When to throw pans away?

Author: Dr. Agnes Wunsch  |  Last update: Tuesday, June 17, 2025

  1. Your non-stick pans are scratched or flaking. ...
  2. Your pots and pans have rust or pitting. ...
  3. You want to switch to induction. ...
  4. The handles are loose, cracked or broken. ...
  5. Your pans are warped and don't sit flush on the cooktop.

When should you throw out pans?

A good rule of thumb is to replace them approximately every five years. Look at your pans frequently. When they start to appear warped, discolored or scratched, be sure to stop using them.

When should you replace your 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.

Is it OK to use old pans?

If they are intact and not flaking, they're safe for cooking at low to medium temps without really being a risk. If the coating is chipping off, then I'd retire or repurpose them.

How long should you keep a pan for?

A good rule of thumb is to replace them approximately every five years. Look at your pans frequently. When they start to appear warped, discolored or scratched, be sure to stop using them.

How to Re-Use a Nonstick Pan That Has Lost Its Coating

Should I throw out my non-stick pans?

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

How often should I replace my pan?

For a home cook, a decent set of cookware should last between five and ten years, depending on the frequency of cooking. "The best type of material to use in general is stainless steel, with the exception of using non-stick for omelets," explains Scott Clarke, a chef and owner of Blue Monkey Catering.

How do I know if my pans are safe?

Non-toxic cookware is any cookware made without the use of nonstick coatings, like PFAS. This means any cookware that is made of stainless steel, cast iron, or carbon steel—essentially any cookware that doesn't have a coating—is the least toxic product available on the market.

When should you throw away baking pans?

If you notice that your baking pans are developing rust, the best decision would be to replace them with new ones. "The risk far outweighs the benefit of trying to recover the baking pan," Le says.

How many years do pans last?

One can expect five to seven years from a pan with a quality coating, according to Fran Groesbeck, managing director of the Cookware and Bakeware Alliance.

How to throw away non-stick pans?

If the non-stick (PTFE-coated) cookware is worn out, it should be disposed of in the trash. Non-stick cookware is not recyclable due to the PTFE coating and are not accepted in curbside recycling carts or at the Drop-Off Station or Recovery Yard.

Is it safe to use pans that are peeling?

Flaking or peeling: If you see the nonstick surface peeling off or flaking into your food, it's time for a new pan. The coating is breaking down and can end up in your meals. Loss of nonstick performance: If foods, especially eggs, start to stick when they are never used to it, the nonstick finish is wearing thin.

How long do iron pans last?

Cast iron seasoning is a layer of carbonized oil.

It may take a little extra care, but a well-seasoned cast iron pan will last for generations.

When should you replace pans?

According to TheKitchn, you can expect about five years out of your non-stick pots and pans; it's time to retire anything with a surface that's pitted or starts to peel (to make sure it lasts that long, they offer some tips for taking care of them).

Is it bad to use scratched non-stick pans?

Damaged Non-stick Pans Should Not Be Used

While modern non-stick pans are quite safe when used properly, be careful not to use these when the coating is damaged. For example, the coating could be damaged due to long time usage, or abrasion or scratching by hard objects during cooking and washing.

When should I throw away my stainless steel pan?

Look for signs of warping, rust, or severe scratches. Warping can stop stainless steel pans from sitting flat on the stove and heating evenly. Severe scratches that expose the core layer and may leach metals into food are also a sign that your stainless steel pan is beyond use.

When to get rid of a pan?

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

With extended use, there may come a time where replacing old pots and pans is the best option. 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.

Is it safe to use old pans?

Some types of cookware — like aluminum and ceramic — are more likely to release metals into foods that are cooked in them. This is especially true if food is cooked for a long time, or if older pots are used. Stainless steel, glass, or cast iron cookware are less likely to release metals or chemicals into foods.

What is the lifespan of a baking pan?

How Long Do Pots and Pans Last?
  1. Nonstick cookware: Low-quality nonstick pans may last only two years, while premium nonstick pans may keep functioning for five to ten years. ...
  2. Stainless steel cookware: Well-made stainless steel pans will last decades of constant use.

When to get rid of nonstick pans?

In general, you want to replace nonstick pans after five years. But you need to be particularly careful with nonstick cookware produced before 2015, as it may contain PFOA. If your cookware dates back to 2015 and earlier, it's likely time to replace it even if it doesn't contain PFOAs.

How long can pans last?

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.

What pans to stay away from?

Based on this list, it is best to avoid Teflon and other nonstick pans, especially those made with either PTFE or PFOA, as well as aluminum pots and pans.

How often do chefs replace pans?

Well, it depends on how often you use them. If you're someone that lives in the kitchen and cooks with the pans more than three times a week, you are looking at a life expectancy of four to five years. But, if you're not as active as a chef, that extends its shelf life by an additional two years.

Are old nonstick pans safe?

You should avoid using any scratched or dented nonstick pan to avoid exposure to potentially toxic chemicals. “It can be very difficult for consumers to understand which pans have 'forever chemical' coatings,” says Pelch.

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