When you cook with a non stick pan, you expect it to be just that: Non stick. Layers of no-stick coating make it easy to cook even the most delicate ingredients, with easy clean-up to boot.
But what happens if your scrambled eggs start sticking or your flaky fish doesn’t effortlessly flip? Seeing your pan lose the qualities that make it a staple in kitchens around the world can be frustrating—but it doesn’t necessarily mean your pan is done for good. Here’s how to determine whether your non stick pan can be fixed, along with how to do it.
When you cook with a non stick pan, you expect it to be just that: Non stick. Layers of no-stick coating make it easy to cook even the most delicate ingredients, with easy clean-up to boot.
But what happens if your scrambled eggs start sticking or your flaky fish doesn’t effortlessly flip? Seeing your pan lose the qualities that make it a staple in kitchens around the world can be frustrating—but it doesn’t necessarily mean your pan is done for good. Here’s how to determine whether your non stick pan can be fixed, along with how to do it.
Don’t Recoat Non-Stick Cookware As nice as Teflon® is to cook with, once it starts flaking, it becomes dangerous. Cooking utensils have certain codes that the manufacturer has to adhere to. That can’t be said about the spray that they are telling you to use. Invest in a new appliance.
Can Non Stick Pans Be Fixed?
Technically, yes, there are a few things you can do to revive a non stick pan that’s losing its non stick properties. That said, some damage is irreversible. If your pan has lost all non stick abilities, is warped, or if the coating is peeling, chipping, burnt, or deeply scratched, then it’s likely time to replace the pan.
Compromised non stick cookware not only makes cooking messier and more difficult, but also comes with health risks resulting from the coating flaking off or leaching chemicals.
How to Fix Non Stick Pans
That said, if your pan has lost its non stick qualities just in certain spots or has one or two superficial scratches in the coating, it may be possible to save it. If you’re looking for a way to encourage your pan to be as non stick as it was out of the box, there are a few steps you can take.
If your pan is relatively new, has been treated well, and/or doesn’t show any other obvious signs of wear, then begin by cleaning your pan with dish soap, hot water, and a vigorous scrub with a dish sponge. Sometimes, built-up grime from previous, not-so-thorough cleanings can affect the performance of your pan. Be sure to remove all greasy residue, and do not use anything more abrasive than the rough side of a soft sponge.
If your non stick pan is a couple years old and not as non stick as it once was, then it may just be a question of adding slightly more cooking oil or fat to your pan prior to cooking, swirling it over the cooking surface, and allowing it to heat up before adding your ingredients. While this isnt a long-term solve, it can be helpful in mimicking the non stick properties it had out of the box.
If your non stick pan is still, well, sticking, then it may be time to replace the pan. Opting for a high-quality, well-made pan means a longer lifespan and less frequent replacements, so you can worry more about perfecting your soft-set French rolled omelette and less about whether it’ll stick.
Refurbishing and Recoating a Pan with a Teflon Non-Stick Coating
FAQ
Can Teflon pans be recoated?
Can scratched Teflon be fixed?
What to do if non stick coating comes off?