How to care for non-stick cookware

Proper maintenance ensures that your cookware remains in excellent condition and provides consistent cooking results while minimising the risk of harmful chemicals leaching into your food. We’ve outlined practical, easy-to-follow tips, plus guidance on when to use non-stick and when to use something else, to help you maximise the longevity and effectiveness of your non-stick cookware.

Jump to section:

• Getting to know your non-stick
• How to use non-stick cookware properly
• Cleaning and maintenance
• Storage and handling
• When to use non-stick cookware - and when to avoid it
• When to replace your non-stick cookware
• Top rated non-stick cookware

Getting to know your non-stick

Not all non-stick cookware is created equal. Different materials offer a variety of benefits and limitations.

Traditional non-stick (PTFE/PFOA-free)

This is made with a synthetic coating like PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), all non-stick produced after 2013 is PFOA-free.

Pros: offers a super-slippery surface making cooking and cleaning very easy.

Cons: can’t withstand high heat without degrading or releasing fumes. Metal utensils and harsh scrubbing can scratch the coating easily, shortening the pan’s lifespan.

Ceramic non-stick

Made from a silica-based coating (derived from sand) instead of synthetic chemicals, ceramic non-stick is often marketed as an eco-friendlier and toxic-free option to traditional non-stick.

Pros: resistant to higher temperatures than traditional non-stick (always check the maximum temperature stated by the manufacturer). Free from chemicals like PTFE and PFOA.

Cons: slightly less slippery than traditional non-stick. Can lose its non-stick properties if exposed to high heat too often.

• Our friends at olive have tested the best ceramic frying pans

Hybrid non-stick

The new kid on the block, this is a combination of a stainless-steel base plus a non-stick coating.

Pros: offers the best of both worlds – high heat searing of stainless steel and some convenience of non-stick. It’s safe to use with metal utensils.

Cons: less slippery than traditional non-stick. Typically, more expensive. Brands like HexClad require seasoning before use.

Natural non-stick: cast iron

Unlike coated non-stick pans, cast iron becomes naturally non-stick when seasoned. Seasoning sees layers of oil baked onto the pan’s surface to make it slick and smooth.

Pros: very durable, can handle high heat and metal utensils. Lasts a lifetime if cared for properly.

Cons: requires maintenance to stay non-stick. Acidic foods like tomatoes and vinegar-based sauces can strip the seasoning. Heavy.

How to use non-stick cookware properly

Preheating

Avoid heating an empty non-stick pan at high temperatures as this can cause the coating to deteriorate and cause harmful chemicals to be released. Instead, add oil or butter (if using) before turning the heat on to prevent damage.

Use the right utensils

Metal utensils can scratch and degrade a non-stick surface. Instead, reach for wooden, silicone or plastic utensils to protect the coating. Food Director, Anna Glover, says, “I keep metal utensils away from the hob, so I’m not even tempted to use one in an emergency flip situation when I’m cooking”.

Cooking sprays

Whilst some may find cooking sprays convenient, they create a residue that builds up over time, which reduces the pan’s non-stick effectiveness. We’d always recommend using butter or oil to maintain the coating’s integrity.

Cleaning and maintenance

Hand wash only:

While many non-stick pans claim to be dishwasher safe, we always advise washing cookware by hand. The high heat and harsh chemicals in dishwashers can wear down the coating over time, as well as loosen the rivets. Plus, dishwashing a pan with a non-stick coating really is overkill as nothing major should stick to it – save that precious real estate for something really tough! Hand washing with warm water, mild soap and a soft sponge is more than enough to clean non-stick cookware.

Cleaning methods:

For everyday cleaning, a soft sponge or cloth plus mild dish soap and warm water is sufficient.

If a stubborn residue has built up, baking soda is your friend. Sprinkle a small amount on the surface, add a little water to form a paste and gently rub with a non-abrasive sponge, then rinse thoroughly.

What to avoid:

• Abrasive scrubbers: things like steel wool and scouring pads can easily scratch the non-stick coating.
• Harsh detergents can weaken a pan’s non-stick coating.

Storage and handling

Stacking

For many of us, space is at a premium in the kitchen, so pans will need to be stacked. If you need to do this, place a soft cloth, paper towel or purpose-made pan protector between them to prevent scratches.

We like these ProCook pan protectors that come in a variety sizes.

Hanging storage

Almost all pans will come with a small hole in the end of the handle for hanging. If you have the ability to do so, and it fits with your kitchen design, this is the ideal way to store pans to avoid damage.

Sudden temperature changes

Never plunge your hot pans into water or rinse them under a tap. This can cause the pans to experience thermal shock and warp and damage the metal. Let the pan cool down naturally before washing.

When to use non-stick cookware – and when to avoid it

We love non-stick pans for their convenience, but they’re not suitable for everything that we cook.

Best dishes for non-stick cookware:

Delicate foods: eggs, pancakes, omelettes, crepes. The slick surface of a non-stick pan means that these foods will release easily without tearing or breaking.

Fish fillets: particularly skin-on fish, like salmon or seabass, where you’re looking for crispy skin without the sticking.

Sticky foods: halloumi, bubble and squeak, potato cakes are prone to sticking, so benefit from a non-stick pan’s slick surface.

Quick sautéing or reheating: these pans are ideal for stir-frying veggies, heating sauces or warming up leftovers.

When to avoid non-stick cookware:

High-heat cooking: avoid using non-stick pans when cooking steak, burgers or chops that need a deep, flavoursome crust. High heat can damage the non-stick coating and the surface of your dish won’t achieve the sear you’re looking for.

• Best alternative: cast iron or stainless steel.

Sauces and gravies: when making a sauce after cooking meat or gravy for your Sunday roast, the fond (the crispy, caramelised stuck on bits that flavour the sauce) is essential. A non-stick pan prevents the fond from forming.

• Best alternative: stainless steel or enamelled cast iron.

Hob to oven dishes: if you’re baking a dish in a pan, roasting meat or finishing off dishes in the oven, avoid non-stick pans unless labelled oven safe (check the maximum temperature first).

• Best alternative: cast iron or enamelled cast iron.

Caramel/sugar-work/deep frying: Avoid non-stick for deep frying and making anything that involves melting sugar (jam, caramel, etc) as the high-heat can ruin the coating.

• Best alternative: carbon steel or heavy-bottomed stainless steel.

When to replace your non-stick cookware

Even with proper care, non-stick cookware has a limited lifespan. There are a number of signs to keep an eye out for that indicate it’s time to replace your pan:

• Visible peeling or scratches – a pan with a damaged surface can release particles into food
• Discolouration or warping – these can affect cooking performance
• Non-stick not performing – if food begins sticking to the pan, the non-stick coating has likely worn out

There’s no definitive lifespan for non-stick cookware; it depends on how often you use it, how well you care for it and what you’re cooking. However, investing in high-quality cookware and following proper maintenance tips will significantly extend its longevity.

Top rated non-stick cookware

Ninja Foodi Zerostick frying pan, 28cm

Available from Lakeland (£31.99), Ninja (£54.99)

Star rating: 5/5

Sizes available: 20cm, 24cm, 26cm, 28cm, 30cm

A large, professional-feel pan perfect for cooking for a crowd, with fast, even heat retention and a tough non-stick coating. Oven-safe up to 260C, it’s a durable, reliable choice for everyday cooking.

Stellar Stay Cool, 4 Piece Draining Saucepan Set

Available from Stellar (£139)

Star rating: 5/5

The Stellar 4-piece pan set is a high-quality, stainless steel set with cool-touch handles, secure silicone-rimmed lids and easy draining spouts. It heats quickly and cooks efficiently though it’s only oven-safe to 180°C.

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