When should you throw out a scratched pan?

Author: Jacinthe Witting  |  Last update: Tuesday, March 18, 2025

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

Should I throw out scratched pans?

For pans with non-stick coating, throw them out when the coating begins to flake off. For plain metal pans, scratches don't matter and you can keep using them as long as you want.

Is it safe to use pans that are peeling?

It is generally not safe to use a non-stick pan that is peeling. The peeling coating can mix with your food and potentially pose health risks (1). Here are some reasons why it is best to replace the pan: Health risks: When the non-stick coating starts to peel, it can mix with your food and be ingested.

How do you know when to throw away a pan?

  • handles become unstable (handle turns) chipped, broken or fall off (could present a potential safety risk)
  • non-stick coating is no longer non-stick. Most often, it starts to peel away (these things don't last forever, no matter how ``high quality'' the manufacturer claims it is).
  • when the pan is warped.

Can you use our place pan if scratched?

When your pans are scratched, some of the nonstick coating can flake into your food (the pan also becomes stickier). This can release toxic compounds... With moderate use, nonstick pans last only about five years. If your pan is damaged, throw it out to be on the safe side.

A TRICK EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW | How to make any stainless steel pan non-stick | THE MERCURY BALL TEST

Is it bad if my family uses scratched nonstick pans?

No. While they don't necessarily present a safety concern, you still shouldn't hold onto your scratched nonstick pans. If the scratches are fresh, you may end up with flakes of the coating in your food—which we can all agree is not delicious. It can also impact how effective your pan's nonstick abilities are.

What can I do with old scratched cookware?

Sites like Craigslist and Freecycle are good options for finding your cookware a new home, as are secondhand stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army. A few scratches or dings may matter to you, but that doesn't make your pots and pans unusable.

Can you eat out of a scratched pan?

A 2022 study found that scratched pans coated with these chemicals release thousands to millions of microplastics and nanoplastics. You should avoid using any scratched or dented nonstick pan to avoid exposure to potentially toxic chemicals.

When to throw out a stainless steel pan?

If you haven't been properly maintaining your stainless-steel pan, or if you've been unlucky, it may be time to throw it out. “If you see scratches, warping, separated layers, loose handles, or rust, it's time to say goodbye to your stainless-steel pan,” Johnson says.

What is the lifespan of a pan?

While there is no exact timeframe of when you should replace your cookware, most nonstick cookware items will remain good for about five years. This being so, you can do things to ensure that your pots and pans remain in good shape for as long as possible.

How to fix a scratched non-stick pan?

If the pan has light surface scratches — deep or numerous scratches that expose the underlying metal signal the pan has reached the end of its lifespan — you'll need a non-stick dry film lubricant spray or cookware spray. You can also use a home remedy of baking soda paste or vegetable oil.

When should you replace pans?

Peeling, Flaking, and Chipping

A non stick coating that's peeling, chipped, flaking, or otherwise damaged is a sure sign that your pan should be replaced.

What are the symptoms of Teflon exposure?

The symptoms of Teflon flu include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, and dry cough. Stainless steel, ceramic, and cast iron cookware are great alternatives.

What to do with a peeling non-stick pan?

When to Replace Your Non Stick Pans. Throwing away and replacing a pan is never the easiest decision to make. A good rule of thumb to follow is that a warped, chipped, deeply scratched, or pan with flaky coating should be replaced.

Is it safe to use scratched aluminum pans?

Discard aluminum cookware if it shows signs of pitting or damage, as this could increase aluminum leaching. Always follow manufacturer guidelines and use utensils that won't scratch the surface to prevent increased leaching of aluminum into your food.

Should you throw away rusty pans?

If you're planning to throw away your pan just because of a little rust, well, don't. Unless your pan has completely rusted through (which is extremely unlikely) or somehow cracked in half, there's no reason to discard it. Rust development happens to everyone's cast-iron pan from time to time, even to us.

Should I throw away my scratched 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.

Is a scratched stainless steel pan ruined?

While scratches on stainless steel can be unsightly, they are not permanent. With the right methods and a little patience, you can effectively remove scratches and restore the elegance of your stainless steel surfaces.

When should you throw away old pans?

Signs That Reveal It's Time to Get Rid of Old Cookware

Here are some important old cookware details to look for: Nonstick cookware is scratched or pitted. Pan bottom is warped and doesn't sit flush on the cooktop. This will cause uneven cooking.

How do you know if a pan is ruined?

5 Signs You Should Replace Your Nonstick Pan
  1. You bought it before 2015. In general, you want to replace nonstick pans after five years. ...
  2. Scratched or chipped coating. ...
  3. Rust. ...
  4. Dark discoloration. ...
  5. Food is sticking to it.

Are scratched cast iron pans safe?

Patches and scratches are perfectly okay on your iron pans

⁠They are designed to be lifelong workhorses, after all.

When did Calphalon stop using PFOA?

A: Calphalon stopped manufacturing our nonstick using PFOA back in the third quarter of 2012. We have then since moved to a formula that is completely FDA approved.

What happens if you cook with a scratched pan?

No. While they don't necessarily present a safety concern, you still shouldn't hold onto your scratched nonstick pans. If the scratches are fresh, you may end up with flakes of the coating in your food, which we can all agree is not delicious. It can also impact how effective your pan's nonstick abilities are.

Is it safe to use old stainless steel pans?

If your pot is rusting or if there are signs that the core is wearing through, it is time to replace the pot because it's probably leaching those metals into your food.

Previous article
How long to wait to plug in an air conditioner?
Next article
What is the upkeep for a cast iron skillet?