What to do after buying a non stick pan?

Author: Mariam Strosin Sr.  |  Last update: Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Wash and dry it thoroughly first (remember not to use an abrasive scourer or cleaner), and make sure that the surface is well coated with fat or oil when you cook in it the first time. Never use a non-stick pan on full heat - overheating it will almost certainly damage the coating.

What to do when you first buy a non-stick pan?

Before the first use, wash the cookware with soapy water, boil some water and then dry it. Grease the entire cooking surface with a tablespoon of edible oil or fat.

What to do with nonstick pan first time?

If your cookware is brand new, wash it first to remove any leftover factory residue. Make sure it is completely dry before adding oil. Coat the surface with a thin layer of neutral oil (vegetable or canola oil are good choices). You can use a towel to evenly distribute the oil.

Can you use a non-stick pan straight away?

Before using your non-stick pan for the first time, wash it with warm, soapy water to remove any dust or residues from the manufacturing process. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth or paper towel. Some non-stick pans benefit from an initial seasoning.

How do you treat a new non-stick frying pan?

Get the ENTIRE PAN very warm to slightly hot. Turn off heat and allow to sit until cool enough to handle. Coat very thoroughly with non-salted oil (I use Wesson or Crisco etc.) and place in a 300 degree oven for 2 hours, then turn off oven and allow to sit overnight. The pan is now ready to use.

Non Stick Pan Seasoning | non-stick pan care | season a nonstick pan

What is the best oil to season non stick pans with?

To season your pan before cooking, you'll heat the pan with a thin layer of neutral oil (like vegetable, avocado, or olive oil).

How bad is it to use a scratched non stick pan?

Damaged Non-stick Pans Should Not Be Used

Using a pan with damaged coating can cause your food to be contaminated by PFAS, micro- and nanoplastics.

Should I spray a nonstick pan?

Nonstick cooking spray can actually cause your cookware to lose its nonstick properties. That buildup also occurs on stainless steel pans, Groesbeck added, but since it's much easier to see on a lighter surface, you're more likely to scrub it off properly before it becomes a problem.

How do you break in new nonstick pans?

Wash and Season Nonstick Pans Before Using

You can season nonstick cookware by lightly rubbing cooking oil over the surface, then heating the pan on the stove over medium heat for two or three minutes. Once it cools down, wipe out any excess oil with a paper towel before storing.

Should I throw away my non stick pan?

We advise replacing your nonstick pans whenever the coating starts to degrade or is scratched—or about every three to five years.

What is the best non-stick pan?

  • The best nonstick pan overall: Greenpan Valencia Pro, $110 for set of 2 on Amazon → Read more.
  • The best budget nonstick pan: Oxo Professional Nonstick Pan $90 for set of 2 on Amazon → Read more.
  • The best conventional nonstick pan: Zwilling Madura Plus $70 on Amazon → Read more.

How to prep a new non-stick pan?

How to Season a Nonstick Skillet
  1. Ensure that your skillet is clean and dry.
  2. Place the skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds.
  3. Apply a small amount of canola or vegetable oil to the skillet. ...
  4. Turn off the heat, let the skillet cool, and then wipe out any excess oil.

Is it worth buying an expensive non stick pan?

Even expensive pans with nonstick coating tend to scratch eventually (though high-end warranties usually do cover that). If you're looking for a place to save some cash, consider buying a lower-price nonstick pan for your set.

What to avoid when buying non stick pans?

Nonstick pans that aren't labeled PTFE- and PFOA-free: If a nonstick pan is made with the newer PTFE- and PFOA-free green materials, those are potentially better. A pan that just says “nonstick” and doesn't give any kind of description? That's likely one you don't want.

What will ruin a non stick pan?

There are a number of ways you can damage a nonstick pan, from spritzing it with cooking spray to scraping it with metal utensils to putting it in the dishwasher.

What are the healthiest pans to cook with?

Ceramic: Indeed the healthiest material for frying pan and ideal if you're cooking delicate foods like eggs or fish. Its nonstick and toxin-free surface makes ceramic a must-have in your kitchen.

Are all nonstick pans Teflon?

Not all non-stick pans use Teflon; other non-stick coatings have become available. For example, a mixture of titanium and ceramic can be sandblasted onto the pan surface, and then fired at 2,000 °C (3,630 °F) to produce a non-stick ceramic coating.

What to do with non stick pan before first use?

Wash and dry it thoroughly first (remember not to use an abrasive scourer or cleaner), and make sure that the surface is well coated with fat or oil when you cook in it the first time. Never use a non-stick pan on full heat - overheating it will almost certainly damage the coating.

Do non-stick pans need to be seasoned?

Just like cast iron pans non-stick pans should be seasoned before first use and after each use. TIP: When you get your non-stick pan home, wash it by hand in warm soapy water, rinse and dry it, then rub it with a paper towel that has a little oil on it.

How to keep a non-stick pan from sticking?

Use metal utensils like spatulas, spoons, and tongs—instead, opt for non stick-friendly tools made of softer materials like wood or silicone to avoid scratching. Put your pan on high heat, as this can quickly degrade the coating. Also avoid putting your pan in the oven (unless it's oven-safe).

How to treat new non-stick pans?

When you first get your new pan, we recommend that you hand wash it in warm soapy water, and dry thoroughly. Once it is dry you should “season” your pan before use to give it long lasting protection.

Does extra virgin olive oil ruin non-stick pans?

Conclusion. This research study provides scientific evidence that cooking with EVOO does not ruin non-stick Teflon coated pans at any different rate than other cooking oils. Significantly higher differences in metal leaching were observed between pans, rather than between the treatments with the different oils.

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