5 simple ways to improve the life of your non-stick pan coating

Non-stick cookware is almost an investment – it’s an investment in our health. Non-stick pans with a synthetic coating on the surface prevent food from sticking to them and allow us to cook healthy food with much less oil or no oil at all. These pans are also easy to clean. But, when the coating wears off faster than expected, it’s a big disappointment. Non-stick pans need to be replaced quickly, sometimes within a year. No matter how carefully we use it, our non-stick pans will gradually turn into ordinary pans in no time. If this is something you are constantly concerned about, you should consider the following tips to help extend the life of your non-stick pans.

By following simple steps while cooking, you can delay the shedding of your non-stick pan’s coating. Let’s dive right into it.

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^{Non-stick pans are great for healthy cooking. Image credit: iStock}

5 tips for extending the shelf life of non-stick pans:

1. Grease the pan before cooking

If it’s a non-stick pan, why put oil in it? Because a thin layer of oil protects the coating from being washed away by food when heated. You don’t need to add a lot of oil, rub some of the oil, grease or oil and wipe with absorbent paper to absorb excess oil. Then start cooking.

2. Keep metal spoons away

Metal spoons and knives have sharp edges and can scratch pans when stirring food. When cooking in non-stick pans, it is better to use wooden or silicone spatulas. Since the food doesn’t stick to the pan anyway, these spoons make it easier to toss and turn the food.

3. Do not cook on high heat

Low to medium flame is best for non-stick pans; high heat can melt and peel the coating and even destroy its properties. We know the trick to measuring the right heat. Add a knob of butter to a hot pan, if it bubbles without changing color, it’s the right time to add it to the food. But if the butter turns brown and burns, reduce the heat and wait a few minutes for the pan to cool down.

Also read: Safe ways to prevent hot milk from sticking to the pan

4. Clean up the right way

First, never immediately put a hot pan under cold water. This can cause thermal shock, which can damage the pan coating. Always use mild soap and a soft sponge to gently clean the pan. To remove stubborn stains, soak the pan in a soapy solution for a while and then wash.

5. Store in a spacious place

Avoid filling the space where you plan to store non-stick pans. They should be kept away from other utensils and sharp objects to avoid friction and shafting that could rub off the coating layer. The best way to keep a non-stick pan is to hang it on a hook, with the bottoms touching each other, not the cover part.

Also read: Tips for the kitchen: 5 Desi Kitchen hacks to make cooking easier and more fun

Make your nonstick pans last longer with these easy-to-follow tips.