When it was first invented and marketed by DuPont, Teflon was an incredible discovery. Suddenly we had a material that could be applied to almost any surface and result in a non-stick finish. It was a genius idea that changed the manufacturing process of cookware forever. But one of the biggest problems with Teflon is the fact that it doesnt last forever. If you dont care for your cookware properly, then youll end up replacing it much sooner than you would have otherwise.
Here are some tips to help you extend the life of your Teflon cookware.
1. Use only soft plastic utensils so that you dont end up scratching the Teflon coating. The best fix is always prevention of problems in the first place, and the easiest way to prevent scratches is to use utensils that are too soft to scratch.
2. Avoid using high temperatures when cooking with your Teflon coated cookware. High temperatures are one of the main culprits when it comes to causing the Teflon coating to break down. Make sure that you use only low to medium heat.
3. Dont use metal wool or other harsh implements to scrub the pan clean. If the Teflon coating is still good, you should be able to let the pan soak in hot water and dish soap for a short while so that you can get tough, stuck-on food to come off.
4. Skip the chemical abrasives when cleaning Teflon as well because they can cause the coating to break down.
5. Wash all of your Teflon pots and pans by hand rather than running them through the dishwasher. The water inside the dishwasher gets to very high temperatures, and you have no control over it. High temperatures cause Teflon to flake off, so it is always best to wash it by hand so that you know the water is not too hot.
In some cases, purchasing a higher quality brand of cookware can also make the Teflon coating on the pots and pans last longer as well, so it doesnt hurt to read some online reviews of the brand you are thinking about purchasing. Also there are some forms of Teflon coating that simply last longer, like the ceramic reinforced variety, which many consider to be resistant to wear. In addition, the way the coating was applied by the manufacturer makes a big difference in how long it will last. Coatings that are applied as a spray or a tape will not last as long as those that are applied using an industrial method.
It is possible to resurface Teflon cookware, but in many cases, it may not even be worth it. Sometimes the cost of resurfacing it is more expensive than simply buying a new piece! Resurfacing usually involves shipping the piece to its manufacturer or to DuPont, the manufacturer of Teflon. Youve got to pay the cost of shipping and also the cost to repair it.
There are a few non-stick coating replacements that can be purchased online as well. They are easy to apply and can simply be sprayed on and left to dry. However, these sprays do not typically work as well as having a professional application of Teflon put on.
Here are some tips to help you extend the life of your Teflon cookware.
1. Use only soft plastic utensils so that you dont end up scratching the Teflon coating. The best fix is always prevention of problems in the first place, and the easiest way to prevent scratches is to use utensils that are too soft to scratch.
2. Avoid using high temperatures when cooking with your Teflon coated cookware. High temperatures are one of the main culprits when it comes to causing the Teflon coating to break down. Make sure that you use only low to medium heat.
3. Dont use metal wool or other harsh implements to scrub the pan clean. If the Teflon coating is still good, you should be able to let the pan soak in hot water and dish soap for a short while so that you can get tough, stuck-on food to come off.
4. Skip the chemical abrasives when cleaning Teflon as well because they can cause the coating to break down.
5. Wash all of your Teflon pots and pans by hand rather than running them through the dishwasher. The water inside the dishwasher gets to very high temperatures, and you have no control over it. High temperatures cause Teflon to flake off, so it is always best to wash it by hand so that you know the water is not too hot.
In some cases, purchasing a higher quality brand of cookware can also make the Teflon coating on the pots and pans last longer as well, so it doesnt hurt to read some online reviews of the brand you are thinking about purchasing. Also there are some forms of Teflon coating that simply last longer, like the ceramic reinforced variety, which many consider to be resistant to wear. In addition, the way the coating was applied by the manufacturer makes a big difference in how long it will last. Coatings that are applied as a spray or a tape will not last as long as those that are applied using an industrial method.
It is possible to resurface Teflon cookware, but in many cases, it may not even be worth it. Sometimes the cost of resurfacing it is more expensive than simply buying a new piece! Resurfacing usually involves shipping the piece to its manufacturer or to DuPont, the manufacturer of Teflon. Youve got to pay the cost of shipping and also the cost to repair it.
There are a few non-stick coating replacements that can be purchased online as well. They are easy to apply and can simply be sprayed on and left to dry. However, these sprays do not typically work as well as having a professional application of Teflon put on.
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