Here’s Why You Should Ditch those Non-stick Pans

Non-stick pan are great in theory.

They ensure mess-free cooking, and they help cut down on cleaning time. No more scrubbing away at burnt food. Definitely a good investment.

Ditching non-stick pans can be a good idea for several reasons, although it’s important to note that there are certain situations where non-stick cookware can still be useful.

While safety is definitely the main cause, the truth is you may not need them.

Here are some reasons why you might consider switching to alternative cookware options.

6 Reasons to Ditch Those Non-Stick Pans

Health Concerns

Non-stick pans manufactured back in 2015 are coated with a substance called PFOA or Perfluorooctanoic Acid.

In high doses it can cause higher cholesterol, changes to liver function, reduced immune response, thyroid disease, and even kidney and testicular cancer.

Nowadays, Teflon and other non-stick brands are made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

While generally safe at temperatures that do not exceed more than 260°C, PTFE still leaves doubts in the minds of many people.

Environmental Impact

If the health bit doesn’t concern you, then maybe the environmental issue may.

The production of non-stick pans, especially those with PTFE coatings, can have a negative impact on the planet.

Just like many synthetic products, the manufacturing process of PTFE releases various greenhouse gases.

Moreover, when a non-stick pan is damaged, it cannot be easily recycled or at all, really. So the disposal of old non-stick cookware can be problematic as well.

Durability

Unlike traditional stainless steel pans, the non-stick variety tend to peel and get scratched off over time.

The PTFE coating can degrade, making the pan less effective. It may also potentially expose you to the dangerous chemicals in the coting.

This may result in undesirable health concerns as a result of consuming the small bits of PTFE residues.

Traditional cookware, such as cast iron or stainless steel, can last a lifetime if properly maintained.

Maintenance

Non-stick pans require special care to prevent damage to the non-stick coating. For instance, you need to use utensils that won’t scratch the surface.

Even then there’s no guarantee the pan won’t stay scratch-free

In contrast, traditional cookware like cast iron or stainless steel is generally more robust and less finicky to maintain.

Potential Alternatives

There are many excellent alternatives to non-stick pans. Cast iron, stainless steel, carbon steel, and ceramic cookware are all options that can provide non-stick properties if properly seasoned and maintained.

Speaking of alternatives. Here’s how you use a stainless steel pan the correct way.

How to Correctly Use a Stainless Steel Pan

Using a stainless steel pan correctly is important to ensure that your food cooks evenly, doesn’t stick, and the pan stays in good condition.

Here are some tips on how to correctly use a stainless steel pan:

Seasoning Your Pan

The trick to creating a natural non-stick coating is by ‘seasoning’ the pan.

Seasoning basically created a layer of polymerised fat i.e. a natural non-stick coating. All you need is a little bit oil (choose one that has a high smoking point like vegetable oil).

This is best done on a newly bought pan that has not been cooked in yet. Wash the pan with soap and water and letting it dry. Then it’s time to season it. There are countless ways to season a pan. Some professional chef season their pans 3 to 4 times. But this is the most common way of doing it.

On a high flame, heat the pan until it changes colour. Then pour some cooking oil on it. Turn the pan to let the hot oil coat the bottom of the pan. Allow to cool before discarding the pan.

Alternatively, you can oil the pan cold first before heating it on the flame. Using a paper towel, rub oil on the pan until well coated, removing any excess with another paper towel.

For certain types of pans like cast iron pans, make sure to oil every part of the pan as this prevents it from rusting as well. Let the pan heat until it changes colour usually a burnished brown or a metallic blue (depending on the material).

Professional chefs will advise against washing with soap and water. But instead using a kitchen towel to wipe away any excess or leftover grease. If you must wash using conventional means, avoid soaking for long hours or using harsh cleaning tools like steel wool. And season again afterwards, if anything to avoid rusting.

Cooking with Stainless Steel Pan

Now even after seasoning your food may still stick. This is because you still need proper technique when cooking with a newly seasoned pan.

The number one mistake that people make when cooking with a stainless steel is not using enough heat. To make sure your pan doesn’t stick while cooking, you need to do the water drop test.

Heat your pan on medium heat. Sprinkle a few drops of water. If the water simmers and evaporates it’s not ready.

But if it glides as shown in the video then the pan is now non-stick. This is called the Leidenfrost Effect and its key to this advice. Now coat the bottom of the pan with oil, and do the water drop test again.

This lowers the temperature of the pan again, so you may need to repeat until the water glides smoothly again before cracking an egg in there.

Choosing the Right Cooking Pan

It’s worth noting that non-stick cookware still has its place in the kitchen. For certain tasks, such as making omelettes or cooking pancakes, non-stick pans are hard to beat.

The key is to use them responsibly, avoiding high heat and abrasive utensils to extend their lifespan and minimise any potential health risks. However, do try stainless steel pans too.

They may need some work to get right. But they’re safe, last a long time and may just change the way you cook forever.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.

For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!