Constant exposure to high heat—both when cooking or in the dishwasher, neither of which we recommend—can cause your pan's non stick coating to degrade or even start to peel off. We advise sticking with medium heat or below to extend the lifespan of your non stick pan.
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.
Get a new pan if the coating is scratched or flaking off.
Non-stick pans don't last forever, no matter how well you take care of them!
Non-Stick Coating Damage: If the non-stick surface is scratched, peeling, or flaking, it's time to replace it. Damaged coatings can lead to food sticking and may release harmful substances. Warping: If the frying pan is warped or doesn't sit flat on the stove, it can lead to uneven cooking and may not heat properly.
Not all non stick pans are created equal, so they can range in length of life. While most non stick pans last an average of two to three years, pans of a poorer quality may yield fewer uses before the non stick coating wears off. Alternately, higher quality pans may last longer than three years with the right care.
While most non stick pans will develop light discoloration over time—especially if the surface of your pan is a light color—deep, dark discoloration is a sure sign that your pan's coating is wearing out.
If the scratches are superficial, a non-stick cookware repair spray can be used to create a protective layer over the scratches. Be sure to read and follow the product's instructions carefully before use. Shake the can well before use and hold it 8-12 inches away from the surface.
Although a non-stick wok has a high resistance to heat, it can break down the teflon over time. This, essentially, means that the non-stick coating will start to deteriorate, eventually, with continuous cooking on a high temperature.
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.
To season your pan before cooking, you'll heat the pan with a thin layer of neutral oil (like vegetable, avocado, or olive oil).
Try boiling water with a few tablespoons of bicarb soda. Usually if you experience sticking, it's due to a thin film over the coating. This should remove that and get you slipping and sliding again!
“Glass, like Pyrex cookware, is a safe option,” Perko said. “Cast iron is a safe option if NOT frying or using high-temperature cooking. If you have or can use or purchase stainless steel pots and pans, they are healthier choices for long-term/lifetime use.”
Avoid Sharp Objects and Metal Utensils
Because PTFE is porous, you must use wooden or plastic utensils when cooking with nonstick pans. Using a metal can scratch the surface and cause it to peel off completely.
It's important to replace nonstick pans once the nonstick coating wears out. Signs that it's time to replace a pans and tawa include: 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.
We advise replacing your nonstick pans whenever the coating starts to degrade or is scratched—or about every three to five years.
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.
Heat. Since the coating makes non stick pans more delicate than a cast iron or carbon steel skillet, high heat can over time degrade the lifespan and quality of your pan.
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.
Teflon® is a registered trademark of DuPont and a brand name for polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) a nonstick finish. While Calphalon cookware features polytetrafluoroethylene-based nonstick finishes, we are not associated with, nor do we use, Teflon® branded products.
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.