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When Is It Time to Throw Away Your Non Stick Pans?

Non stick pans don’t last forever. Here’s when to replace them.

By Sasha Weilbaker
Mar 21, 2023
egg in non stick pan
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Beloved for their easy cooking and cleanup, the one downside of non stick cookware is that it doesn’t last forever. While materials like copper, stainless steel, carbon steel, and cast iron are built to last a lifetime, non stick pans have a limited lifespan due to their much more delicate non stick coating.

This lifespan varies according to how well you care for your pan, as well as the type of non stick you own—our professional-grade Non Stick lasts up to 70 times longer than popular ceramic non stick options. But either way, all non stick coatings wear out over time. Depletion of non stick capabilities due to compromised coating is the most common reason non stick pans need to be replaced. Below, we’re covering how to spot when this happens.

When to Replace Your Non Stick Pan

non stick pan cleaning

While the exact lifespan of your pan varies based on manufacturer and construction materials used, the following signs are usually a good indication that your non stick pan is on its last legs.

Dark Discoloration

Dark discoloration caused by burning or food buildup is a strong indicator that it’s time to replace your non stick pan. While most non stick pans develop light discoloration over time, deep, dark discoloration is a sign that your pan’s coating is wearing out.

While some discoloration is inevitable (especially on light-colored cooking surfaces), you can prevent excessive discoloration by cleaning your pan immediately after it’s been used, sticking with medium-low heat, and transferring food to plates after cooking and not storing food in your pan.

Deep Scratches

Deep scratches on the surface of a non stick pan likely means that the non stick coating has been compromised—a fact that will only continue to get worse. Superficial scratches on the coating happen with use, but scratches that cut through the coating down to the metal beneath can be hazardous to cook on. To prevent these, make sure you use non stick-friendly utensils, clean according to manufacturer recommendations, and store your pan carefully.

Peeling, Flaking, and Chipping

A non stick coating that’s peeling, chipped, flaking, or otherwise damaged is a sure sign that your pan should be replaced. Once the pan’s coating starts to come off, it will only continue to do so, contributing to the loss of its non stick quality.

Warping

While not necessarily dangerous, warped pans make for an uneven cooking surface. This means heat will be distributed unevenly throughout the surface of the pan, cooking your food at different temperatures. Generally this won’t impact the non stick performance, and you may even be able to restore some warped pans. Higher quality professional-grade non stick is far less likely to warp.

Can Non Stick Pans be Recoated?

non stick frying pan stack

If your manufacturer offers re-coating for non stick pans, then go ahead and take advantage of this service. Be aware that many find it easier and more cost effective to simply purchase a new, high-quality non stick pan rather than have their old pan repaired.

How to Preserve Your Non Stick Pans

fish in non stick

While no non stick pan will last forever, the following practices may help to extend its lifetime.

Use Non Stick-Safe Utensils

To avoid damaging the surface of your pan, use wooden, silicone, or other non stick-friendly utensils rather than metal ones while cooking. This will decrease the risk of potential scratching.

Avoid Abrasive Sponges

Along the same vein, avoid abrasive sponges (like steel wool) when cleaning the surface of your non stick pan. While it can be tempting to use something more aggressive than a dish sponge to remove a particularly stubborn piece of burnt food, stick with soft-side sponges to avoid accidental scratching.

Don’t Expose Non Stick to High Heat

Constant exposure to high heat—both when cooking or in the dishwasher, neither of which we recommend—can cause your pan’s non stick coating to degrade or even start to peel off. We advise sticking with medium heat or below to extend the lifespan of your non stick pan. High-quality pans will ensure even heat distribution regardless of stovetop temperature, so you don’t have to crank up the heat to ensure your food is thoroughly cooked.

Store Properly

The coating of a non stick pan can be compromised both on or off the stovetop, with one of the biggest offenders being improper storage. Stacking your non stick with other cookware without anything between the pans, like a trivet, can cause scratching, chipping, or other damage to the delicate coating that can speed up the process of it wearing out.

Shop High-Quality Non Stick

Another way to preserve the lifespan of your pan is to shop for high-quality non stick made of long-lasting, durable materials, like stainless steel. While these won’t last forever, they’ll last longer than cheaply-made pans or ceramic options that will wear out in a year or less.

Ready to Cook?

While non stick pans make for a great addition to any kitchen, they will need to be replaced eventually—such is the reality of any pan with a coating. If you’re in need of new non stick pan, we recommend checking out Made In’s collection of Non Stick Cookware. Featuring an Award-Winning  Stainless Clad construction, these chef-approved Non Stick Pans are finished with two layers of professional-grade coating that results in a high-performing tool trusted by chefs and home cooks alike.