Nonstick cookware makes cooking a breeze. Unlike other pans, it doesn’t need oils or fats to make omelets turn out beautifully, pancakes flip without sticking and delicate fish like sole is easy to sear.
The coatings on today’s nonstick pans are safe, PFOA-free and durable. They’re also incredibly easy to clean. But just like cast iron, the surface needs a bit of tender love and care to keep its performance up to par.
Here are some tips to help your nonstick pan last longer:
Season Your Cookware
One of the quickest ways to ruin your cookware is to use oil sprays when you’re cooking. The greasy layer doesn’t burn off, which can cause a lot of damage to your pan.
If you want to get a little extra shine, try applying a wax or paste to your pan’s surface. Apply the wax or paste to a non-abrasive cloth and spread it evenly on your pan’s cooking surface.
Another way to add a bit of shine is to rub some oil into your pan’s surface, then heat it up on the stove or in the oven until it starts smoking. Remove it from the heat and wipe off any excess oil with a paper towel or cloth.
To prevent food from sticking to the pan, always preheat it before adding ingredients. This will make sure the nonstick surface has time to heat and work at its best.