How Long Do Non-Stick Pans Last?
Non-stick cookware is very popular due to nice food browning, easy release of cooked food, and ease of cleaning. In addition to these qualities, non-stick cookware has one drawback; The functionality of non-stick cooking surface has a limited lifespan as the coating degrades over time.
A decade ago, non-stick coatings had a much shorter life. Over time, the technology of producing non-stick coating has been improved. Basically, the more layers built into the non-stick surface, the more resistant it will be to starches and the longer it will retain its non-stick properties.
It is realistic to expect that a quality non-stick pan lasts for 3-5 years, depending on the quality of the non-stick coating, the frequency of use, and maintenance. There are three major factors that can cause damage to the non-stick surface: sharp objects, inappropriate cleaning, and exposure to high heat. If you notice any damage, make sure to discard the damaged pan.
The following is the list of non-stick frying pans that are praised for their durability and are produced by reputable manufacturers.
This post contains links to Amazon. The publisher may get paid if You purchase something through the links without additional costs to You.
1. Scanpan PRO IQ Nonstick Fry Pan
The coating of the ScanPan pan is ceramic reinforced with titanium particles to boost resistance to abrasion. The Stratanum coating has five layers to reinforce the non-stick surface and prevent peeling, scratching, and interacting with food. The functionality of the non-stick surface lasts much longer than an ordinary non-stick pan.
The construction made of recycled cast aluminum is sturdy enough to eliminate any warping issue. Due to the aluminum core, the pan conducts heat evenly without hot spots. The bottom is very flat, with a steel disc in the base to offer compatibility with induction cooktops.
The textured non-stick surface works great for searing, browning, braising, and deglazing. The use of oil is minimal, while the use of cooking spray is not recommended. The pan can go into the oven for up to 500 degrees.
However, all those extraordinary features have their cost, and this pan is not budget-friendly.
The user manual recommends hand washing. Maintenance is easy due to the easy release of cooked foods.
Although the product description says that you can use metal utensils, every experienced chef knows that using wooden and silicone utensils would be a safer option for non-stick cookware.
This high-quality and durable pan is designed and manufactured in Denmark. It comes with a lifetime limited warranty.
2. WOLL Diamond Lite Pro Induction Fry Pan
This pan has a solid cast aluminum construction that ensures durability and excellent thermal conductivity. The bottom contains a layer of steel that makes the pan compatible with induction cooktops. The steel handle gives it durability, elegance, and resistance to high temperatures. This pan is oven safe for up to 500 degrees.
The non-stick coating consists of five layers. The outer layer is reinforced with diamond particles to increase cut and scratch resistance. The non-stick surface is suitable for browning and searing and offers easy food release.
Due to the high strength of the non-stick coating, the pan has been described as dishwasher safe, but as we have already mentioned, experienced chefs wash their frying pans by hand. For the same reasons, it is better to use non-metallic utensils on a non-stick cooking surface.
This pan is made in Germany which can be an important piece of information for people looking for a premium-quality pan.
The guarantee speaks of product quality. This pan comes with a 25-year warranty on construction and a 3-year warranty on non-stick coating. We may also conclude that the functionality of the non-stick surface may last long, but it won’t last forever, though.
3. Viking Culinary Professional 5-Ply Stainless Steel Nonstick Fry Pan
Viking 5-Ply stainless steel nonstick fry pan has a construction of layers of aluminum and steel that gives it sturdiness, high thermal conductivity, and compatibility with induction stoves. The pan looks elegant and has a substantial weight that indicates high quality.
5-ply construction helps to reduce energy consumption. If you prepare a meal in an ordinary pan at a medium temperature, you can set the temperature at low when cooking the same meal in this pan. The food comes evenly cooked and perfectly browned.
The inner cooking surface is made of non-reactive steel with Eterna PFOA-free non-stick coating that requires minimal use of oil. You should never use cooking spray on Eterna coating.
The pan is oven-proof for up to 500 degrees, so you can put it in the oven to finish cooking.
The advantage of this skillet is that once the non-stick surface wears off, there is non-reactive stainless steel under it that is perfectly safe for cooking foods.
The instructions for use recommend hand washing. Also, be sure to use non-metal utensils when cooking and serving foods.
The pan is handcrafted in the USA and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Although not affordable, it is well made, energy-saving, and stylish cookware item.
4. Made In Non-Stick Frying Pans
Made in is a relatively new company based in the USA which stands out with its high quality and attractive cookware that is produced in the USA, Italy, and France. This steel pan is made in Italy and has an attractive design with a cobalt blue inner surface. The steel construction gives it compatibility with the induction cooker.
The manufacturer has coated the cooking surface several times to make it stronger and more durable. According to the company, their non-stick surface is 10 times more durable than other premium brands. The non-stick layer has been rated as safe by the FDA and the US Consumer Safety Commission.
The non-stick surface is easy to clean. The recommended washing method is by hand. You should also use non-metallic cooking utensils.
This pan is oven safe for up to 500 degrees, which is more than enough to complete the cooking process in the oven.
Made In Cookware is not budget-friendly, but the company believes that its cookware is worth the investment.
5. Le Creuset Toughened Non-Stick Frying Pans
This Le Creuset innovative line of cookware has a three-layer construction and toughened non-stick coating. The middle layer is made of quality adonized aluminum encapsulated with two layers of stainless steel. The aluminum layer ensures excellent heat conductivity, while the steel layer makes the pan compatible with the induction ranges.
The interior surface is covered with a reinforced non-stick coating, which is advertised to last four times longer than pans that were designed based on old technology.
Since this cookware line has been launched recently, not enough time has passed to make any definitive conclusions on the durability of the non-stick surface. The customer reviews are mostly positive, and the pan allows for easy food release. Some users were disappointed that their toughened pan wasn’t produced in France but in China.
The product description states that the pan is dishwasher-safe and suitable for use with metal utensils. However, in the maintenance instructions, the manufacturer recommends hand washing and non-metallic utensils as the best way to care for the non-stick surface.
Regarding heat resistance, this pan is oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
What speaks in favor of the durability of this pan is that it comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Are Non-Stick Frying Pans Worth It?
While the technology of producing non-stick cookware improves continuously, there is no non-stick pan in the market that will retain its non-stick feature for decades. Unlike cast iron items that can be passed from generation to generation, non-stick pans offer time-limited convenience. However, if you prefer the convenience of non-stick pans, you can find quality items that may serve you for several years.
