Nonstick Skillet Care

Heating and Cooling

• To maintain the nonstick surface, avoid overheating skillets. Use medium to medium-high heat settings; higher heat will compromise the performance of the coating chemicals that keep foods from adhering to the skillet interior. Lightly spray the interiors of nonstick skillets with cooking oil after they are heated to maximize their performance and make cleanup easier. Never put a hot nonstick skillet into water; the shock may ruin the coating or warp the body of the skillet.

Utensil Choices

• Even if the manufacturers' guidelines state that metal utensils are safe to use with a nonstick skillet, it is better to use nylon, plastic, heatproof silicone or wooden utensils. Do not cut foods while they are in the skillets; the edge of even a table knife can scratch or gouge the nonstick coating. Using forks to turn foods is not recommended because the tines may pierce the nonstick surface.

Cleaning Techniques

• For best results, hand wash nonstick skillets. The high temperatures of dishwasher water as well as the cleaning compounds in some automatic dishwasher detergents can compromise the nonstick finish. Clean the skillet submerged in hot soapy water, using a sponge. Remove stuck on foods with a nylon or plastic scrubber. For tougher jobs, avoid abrasive cleansers and choose baking soda to scrub the food away. To remove more difficult food deposits, set the skillet over medium heat and boil a solution of one part vinegar and three parts water for 5 to 10 minutes to loosen them from the surface. Leaving any food residue on nonstick skillets will make food stick during the next cooking session. Thoroughly dry skillets with a cloth towel to avoid water spots and prevent them from sticking to other pans during storage.

Storage Guidelines

• Store nonstick skillets so the interior do not touch other pots and pans; any contact with metal can mar even the highest quality nonstick coatings. The best way to protect nonstick skillets from scratches during storage is to hang them from a pot rack. If storage space is limited and they must be stacked, place paper towels inside each pan to protect it from nicks and scratches.