Undamaged PTFE coated pans are safe to cook on, but if you heat them above 500✯, the molecules can start to break down and release harmful gasses that cause polymer fume fever. Metal utensils can also scratch tiny bits of PTFE off and cause it to leach into your food. Treated with polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE-the chemical that puts the non in nonstick-these pans are the only true nonstick pans, with a surface that lets food slide right off.

The original nonstick cooking product was Teflon, trademarked by DuPont in the early 1960s. Which is why we suggest thinking a little before buying that appealing direct-to-consumer nonstick cookware set (and if you must go the pan set route, keep it to stainless steel).

We hate to say it, but these pans, are disposable by design. While the longevity can depend on the specific type of nonstick coating, you can expect pretty much all of them to lose their flawless glide after a couple of years. This is because nonstick coatings do not last forever.

However, it’s a good idea to not rely on them for too long. Are you scarred by pancake fails of years past? Nonstick pans practically do all the work for you.Īny individual who feels that their cooking skills are, shall we say, under-seasoned, will benefit from having a nonstick pan in their arsenal. Do you happen to struggle a little with sautéing and stir-frying? Nonstick will minimize any burnt, cruddy mishaps. The best nonstick pans are some of the most forgiving kitchen tools you can use. If cooking were a video game, using nonstick pans would be like playing on easy mode.

Made in cookware reviews