Have you recently upgraded to nonstick cookware and don’t know how to get started? Cooking with nonstick cookware is far from complicated, however, it still may take some getting used to if you have never used it before. Learning the tips and tricks with toughened nonstick cookware is important to make sure the product lasts year after year. From never using metal utensils to cleaning with scratch-proof scouring pads, caring for your nonstick cookware properly can go a long way.
Nonstick cookware has emerged as a kitchen favourite due to its easy-release surface, offering home cooks and chefs alike the ability to tackle stick ingredients with ease. Le Creuset’s nonstick cookware is built to last, but needs to be properly taken care of. Our toughened nonstick cookware is reinforced with a triple-layered coating that will never peel or flake.
This guide will arm you with all the tips you need to know before getting started with your nonstick cookware. Here are seven nonstick cookware cooking tips that will help you make the most of your cookware.
What is Toughened Nonstick Cookware?
Simply put, toughened nonstick cookware is cookware that is made from premium materials, which prevent ingredients from sticking to the surface of the pan. This type of cookware is especially helpful for beginner cooks looking to try new recipes. Le Creuset’s nonstick cookware is built with high-quality hard-anodised aluminium, ensuring both its durability and ease-of-use. In addition, this material makes nonstick cookware an exceptional retainer of heat, cooking food evenly. Nonstick cookware minimizes the need for cooking oils and fats while cooking and is best suited for recipes involving delicate ingredients such as flipping eggs and pancakes.
Our Tips
1. Don't use metal on your nonstick pan
When cooking with toughened nonstick cookware, avoid using metal utensils against the surface. This can easily scratch the pan and eventually wear down the nonstick surface, limiting its usability in future uses. Metal tools will compromise the integrity of this type of cookware, but could be used with extreme care occasionally. Consequently, sharp knives should never be used directly on the pan and will damage the nonstick surface.
Typically, Le Creuset’s silicone tools are recommended, as well as wooden or heat-resistant plastic cooking utensils. These will ensure the nonstick surface can be used for many uses without the fear of scratching, peeling, or flaking the pan’s coating. Anything else may damage the pan, completely eliminating the main benefit of cooking with nonstick cookware.
2. Finding the appropriate temperature
Avoiding major temperature changes is extremely important for the durability of your nonstick cookware. Subjecting a hot pan to colder temperatures, particularly when cleaning it, could lead to thermal shock, causing it to warp. Before cleaning your nonstick cookware, let it reach room temperature.
In addition, never subject nonstick cookware to the highest heat setting when using it for preheating or cooking. Extreme heat can erode the nonstick surface over many uses. Instead, use medium or low heat settings with this type of cookware, gradually allowing the pan to reach the appropriate temperature gradually. Toughened nonstick cookware retains heat exceptionally well, but may require a bit of patience when cooking.
Keep this in mind when searing meat, poultry, or fish where medium-high heat is typically used. Once the pan is hot enough, simply reduce the heat and continue cooking your ingredients. Le Creuset’s lifetime warranty does not cover damage to the nonstick surface caused by overheating.
3. Only use nonstick cleaning pads
Knowing how to clean your nonstick cookware is just as important as learning how to cook with it. Before removing residue or attempting to clean your pan, let it cool down for a few minutes. Plunging it directly in cold water could culminate in thermal shock or even warp your nonstick cookware.
Once the pan is appropriately cooled down, you can soak it in water as you enjoy your meal or deglaze it. This will break down any tough residue before you even begin cleaning it. When cleaning, only use scratch-proof and nonstick cleaning pads. Abrasive or metal pads will inevitably scratch the surface, and gradually wear down the coating bit by bit. Toughened nonstick cookware is dishwasher safe, however, we recommend hand-washing it for the best results.
4. Completely dry your cookware before storing them
After cleaning your nonstick cookware with scratch-proof scouring pads, ensure it is completely dried before storing it. Simply hand dry it with a paper or kitchen towel, removing any and all droplets of water remaining. Even the smallest amount of liquid could cause rust to form on your nonstick cookware.
If you are storing your nonstick cookware in a cupboard or stacking it with other pans, wrap it with a soft kitchen towel to avoid scratching or surface damage. It is typically recommended to clean and dry your nonstick cookware as soon as possible after using it, decreasing the risk of left-over oils baking onto the coating of the pan. Baking soda can be used to remove them, however, waiting too long to deal with grease can lead to spotting on the surface of your pan.
5. Store your pans properly
Storing your nonstick cookware properly may sound straightforward, but it’s an easy tip that can make a world of difference. After cleaning your nonstick cookware, it is typically recommended to store these pans in a spacious cupboard where air circulation is not limited. The best way to store toughened nonstick cookware, however, is to hang it from a pan rack. Luckily, Le Creuset’s nonstick cookware is sleek and can accent your existing kitchen decor without looking one bit out of place.
If hanging it is not possible, simply ensure that the nonstick cookware is stored safely and away from any sharp objects that may compromise the surface. Stacking this type of cookware is another common mistake beginner chefs make and will eventually wear down your nonstick surface.
6. Do not store food in nonstick cookware
Home chefs will regularly serve food straight out of the pan at dinner or store leftovers in their nonstick cookware to minimize the cleanup. We get it – it’s tempting, but avoid this at all costs with nonstick cookware. While this works great with enamelled cast iron, do not store food in toughened nonstick cookware. This applies to raw, marinating, or cooked foods.
Food left in nonstick cookware for a long time could eventually stick to the surface, forcing you to scratch it off and potentially damage it. In addition, certain acids in foods are proven to alter the polymer bonds of the nonstick surface, greatly reducing its usability down the road. Simply store any leftover food in plastic tupperwares and soak the pan in water once it cools down.
7. Limit the use of aerosol cooking spray
One of the main benefits of using nonstick cookware is that it offers you the ability to reduce the use of fatty oils and butters when cooking. As a result, avoid using aerosol cooking sprays on the nonstick surface. It may seem harmless, but over time, it can damage your pan, especially if higher temperatures are involved. Aerosol sprays have a tendency of coating the surface of your pan if used repeatedly.
Typically, we recommend adding a little oil or fat before heating your nonstick cookware. This will improve the quality of browning, adding another layer of flavour to your dish. Remember, the oil or fat should never reach the point of smoking inside the pan. If it occurs, fret not, simply cool the pan down before proceeding.
Cooking with Nonstick Cookware
Whether you are just getting started in the kitchen or have been cooking for years, nonstick cookware strikes the perfect balance between durability and performance. This type of cookware is extremely versatile and can be used for a variety of different cooking techniques, including frying, boiling, braising, stewing, and more.
While its triple-layered coating and hot-forged construction protects Le Creuset’s nonstick cookware, it is important to be aware of the best ways to look after it. From avoiding acidic foods, to storing your nonstick cookware properly, a little care can go a long way.
These were just seven of our favourite nonstick cookware tips to help you get started in the kitchen, avoid common mistakes, and maintain your Le Creuset cookware for years to come. For more information, visit our care and use section on cooking with toughened nonstick cookware.
