All those who cook on a daily basis would surely agree that a non-stick pan makes sautéing and frying easy.
With smooth coating and chic looks, a non-stick pan also adds to the aesthetics of a modern kitchen.
But, do you know when you should throw away/replace that black beauty to avoid health issues?
Scroll below to know more about the signs that will tell you when to throw away the non-stick pans.
Sign 1: Warping of pan
It often happens that due to rigorous use, non-stick pans warp (become bent or out of shape) because of heat or dampness, this is an alarming sign that you need to replace your non-stick pans. Due to uneven surfaces, food won’t cook uniformly and may cause digestion issues.
Sign 2: Discoloration
Every cookware fades due to regular use and heat, but dark discolouration of the non-stick pan is a sign that the non-stick coating had been damaged and the debris of coating might get mixed with food and cause discomfort.
Sign 3: Scratches
Significant scratches are an alarming sign that you need to replace the pan. Wondering why? As per studies, non-stock pans are manufactured using Teflon that contains a hazardous man-made chemical called Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). It has been proven that PFOAs contain a cancer-causing chemical. Hence, when the scratches become evident, it’s a sign that the Teflon surface is damaged and the chemicals could be flaking off into your food, making it toxic.
Sign 4: They are not forever
According to chefs, every kitchen item has a shelf life and for non-stick cookware, it is approx. 5 years, if you are using it every day or 3-4 times a week, make sure you replace the non-stick pan after every 4-5 years to stay safe and healthy.
How to clean non-stick pans?
Do not wash the non-stick pans as soon as they are used. Allow them to come to room temperature and then wash with a mild soap solution with room temperature water. Also, always use a nonmetallic scrubber to clean the pans.
