Like the rest of the dishes in your kitchen, nonstick pans have a limited life span. There comes a moment when you have to say goodbye to your favorite pan, and you can determine if the time has come by paying attention to these signs.
Major Scratches
In addition to being visually unappealing, non-stick pans with major scratches can pose a health risk. The coating could flake off while you’re cooking, compromising your food in the process, and this is something you should try to avoid at all costs.
Warped Pan
Unlike scratched pans, warped ones don’t necessarily pose a safety risk, but they could potentially have a negative effect on the taste of your food. Due to warps, your cooking surface won’t be even, and it’s possible your food won’t cook evenly for this reason.
Damaged Handles
The handles on your favorite pan will also start wearing down over time. If you reach the point where they’re in such a bad shape because they’re loose or melted that it’s becoming risky to pick your pan up, it’s time to let it go and buy a new one.
