Non-stick kitchenware is a favorite when baking or cooking a variety of foods. If you regularly use nonstick kitchenware to create your culinary masterpieces, there are some steps you can take to keep your baking sheets and frying pans from losing their nonstick surface prematurely. Here are some instances when using nonstick cookware is recommended and some tips you can use to keep your cookware from wearing out sooner than you would like.
When Does Nonstick Work Best?
There are times when using nonstick surfaces are necessary in order to keep your food from becoming crisp or burned. Nonstick pans should be used whenever you are cooking or baking foods that are delicate in nature. Scrambled, poached, and fried eggs should always been cooked in a nonstick pan as they can burn very easily when cooked in other materials. The same goes for omelets. Pancakes and french toast also work wonderfully with a nonstick pan. Inside the stove, delicate fish and all kinds of baked delicacies such as sugar-free oatmeal cookies work best on a nonstick baking sheet.
Using Your Kitchenware
When using nonstick kitchenware, always use utensils that will not scrape or scratch the surface of the pan or baking sheet. Stick with wooden or plastic utensils rather than harsh metal. Use a medium to medium-high heat when cooking or baking. Avoid higher temperatures as they can cause the coating to become compromised. When cooking or baking, a small amount of oil on the pan or baking sheet can help the coating stay in tact longer. Do not use cooking sprays as they have additives that can be harsh on the coating of your kitchenware.
Cleaning Your Kitchenware
Nonstick kitchenware should always be washed by hand. Even though some nonstick kitchenware claims to be dishwasher safe, it is best to avoid it. Dishwashers use high temperatures that are known to slightly alter the composition of a nonstick surface. Detergents are also harsh on nonstick surfaces, causing small pitted areas on the surface when washed in a dishwasher. This can cause your pieces to deteriorate quicker than if you hand wash them.
When washing, use warm water and a non-abrasive sponge to scrape off any caked on material, if present. For hard to remove baked on food, use a mixture of baking soda and water as a cleanser. Rinse with warm water. Allow the kitchenware to air dry and wipe the surface with a non-abrasive piece of cloth to remove any excess moisture.
Storing Your Kitchenware
Do not store food inside your nonstick kitchenware. Acidic foods can ruin a good set of kitchenware, like swedish design cookware, by eating away at the nonstick surface if you store them in the pan or on the baking sheet for an extended length of time. When you place your items in your kitchen cabinets, place napkins in between the pieces so they do not become scratched against another item when you take them out of storage.
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