Can Non Stick Pans & Cookware be Restored?
The short answer? Yes!
Why do non stick pans start sticking? While coated pans and cookware are generally easy to clean, over time they will be susceptible to scratches and scrapes, making them more accessible to grease and other 'sticky' substance build up. Restore your non stick pans to their original state, without losing their non stick properties, with our handy guide!
Types of Non Stick Coatings
Ceramic Coating
An alternative to PTFE coatings, ceramic coated non stick pans and cookware are made using a mixture of silica (aka sand) and clay. While this is a great, non toxic alternative, it is recommened that ceramic coated cookware isn't heated above 260°C (500°F) as this could cause the coating to decompose.
Hard Adonised
Ultra-smooth and non toxic, hard adonised cookware is by far the easiest form of non stick cookware to use for cooking and then cleaning.
Stone Lined
This non stick cookware is made using either an aluminum or stainless steel core which is then finely covered with a thin layer of crushed stone on the inner side of the pan. The most durable of the three non stick types, stone lined pans and cookware offer the same cooking experience as you would get from natural hot stone.
Tip: Cold food is more likely to stick to a hot pan. To avoid this, remove food from the fridge about 10-15 minutes before cooking. Not only will your food not stick, but clean will be much easier.
How to Clean & Care for Non Stick Cookware
If you've noticed that your non stick pans and cookware have started to lose some of their intended capabilities - perhaps certain foods after cooking remain on the pan's surface? Or stains and scratches have begun popping up where there weren't any before? - then it's time to take action. Below, we've outlined some of the best ways to avoid further damage and help restore your non stick cookware to its original state:
- Always allow your pans to cool completely before washing. Immersing hot pans in cold water can cause warping and permanent damage.
- Non stick cookware is not dishwasher safe. Never use an automatic dishwasher or abrasive scrubbing pads or cleansers on your nonstick cookware; these will damage the non stick coating and can void your warranty.
- To clean food leftovers and residue from the inside of a non stick pan, use liquid dishwashing soap and a non-abrasive sponge or soft bristled plastic brush.
- To clean the exterior also use liquid dishwashing detergent and a non-abrasive sponge or soft bristled plastic brush.
- Never use any of the following types of cleaners as these will cause damage and void your warranty: abrasive cleaners or cleaning pads, oven cleaners or other caustic cleaning solutions, baking soda, bleach or liquid household cleaners used for floors, porcelain, etc.
Using Non Stick Cookware for the First Time
Before using your non stick cookware for the first time, wash in warm soapy water and dry thoroughly. Wipe the interior with a light coating of cooking oil to condition the pan before cooking.
Stovetop and Oven Use
- Non stick cookware is safe for use on gas, electric, electric coil, halogen and ceramic cooktops.
- Non stick cookware is also oven safe up to 200°C.
Cooking with Non Stick Pans and Cookware
- Many people preheat a pan on high heat, however this is not recommended. When preheating a pan, use the heat setting you intend to use when cooking. Allow the pan to heat up before adding butter or oil.
- High heat should be used for boiling liquids only.
- Medium heat is sufficient for sautéing, frying and searing. You can also use medium heat to reduce liquids, make pancakes, cook eggs and more.
- Low heats are most often used to warm or reheat foods, simmer a liquid or prepare a more delicate sauce.
- Allow oil to heat for a minute before adding food to the pan.
- Try the 'butter test' to determine whether your pan is hot enough for sautéing. Put a small dab of butter into the pan. If it the butter begins to bubble briskly without burning, your pan is perfectly preheated.
- Do not use aerosol cooking sprays with non stick cookware. These sprays can build up on the surface of your pans and become difficult to remove.
- To protect the non stick finish on your pans only use plastic, wood or coated cooking utensils.
- Never use metal utensils, sharp instruments or hand-held electric mixers with any nonstick pan. These will all damage the nonstick coating and void your warranty.
Tip! With non stick cookware, you don't need much oil and butter for cooking. To reduce the amount of oil, try using an oil mister filled with olive or vegetable oil. You can also try dabbing a small amount onto a paper towel and carefully wiping the cooking surface.
How to Restore Non Stick Pans and Cookware
Restoring your non stick pans and cookware is by no means an easy feat, but it is possible. Here, we highlight the two best ways to restore your non stick pans and cookware.
1. Use a Homemade Mixture
Start by mixing together one cup of water, 2 tablespoons of baking powder and ½ a cup of white vinegar. Place the mixture into your non stick pan or cookware and place it on the stove. Allow the mixture to come to the boil and leave it that way for approx 10 minutes. Afterwards, pour away the liquid and when the pan is lukewarm, begin to re-season by gently rubbing the inside with a cooking oil.
2. Use a Non Stick Spray
Some retailers sell what's known as 'non stick repair spray'. Before opting to use the spray, make sure that your non stick pan or cookware has been thoroughly cleaned, with no food residue left anywhere on the surface. Let it dry, then spray a generous amount of the non stick repair spray on the pan or piece of cookware, allowing it to sit and work its magic for around 30 minutes.
After the 30 minutes are up, place the non stick item into a pre-heated oven (~260°C) and allow it to sit for another 45 minutes. Finally, turn your oven off but leave the non stick pan or cookware to sit and cool down inside on its own. When your non stick item is completely cool, give it a good rinse using a liquid dishwasher soap and sponge.
When to Replace Non Stick Pans and Cookware
If your non stick pan or cookware has started to peel or flake, then it may be time to replace it completely. In addition, on average most non stick pans and cookware last for five years, so if yours is older than this, replace, replace, replace.
Tip: Enjoyed this article? Then why stop your journey into cookware here! Check out these other articles:
