How to choose a non-stick pan

The materials must be of good quality. And it can't cost less than 40-50 euros. Proper maintenance is essential.

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Teflon pans are carcinogenic and pose a health risk. Information and advice on correct use.
Le Pans non-stick They are so widespread because they make the kitchen simpler and faster:  You don't have to scrape the pan during cooking, you can significantly reduce the amount of oil and butter (which means less greasy dishes), and the heat is evenly distributed, preventing food from burning. The only downside is the price: the quality of the materials is essential to ensure good results from a nonstick pan and make it last. Therefore, a cheap pan, around €20, is simply a waste of money, as it's difficult to find truly good products for less than €40-50.

Materials

The pan's construction affects its durability and heat distribution. These are the most commonly used materials for a good nonstick pan:

  • Aluminum: lightweight, heats up quickly (great for everyday use)
  • aluminum anodized: more resistant and durable
  • Stainless steel with coating: heavier, but very robust
  • Iron or cast iron with non-stick coating: retains heat well, but more demanding

Size

The right size for a nonstick pan is easy to determine. Just choose based on the number of people you're cooking for.
  • 20–24 cm: 1–2 people
  • 26–28 cm: standard use
  • 30 cm and more: for families or large dishes

Machine maintenance

If you want to make a pan last a long time
  • Wait for the pan to cool down (never under cold water from hot) before cleaning it well
  • Wash with warm water and a soft sponge
  • Use a small amount of detergent, not aggressive.
  • Avoid metal scouring pads

During use:

  • Never leave it empty  on fire
  • Avoid flames that are too high (medium-low is better)
  • Do not exceed very high temperatures for a long time

When cleaning it, to avoid scratching the surface, use:

  • Wood
  • Silicone
  • Durable plastic

When you store them:

  • Do not stack the Pans without protection
  • Place a cloth or separator between one and the other

A little trick To make a non-stick pan last longer: clean it every now and then with a drizzle of oil rubbed with kitchen paper.

With proper maintenance, a good-quality nonstick pan can last up to five years. However, it's time to replace your nonstick pan when:
  • Food starts to stick
  • You see deep scratches or worn coating
  • The surface is dull or uneven

The right cost

There is so much publicity around the Pans non-stick "Very affordable" offers, for example from Amazon or Ikea. Don't trust them; you're wasting your money. For the features we mentioned, a non-stick pan shouldn't cost 20 euros, and a truly good product shouldn't be sold for less than 40-50 euros.
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