What to use on nonstick pans?

Author: Felipa Cronin  |  Last update: Wednesday, May 7, 2025

When using non stick cookware, always preheat the pan with oil or another fat in it, or the non stick coating can be damaged. We advise skipping cooking spray, as it will burn a residue onto the pan. And, adding fat to the cold pan before heating strengthens the non stick properties of the pan.

What should you use on a non-stick pan?

Use oil, such as vegetable oil or grapeseed oil, rather than nonstick cooking spray. Nonstick spray contains lecithin, which will eventually make your nonstick surface gummy. Use only low or medium heat on nonstick cookware.

How do you keep non-stick pans from sticking?

To prevent food from sticking, use enough oil or butter, preheat the pan, and avoid overcrowding. Non-stick pans or adding parchment paper also help reduce sticking.

Are you supposed to use oil in a non-stick pan?

While non-stick pans are designed to minimize sticking, adding a small amount of oil or butter can enhance flavor, promote even cooking, and further reduce the chances of sticking. It's not always necessary, but it can be beneficial depending on the specific dish you're preparing.

What is the best way to clean a nonstick frying pan?

If your non stick pan is visibly charred, a mixture of white vinegar, water, and baking soda should help loosen and remove any black residue. Create a slurry of white vinegar, water, and baking soda directly in your non stick pan.

The Best Alternatives to Non-Stick Pans (Without Forever Chemicals)

What is the best soap for non-stick pans?

You should always wash kitchen equipment with non-stick coating by hand with hot water and normal washing-up detergent. In fact, it's extremely important to use washing-up detergent so that you remove all the food residue from the non-stick surface and so that your pot or pan is completely clean before you put it away.

Does vinegar destroy non-stick pans?

Water spots can be avoided by thoroughly drying your cookware after washing. However, if a water spot does appear, you can wipe the surface of your pan with distilled white vinegar. Avoid other types of vinegar as they contain additives that can harm the nonstick coating.

Is it okay to use butter in a non-stick pan?

For the sake of the pan, use a minimal amount of oil, such as canola, olive, vegetable or corn oil, as well as butter. If you are trying to cut calories, invest in an oil mister, which allows you to coat a pan with a small amount of oil.

Does Pam ruin non-stick pans?

Using cooking spray (PAM is the most popular) is a surefire way to ruin your skillet's nonstick coating.

How do chefs keep food from sticking to the pan?

Once the pan is preheated, add oil or cold butter and allow the fat to heat up before adding food. “This 'hot pan, cold fat' method prevents food from sticking,” Staley says.

How do you not ruin a nonstick pan?

Here are the basics to ensure your nonstick pans deliver on their promise and last as long as possible.
  1. 1: Never Use Metal Utensils.
  2. 2: Never Preheat While Empty.
  3. 3: Never Use Nonstick Cooking Spray.
  4. 4: Never Use It for High-Heat Cooking.
  5. 5: Never Pay Too Much.
  6. 6: Never Rinse with Cold Water.
  7. 7: Never Wash In the Dishwasher.

How do I stop my non stick frying pan from sticking?

A simple rinse and scrub should get your pan back to good as new. Note that if you're regularly scrubbing stuck-on food residue out of your pan, that probably means the non stick coating has begun to wear down—plus, aggressive scrubbing can do further damage to the coating.

What to use instead of non-stick spray?

The Best Substitutes for Cooking Spray
  • Use Butter or Lard. Butter and lard are great cooking spray alternatives. ...
  • Regular Oil. Cooking spray is basically pressurized, watered-down oil, so feel free to use your favorite healthy high-temperature cooking oil instead. ...
  • Give Flour a Try. ...
  • Buy a Refillable Spray Bottle.

What do you put between nonstick pans?

One of those options is using felt or rubber pan protectors to make sure the pans don't come into contact. As a result you can keep stacking your pans. You could also use towels.

Why don t professional chefs use nonstick pans?

It's just not practical or cost-effective from a business perspective to buy non-stick pans when that means frequently replacing them as they get damaged. Those working choices often translate to home use for professional chefs too, although they might prefer a nicer metal brand than the standard restaurant supply.

Does olive oil ruin non-stick pans?

The Olive Wellness Institute team often gets asked questions about this common myth, and the answer is NO, cooking in extra virgin olive oil will NOT ruin your non-stick pans.

How do you keep non stick pans in good condition?

These top tips from Blackmoor will ensure that your non-stick stays that way for as long as possible:
  1. Season your pan before the first use. ...
  2. Don't put pans in the dishwasher. ...
  3. Don't cook on too high a heat. ...
  4. Don't use metal utensils.

What not to cook on non-stick pans?

What Not to Use a Nonstick Skillet For
  • Searing and Charring Meat. Searing and charring require higher temperatures than nonstick pans are made for. ...
  • Making Pan Sauces. ...
  • Acidic Ingredients. ...
  • Broiling Food in the Oven.

Why do non-stick pans not last?

Overheating is the big destroyer of non-sticks.

A certain minimum mass (i.e. thickness of metal) Ability of the metal to transmit heat fast around the pan (e.g. Copper or Aluminium both fast conductors of heat)

What can I use instead of butter on a pan?

If you're looking for the best butter substitute for sauteing or pan-frying, opt for your favorite flavorful oil like olive oil or avocado oil. Butter has a very low smoke point, so any oil you choose will work. Of course, if you're frying, choose an oil with a high smoke point (such as peanut or canola).

How to rejuvenate a non-stick pan?

How To Restore a Non-Stick Pan: 5 Easy Steps
  1. Mix One Part Vinegar and Two Parts Water. ...
  2. Pour the Mixture Into the Pan and Let It Boil. ...
  3. Pour the Mixture Out and Wipe It Clean. ...
  4. Scrub the Inside of the Pan With Baking Soda. ...
  5. Rinse the Pan and Wipe It Clean. ...
  6. Find a Dishwasher-Safe Pan.

What is the black stuff on the bottom of my pan?

They are most likely carbon deposits. This happens due to overheating of fats and oils. Using an oil with a low smoke point will carbonize at high temperatures and cause residue from the pores of your pan to rub off onto your food. While unappealing, they won't hurt you in such a small amount.

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