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September 06, 2022 4 min read

 

It's easy to understand why nonstick cookware is so popular. These pans are ideal for cooking foods that are sticky or fragile. However, the drawback of using nonstick cookware is that you must take care of them so that they last as long as possible. This blog will go through the best utensils to use with your nonstick pan to make sure they last a long time.

 

What Are Nonstick Pans Coated With?

 Two eggs being fried in a non stick frying pan on a gas heat

Credit: Envato Elements/ Julie Alex K

 

Nonstick pans are coated with Teflon also commonly known as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

Teflon is an artificial substance made of fluorine and carbon atoms. It was created in the 1930s and gives nonstick pans a nonreactive and almost frictionless surface. This Teflon-coated surface makes cookware easy to use and clean. Additionally, it also allows you to use less butter or oil, making it a low-fat method for frying and cooking food.

 

The Best Cooking Utensils To Use With Nonstick Pans

 

The best utensils for nonstick pans are those that will not scratch up the Teflon surface. Below, we will explore the best utensil materials that you can use with your nonstick pans:

 

1) Wooden and Bamboo Utensils

 Different wooden and bamboo spoons that you can use

Credit: Envato Elements/ garloon

 

A wooden spoon is easy to hold and has rounded edges. High-quality hardwood tools are also durable enough to last a lifetime while also being soft enough to avoid damaging your nonstick pans.

As a replacement for wooden utensils, you can also use bamboo utensils. Both wood and bamboo are environmentally friendly materials, so you won't need to be concerned about the health of your family or the environment. They are a better alternative to cutlery made of metal or plastic. Additionally, these items help shield your nonstick cookware from scratches and stains.

Bamboo and Wooden spoons are typically not dishwasher safe and can be challenging to use for some recipes, therefore some cooks prefer to use substitutes.

 

2) Silicone Utensils

 A lady measuring out ingredients with her silicone utensils

Credit: Envato Elements/ prostooleh

 

Wooden and bamboo utensils can be a little challenging to use with delicate foods due to their rounded edges. If you want to flip an egg on a nonstick pan without breaking it, the best utensil material to use is silicone.

Silicone cooking utensils are heat-resistant and can withstand temperatures of up to 450°F. As a result, you can use them for nearly any type of cuisine without having to worry. Additionally, they are resilient, won't warp or chip off easily, and will keep their new look for a long time. When it comes to cleaning, you can wash these in the dishwasher, unlike wooden and bamboo utensils.

 

3) Nylon Utensils

 A black silicone slotted spatula and ladle

Credit: Envato Elements/ Fabrika Photo

 

Nylon utensils are dishwasher safe and outlast their silicone counterparts in terms of durability. Although nylon is sturdy and long-lasting, it won't scuff up nonstick surfaces. However, keep in mind that these should not be used near an open flame as they can melt if exposed to high temperatures.

 

Can You Use Metal Utensils With Nonstick Cookware?

 A slotted metal spatula

Credit: Envato Elements/ KamranAydinovStudio

 

When using Teflon-coated pots and pans, you should stay away from metal utensils. Although premium rust-resistant stainless steel utensils are durable and long-lasting, they can cause damage to nonstick cookware. The nonstick surface is harmed when food is stirred or removed with a metal spoon or spatula.

 

Care Instructions for Nonstick Pans

 

If you want to use your non-stick pans for a long time, you will need to take good care of them. Here are some tips when using non-stick cookware:

 

1) Don't Use Metal Utensils

 A metal slotted spatula, tongs and fork on a wooden table

Credit: Envato Elements/ Lightzone

 

As mentioned above, metal utensils will scratch and harm a nonstick pan's surface. Avoid using metal knives or pizza cutters while chopping food in the pan. Additionally, avoid using metal spatulas or metal whisks to stir gravies or flip pancakes.

 

2) Use Low to Moderate Heat

 

A person cooking in a pan with a big flame coming off the pan
Credit: Envato Elements/ Ross Helen

 

Never use high heat while using nonstick skillets or pans. Most nonstick pans cannot withstand high temperatures. While certain nonstick cookware can withstand some heat to sear meats, extended exposure to high heat should be avoided.

 

3) Clean Nonstick Pans With Scratch-Proof Scouring Pads

 A pan under running water being washed

Credit: Envato Elements/ Kira_Yan

 

Steel wool, pointy scrapers, metal scouring pads, and abrasive cleaning agents can all damage nonstick cookware. If your frying pan has food that has been scorched on it, give it some time to soak. As an alternative, you can also deglaze the pan. Using a metal scouring pad can harm the nonstick coating. Instead, use a stiff sponge or nonstick pan-safe cleaning pads.

 

4) Avoid Sudden Changes in Temperature

 A pan on the heat with steam coming off the pan

Credit: Envato Elements/ Outlook

 

Before washing nonstick cookware or bakeware, allow it to cool completely. Extreme temperature swings might cause the pan to deform, which will compromise cooking performance in the future and harm the nonstick coating.

 

5) Store Nonstick Pans Properly

 A stack of non stick pans with paper napkins in between

Credit: Envato Elements/ Mint_Images

 

When stacking nonstick frypans, place a paper napkin in between them to prevent the top pan from scratching the surface of the bottom pan. Use this same method when storing other nonstick cookware like griddles and bakeware.

 

6) Steer Clear of Cooking Acidic Foods

 A vine of bright red tomatoes

Credit: Envato Elements/ olesyaSh

 

Preparing acidic dishes in nonstick utensils can cause flaking. Foods like lemons and tomatoes can damage the nonstick surface.

 

Summary

 

The best approach to increase the longevity of your nonstick cookware is to use the right utensils with it. Whether you choose wooden, silicone, or nylon, make sure that it is of good quality.

If you choose silicone, Pepe Nero offers the best utensil sets. Our complete set includes a slotted spoon, a whisk, and a tong with stainless steel grips, large and small spatulas, and more. Due to its sturdy, non-toxic BPA construction, this set will not melt if left in a hot pan. The best part is that it will work with your nonstick cookware.

 


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