Tips for Taking Better Care of Your Nonstick Cookware
Clean and Repair
All-Clad recommends using a paste of equal parts baking soda and water to gently scrub the pan, using a non-metallic sponge or brush. Don’t forget the sides! Rinse well and dry.
Repair the surface by pouring a small amount of vegetable oil in the pan, rubbing it into the pan, and wiping off any excess with a paper towel.
Do not put the pan in the dishwasher. I know some claim to be dishwasher-safe, but the high heat and strong dishwashing detergents weather a pan far quicker than a bath in the sink.
Promise to Treat It Better
Banish cooking sprays, unless you want to frequently repeat the steps listed above. Alternatively, try an oil mister, which you can refill with the oil of your choice, and avoid the additives in traditional sprays that build up (soy lecithin, for one).
Pour a small amount of fat - oil, butter, etc. - on a cold pan before you turn on the heat, and distribute it well. The idea is to bolster the nonstick surface by adding a layer of fat. If this is added too late, say, after the pan is very hot, it will be more likely to soak directly into the food than aid the nonstick surface.
Use only wooden or plastic utensils that won’t scratch the surface. Stop sneaking in that metal spoon because all your other utensils are in the dishwasher (guilty).
Season the pan periodically to keep the surface performing at its best.
Know when it’s time to retire a pan. The average life span of a nonstick pan is around five years. I’ve had some high-quality nonstick pans longer than that, but I also don’t use them as frequently as other pans in my kitchen. You’ll know your nonstick pan is on its last days if the surface becomes pitted or starts to peel.
25 мар 2019
