separately from other types of pans, especially those with rough surfaces that could scratch the coating. If you must stack non-stick with other pans, place a soft liner in between them for protection.
Use Pan Protectors
For extra protection, keep your non-stick pans in a pan protector. These are padded, sleeve-like covers that prevent scratches while stacked. They also keep the non-stick coating intact if pans happen to slide and bump around in cabinets.
Avoid Nesting
While it may save space, avoid nesting non-stick pans inside one another. Doing so often leads to scratches and coating damage over time.
Store on Edge Vertically
Rather than stacking horizontally, stand pans upright on their edges. This prevents scratches to the interior non-stick coating. Use pan dividers, racks, slotted shelves or cabinets to store vertically.
Hang or Use a Pan Rack
Hanging pans or using a wall-mounted pan rack keeps their non-stick surfaces protected. The vertical storage avoids scratches and warping. Check that racks safely support the pan’s weight and grip adequately.
Keep Away From Moisture & Humidity
Moisture and steam can negatively impact the durability of a non-stick coating. Avoid hanging directly above a stove or sink area. Store in a dry area of the kitchen away from regular contact with moisture.
Check for Warping Before Stacking
Over time with heavy use, non-stick pans can warp slightly. Check that the bottom lies perfectly flat before stacking pans to avoid premature wear and scratches. If warped, use pan protectors between them.
Maintain Proper Shape
Do not place heavy items on top of non-stick pans or force their shape in storage spaces. This can lead to permanent warping damage over time.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Do not store non-stick pans in areas with extreme high or low temperatures like garages, attics or sheds. The coating can crack with sudden temperature changes.
Keep Clean & Dry
Prior to storage, hand wash pans and dry fully with a towel. Leftover debris or moisture can damage and degrade the non-stick coating.
Signs Your Pan Needs Replacing
With proper care and storage methods, quality non-stick pans can last upwards of 5 years or more. However, the non-stick coating will gradually wear down with regular cooking. Watch for these signs it may be time to replace your trusty non-stick pan:
- Food starts severely sticking when cooking
- Noticeable scratches, chips or flaking of the coating
- Cooking surface seems uneven or ridged
- Pan permanently warps and no longer sits flat
- Coating appears dull, cloudy or discolored rather than shiny
When damage becomes extensive enough, the non-stick properties diminish to the point needing replacement. Stay aware of any gradual changes in cooking performance so you know when it’s time to retire your pan.
Choosing Quality Non-stick Pans
Not all non-stick pans live up to their name. When shopping for new non-stick cookware, look for these markers of durability:
Reinforced Coating
Higher quality pans have a reinforced coating, meaning an extra layer or two of non-stick material. This enhances the coating’s strength and longevity.
Anodized Aluminum
Rather than a thin aluminum base, look for non-stick pans made of anodized aluminum. This material is harder and more durable than standard aluminum yet still excellent at conducting heat.
Thick, High-Quality Coating
A thicker layer of high-grade non-stick coating wears better over time. PTFE-based coatings tend to be more durable than ceramic-only coatings.
Riveted Handles
Riveting handles rather than just screwing them on leads to a more securely attached, long-lasting handle.
Helper Handles
Pans with an added helper handle opposite the main handle allow for easier lifting and control while cooking.
Reputable Brands
Stick to buying from reputable smallware brands known for quality and durability like All-Clad, Calphalon, Anolon, and Scanpan.
While pricier than a basic pan, a high-quality non-stick pan truly can last 5+ years with proper care. The extra durability and cooking performance is worth the investment for everyday use.
Common Questions
Still have some questions about maintaining non-stick pans? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Are dishwasher-safe non-stick pans lower quality?
While some modern non-stick pans claim to be dishwasher safe, hand washing is still best to preserve their non-stick coating. The intense heat, harsh detergents, and pressure spray of a dishwasher can degrade the coating over time. Dishwasher-safe often means the coating may wear out sooner with regular machine washing. For longest life, always hand wash.
Should you season a non-stick pan?
Seasoning is only necessary for pans without a non-stick coating like cast iron or carbon steel. Non-stick pans have a coating that provides the slick, food-release properties so seasoning is not beneficial. Avoid using oil at high heat to “season” a non-stick pan or it could damage the coating.
Is it safe to use metal utensils on modern non-stick pans?
While metal utensils are not recommended, some modern pans made with reinforced coatings claim you can safely use metal. However, metal utensils still pose risks of scratching. Silicone, wood or plastic utensils are still the safest options for preservation of the non-stick coating.
How do you clean stuck-on food from a non-stick pan?
Avoid abrasive scouring pads or steel wool to clean stubborn residue in non-stick pans. The abrasives can harm the coating. Instead, let the pan soak for 30 minutes in hot, soapy water to loosen debris. Then use a plastic scrubbing pad or brush to gently remove any remaining bits without damaging the non-stick surface.
What is the white residue sometimes left on non-stick pans after cleaning?
This harmless white residue is mineral deposits left over from water or food. To remove, sprinkle baking soda over the surface and rub gently with a soft sponge and warm water. Rinse and dry thoroughly. Avoid using harsh cleaners which can strip the pan’s protective top layer.
Key Takeaways
Caring for non-stick pans is simple when you follow these essential tips:
- Allow pans to fully cool prior to storage
- Store non-stick pans separately or use protectors between pans
- Avoid nesting non-stick pans within one another
- Store pans vertically rather than stacking
- Keep pans away from moisture, steam and extreme temperatures
- Replace pans once coating shows significant scratches, flaking or food stickage
- Hand wash only using soft, non-abrasive cleaners and sponges
Treating your non-stick pans with care allows them to last for years of high-performance cooking. Follow these guidelines so you can keep enjoying the convenience of non-stick cookware. Implementing proper storage and handling best practices helps preserve the non-stick coating to avoid costly replacements. Be gentle, avoid scratches and your pans will continue releasing foods effortlessly for the long haul!
