Non stick cookware is heaven-sent to many busy cooks – it saves time, helps food retain its flavor and texture, and makes cleaning up a breeze. However, nonstick pans are not created equally and how long they last depends on how often you use them and what type of care you give them. It also depends on the quality of the coating. Many manufacturers encourage specific usage and maintenance practices to extend the life of a pan or bakeware. However, most nonstick coatings can wear down and lose their ability to perform. If this happens, you will want to get your pans re-coated.
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) is a remarkable coating that is used in many different industries and products. It is a popular choice for nonstick coatings for cooking and baking pans because it offers high resistance to heat and chemical corrosion, making it a good choice for ovens. It is also highly resistant to bacteria, which can be helpful in medical applications and lab work. However, PTFE has a tendency to wear down and become damaged over time.
The most common cause of nonstick coating damage is scratching – metal utensils will scratch the surface over time, and even plastic or wooden utensils may damage it. This is why it is recommended that you only use non metal or nylon utensils with your nonstick pans. You should also avoid using abrasive cleaning materials, such as steel wool or metallic scouring pads, with your nonstick pans.