Things to note about non-stick pans

Many people like to fry eggs in the morning. I believe most people have a question, that is, do they need oil to fry eggs in a non-stick pan? Non-stick pans are the most popular pans nowadays. Here are some answers for you.

Do you need oil to fry eggs in a non-stick pan?

You don’t need to add oil to fry eggs in a non-stick pan. You only need to heat the pan and break the eggs into the pan. Because the non-stick pan uses a special coating, even if the eggs are fried without oil, they will not stick. pot, but if you want a simple and better taste, it is recommended to put a small amount of oil.​

Can I fry things in a non-stick pan?

Non-stick pans should not be used for frying food, because non-stick pans are made of Teflon (chemical name: polytetrafluoroethylene) as the main coating material. The coating of Teflon-made non-stick pans will not burn within 260℃. If any change occurs, when the temperature exceeds 260°C, the coating will gradually transform into an unstable state. It will not decompose until the temperature exceeds 350°C, producing some toxic substances that can be incorporated into food and endanger human health. Therefore, it is not recommended to use non-stick pans to fry food at high temperatures. The coating of the non-stick pan is a 0.2 mm thick film. If it is dried or the oil temperature reaches 300°C, this film may be damaged and harmful ingredients will be released.

What foods can’t be cooked with a non-stick pan?

1. It cannot be used for high-temperature frying of food. The reason why the non-stick pan can be "non-stick" is because its surface is coated with resin, but its maximum withstand temperature is only 260 degrees. Substances with surface coatings that exceed this temperature may enter food. Therefore, try not to use a non-stick pan for dry cooking, keep food and water in the pan, and do not use it for frying food.​

Do not use metal spatulas. Metal spatulas may damage the coating on the surface of non-stick pans. Therefore, wooden or heat-resistant plastic spatulas should be used for non-stick pans. When cleaning, do not scrub vigorously with steel balls. Clean with a sponge dipped in a little vinegar or soda ash.

How to care for non-stick pans

1. In order to extend the life of non-stick pans (especially coatings), you also need to use the pans correctly.​

2. Cook food over medium-low heat. If you need to cook over high heat, you should also preheat the food over low heat. Do not overheat the pot. High temperature will destroy the non-stick coating.​

3. Never dry-fire at high temperature for a long time. When the temperature exceeds 350 degrees, the PTFE coating will begin to decompose and deteriorate.​

4. Never use anti-stick cooking spray on non-stick pans because over time it will form buildup on the surface of the pan that is difficult to remove.​

5. Do not use non-stick pans to cook acidic foods, otherwise the coating will be damaged.​

6. Use silicone, plastic or wooden spatulas and avoid metal or sharp instruments to avoid scratching the coating.​

7. After use, wait for it to cool down slightly before cleaning, and avoid immediate contact with cold water.​

8. When cleaning, use a soft cleaning cloth (such as a sponge or loofah) and mild detergent. Do not use rough scouring pads or metal wire balls.​

9. Even if some brands claim that their pots can be cleaned in a dishwasher, you should try to wash them by hand. The high temperature and high pressure of the dishwasher will passivate and damage the coating of the pot.​

10. If you need to stack several pots to save space, place a rag or paper towel between the pots to protect the non-stick coating.