1. Washing the Pan Right After Cooking
It’s a common habit to immediately rinse the pan with water after cooking, but this is a big no-no for non-stick pans. The sudden change in temperature from hot to cold can cause thermal shock, damaging the non-stick coating.
2. Using Metal Utensils
Metal utensils are the number one enemy of non-stick pans. Using metal spoons, forks, or spatulas can scratch and peel the non-stick coating. Instead, opt for wooden, silicone, or bamboo utensils to prolong the life of your pan.
3. Heating the Pan Before Adding Oil
While it’s common practice to heat a non-stick pan before adding oil for aluminum or cast iron pans, this is not the case for non-stick pans. Placing an empty non-stick pan over high heat can significantly reduce its lifespan. Always add oil to the pan first before turning on the heat.
Additionally, it’s best to keep the heat low to medium during cooking to protect the non-stick coating.
4. Misusing the Non-Stick Pan
Storing Food: Leaving cooked food in the pan for extended periods can be convenient, but it will reduce the pan’s durability and impact the food’s quality.
Grilling: Grilling with a non-stick pan over high heat can damage the non-stick coating. If you must grill, use low heat for a short period and avoid grilling lean meats that don’t release oil.
Braising: Braising in a non-stick pan is not recommended. The salt and spices used in braising can affect the non-stick coating. It’s best to use a different type of pan for this cooking method.