Nonstick and stainless steel cookware are among the most versatile and useful types of pans to own, however, taking care of your pans and knowing when it’s time to replace them is essential. There are no set rules about how often you should replace your pans, but there are certain things to consider.
Non-Stick Pans
According to a survey carried out by frying pan company Circulon, 76% of respondents were concerned about their nonstick pans becoming damaged during cooking. This is understandable, as most people are aware that nonstick coating can be toxic so when it starts to flake off during cleaning or your food starts to stick, it might be time to replace your pans.
According to Circulon, 69% of Brits rate cleaning as the worst aspect of the cooking process, with 71% of them reporting that they find it annoying when food gets stuck on the pan after cooking. To prevent damage to the nonstick coating of your pans and help your nonstick pans last as long as possible, you should pay careful attention to the care and cleaning guidelines for your cookware.
To gently lift stuck-on food, you should handwash your nonstick pans with a mild dish soap and a gentle, non-abrasive scourer or sponge specifically designed for nonstick surfaces. You can also soak nonstick pans but only do this if it’s unavoidable and only soak for a short period, as being submerged in water overnight, for example, can also damage the nonstick coating and reduce your pan’s lifespan.
Stainless Steel Pans
Stainless steel pans are incredibly resilient and when properly looked after, a good-quality stainless steel pan can last for decades. However, it’s also true that cheaper pans of lower quality and stainless steel pans that aren’t properly looked after can have a shorter lifespan of just two or three years.
To help your pans last longer, allow them to cool before cleaning and either handwash your stainless steel pans or wash them in the dishwasher at the recommended temperature.
Usually, stainless steel pans have a copper or aluminium core and when this core is just beginning to peek through the stainless steel, you’ll know that it’s time to replace your pans. You should also replace pans that show obvious signs of wear and tear, such as loose handles that can no longer be tightened, for example, as these could be a safety hazard when cooking.
Consider Replace Your Pans by its Types
You may also find that exterior burn marks or rainbow marks develop on your stainless steel pans, however, if this happens to one or more of your pans, don’t worry – it doesn’t necessarily mean that the pan has to be replaced. In this instance, stainless steel polish can be used on a cloth to help remove rainbow markings or burn marks from your pans and prolong their life.
