In the early 1960s DuPont created the trademark Teflon, the first true nonstick pan. While it was deemed good, the original product broke down if heated about 500 degrees Fahrenheit. It also was later found likely to be a cause of cancer. For that reason, these pans had a bad reputation for many years.
Fast forward to today and the surface material has improved. Now you find nonstick pans with PTFE and PFOA-free labels. Eliminating these chemicals has improved the pans and their reputation.
If you buy one, be sure to look for one of these labels indicating it is free of the original chemicals. Once you have a nonstick pan in your kitchen, do you know how to care for it? Here are a few tips to help them last a long time.
Pay attention to the temperature. This is not a pan you want to use over extremely high heat. This is true especially when it is empty. There are other pans better suited for high heat.
It is not a good idea to wash your pan in the dishwasher. Like most good cookware, handwashing is best. In addition, your pan will stay in better shape for a longer period of time.
Your nonstick pan might look clean after you use it. After all, nothing is really going to stick to it. Still, it is a good idea to wash it after every use. There may be pieces of food you just cannot see and those would burn the next time it is used.
Use a soft sponge or cloth when handwashing your nonstick pan. Things like steel wool can and will scratch the surface, making the pan unusable.
Store your nonstick pan carefully. Either place a soft cloth or paper towel on the pan before you stack something on top of it.
Use silicone or wooden utensils on your nonstick pan for the longest life. Your pan may include instructions that say metal is okay, but we have found silicone and wood to be the best.
For more practical kitchen tips check out https://www.forkscorksandbrews.com/kitchen-tips/