When it’s about making fluffy omelets, delicate fish fillets and whisper-thin crepes; nonstick pans are certainly fantastic kitchen tools that surpasses other pans and pots in performance. Definitely nobody wants their food to stick to the bottom and ended up scrubbing dirty pots vigorously after enjoying their meal. But no matter how expensive non stick pan you have purchased or how carefully you use your non stick pan it eventually starts to lose their nonstick factor making you wonder why my non stick pan sticks. Well, the reality is there’s a time to retire a pan. The average life span of a nonstick pan is around five years though some premium-quality nonstick pans serves longer than that; but it is wise to stops using it if the surface starts to peel.
Further you can read this article for knowing best time to throw away pan
Many people who use non stick pans don’t really know the proper handling and the proper specifications of their non stick pans or pots. That’s why when the pan starts to stick they become clueless and seeking answers as why does my non stick pan stick. If you are also worrying that why my non stick pan is sticking then let us tell you that there are several reasons for a nonstick pan to stick; but it doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t fix your damaged non stick pan. We have shared some hacks that will help you know how to make a pan non stick or how to fix scratched non stick pan but before moving on to solution we like to answer your question that why my nonstick pan is sticking.
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Why Does My Non Stick Pan Stick?
The diner-perfect quality of your food depends on the on the slick surface of your non stick pan. How long the nonstick coating of your pan lasts, depends on how you treat it. Though manufacturers suggest certain guidelines to use and care, so that you don’t end up wondering as why my non stick pan is sticking? But most of the time many of us don’t give much attention to that piece of paper and that’s why we all ended in seeking answers why does my non stick pan stick. Don’t worry if you are thinking that why my non stick pan sticks we have got your back this time; and that’s why we have listed down all the possible reasons that could ruin the quality and performance of your best non stick pan.
1. Use of Inappropriate Cooking Utensils
If you are wondering why my non stick pan is sticking then stop using metal utensils right away; avoid using that’s made of metal (tongs, silverware, etc.) on your pan’s interior. Use wooden or heat proof silicone utensils they are best for non stick pans and prevent the surface from scratching and scraping.
2. Don’t Use as a Food Container
Don’t treat your non stick pans as food containers. Always transfer your leftover food to storage containers that are specially designed for the refrigeration. Acidic foods when left in the pan for a longer period of time can cause damage to the non stick coating.
3. Cook at Low to Moderate Heat
It is recommended to keep the heat at a medium or lower temperature while cooking to protect the pan’s nonstick surface from warping. The best way is to read the product’s manual given with your non stick pan before buying it. This way you will able to purchase a suitable pan that matches your cooking needs and you will be able to follow the proper handling techniques as guided by the manufacturer. If you’re not sure, whether your non stick pan is oven safe or not then avoid putting it in the oven.
4. Greasing or Oiling at the Wrong Time
This is the most ignored factor when it comes to using non stick pans; that’s why most people don’t get successful in keeping their pans in shape and ended up finding reasons why my non stick pan sticks.
The best approach is to add the oil or butter fat into the cold pan even before heating and then let the pan to heat up before proceeding to cook. This way the oil will enhance the nonstick ability of your and most importantly it prevents the nonstick pans to emit potentially hazardous fumes when heated without a an oil or lubricant.
5. Abrasive Cleaning or Washing
Always use soft kitchen towels or sponges with luke warm water and dishwashing soap. Even if the manufacturers claim that their nonstick pans are dishwasher-safe, it’s always better to hand wash your pans. Scouring pads and steel wool is strongly prohibited for the nonstick surface. Check manual given with your nonstick in case there are any other specific washing guidelines. No doubt reading the product’s manual will surely keep you from worrying as why my non stick pan sticks and finding ways for how to make your pan non stick again.
6. Store Nonstick Pans Properly
Wash your pans properly right after having your meal, don’t soak your non stick pan in water overnight. After gently hand washing your pan let it dry for a while. If your have more than one pan then keep a paper napkin or butter paper between them to avoid both the pans’ surface rub against each other and eventually scratching the coating. You can also grease them before storing.
If you don’t want to end up finding solutions like; how to make a pan non stick or how to fix scratched non stick pan then don’t forget that prevention is better than cure. No wonder following the above tips you might be able to keep your pan for years as a trusted cooking companion.
How to Fix Scratched Non Stick Pan?
If you are worried that why my non stick pan sticks and have lost hope for all the possibilities on how to make your pan non stick again; then don’t lose hope before time. You might be pondering about how to fix scratched non stick pan then before tossing it off; just give it a try. At least it deserves that!
- Dirty pans cant be fixed; make sure that no bits of food are stuck to the surface; then clean the pan thoroughly using warm water with dish washing soap and a soft sponge. After hand washing it let it dry until the moisture gets completely removed.
- Spray a thick even coating of non stick cookware spray; you can easily find it in any cooking materials store or it can be bought online. Spray it 7 from a distance and continue doing this until the non even surface gets covered with an even layer.
- Leave the pan on normal room temperature for about 30 to 40 minutes to let the coating of cooking repair spray dry.
- After preheated oven for 10 minutes on 500F; put your pan in the oven and bake it for around 45 minutes.
- Baking will set the spray on the surface of your pan and will turn it into a non stick surface.
- After the baking is done keep the pan in the oven for one more hour
- Now take out the pan from the oven and let it cool down properly in the normal room temperature.
Also Read This:
How to Make your Pan Non Stick Again?
Non-stick pans are great cooking companions as they are quite easy to clean. But the non stick feature of a pan is quite a delicate thing; if not properly handled it can slowly deteriorate over time.
Scratches or stains damage the non-stick coating of the pans which effects the quality of your food and makes you frustrating to find ways how to make your pan non stick again.
Luckily we have got some solutions for you to fix the damaged and scratched coating and how to make a pan non stick again.
1. Using Vinegar & Baking Soda
Mix 1 cup water, 2 tablespoons of baking soda, and ½ cup of white vinegar in your non stick pan now turn on the stove, and allow to heat the pan until boiling for 10 minutes. Now turn off the stove and let the pan to cool down so that you could hand wash it and re-season it with a vegetable oil to get the non-stick surface of your pan back.
2. Seasoning with Coconut Oil
Preheat the pan with medium temperature and while pan is heating on the stove; preheat your oven to 300 to 350F.
Now apply coconut oil to the surface of the pan ensuring that all the all the pores are properly filled. After applying the coconut oil, now place the pan in the oven for at least two hours.
3. Seasoning Pans before Cooking
A quick seasoning before cooking each time is a good idea; it protects the non stick surface of your pan. Before lubricating make sure the pan is clean dry. Pour a small amount of vegetable or canola oil onto a paper towel. Now using the paper towel rub the oil onto the non stick surface of your pan. Now you can use non stick pan as usual.
We hope that now all the people who are actually wondering as why my non stick pan sticks would have got their answers and the above guidelines will help them increase the life of pans and enjoying a seamless cooking experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you keep a non stick pan from sticking?
Non stick pans are very delicate kitchen items. Proper seasoning, moderate cooking temperature with wooden or silicon utensils; can keep your non stick pan’s surface from sticking and can safe your pan from losing its sleek surface.
Can a non stick pan be repaired?
Yes, a non stick pan can be repaired. We have shared above some very simple and useful ways to repair your non-stick pan. These techniques will help you get rid of all the scratches make your pan shine like a new one.
What can you do with old non stick pans?
You can give it to a recycling or metal scrap facility so that it can be recycled. Otherwise you can give it to a needy family or keep it to use on a camping trip.
When should you throw away non stick pans?
Keep looking at your pans when they start to appear warped, discolored or get burnt then don’t spare a moment to toss them off. Otherwise, according to kitchen experts a good strategy is to replace your non stick pans every five years.
For Detailed Guide Read This: When to Throw Away Non stick Pans? – Detailed Guide
What is the best non stick pan material?
Ceramic is considered to be the best material for its safe and environmental friendly nature as it is free from PTFE and PFOA.