Buying guide for non-stick frying pans

 Everyone has a few pots and pans at home. Whether it is a frying pan or a frying pot, non-stick pans are used in modern kitchens. The brands and prices of non-stick pans are varied, and they seem to be similar in many cases. In this article, we discuss the difference between them and how to choose the most suitable pan for you.

Why do you need a non-stick pan?

The frequency of non-stick kitchenware in modern kitchens is getting higher and higher. Most frying pans are non-stick because if you use frying pans without non-stick coatings, such as uncoated stainless steel frying pans, and copper frying pans, you need a certain amount of time. Cooking skills, otherwise, the bottom of the pan will be a mess.

Advantages of non-stick pans:

• easy to clean
• Reduced oil and butter usage means healthier, time-saving cooking

Introduction of non-stick coating technology

The current mainstream cookware non-stick technology: 

A: Fluoropolymer coating

B: Silicone resin coating

Fluoropolymer coating

1. What is a fluoropolymer?

At present, there are three main types of organic coatings widely used in the cookware market: polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fluorinated ethylene-propylene copolymer (FEP), and tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer (PFA).

PTFE

Most often mentioned, are the ultra-low coefficient of friction and surface energy, almost no reaction with all chemicals, and resistance to high temperatures in daily cooking. The most famous such coatings are Teflon and American Huafu, etc.

PFA

Also known as soluble PTFE, its heat resistance and corrosion resistance are the same as PTFE. It is synthesized by adding PPVE, which can effectively reduce the crystallinity and melt viscosity of PTFE, so the price is high. The most famous such coating is Japan's Daikin. Many high-end small household appliances in Japan use PFA coatings, such as Toshiba, and Sanyo's rice cooker liner.

What exactly is Teflon?

Teflon is a registered trademark used by DuPont (now spun off to form The Chemours Company) on its line of fluoropolymer products. Teflon is not equivalent to PTFE. In addition to the above-mentioned PTFE, FEP, and PFA commonly used in cookware, it also includes ETFE, AF, NXT, and FFR.

Is Teflon Safe?

Many people still talk about Teflon discoloration and even dare not use non-stick pans.

Take the most representative PTFE as an example:

• PTFE is non-toxic and extremely inert, insoluble in any solvent, and will not be decomposed by strong acids and alkalis. Therefore, it will not react with the human body and will not be decomposed, and the PTFE fragments will be excreted by the human body if eaten by mistake, which is a very safe material.
• PTFE is safe for long-term use below 260°C (500°F). The smoke point of common edible oils is mostly between 200°C and 250°C. Our daily cooking will not exceed this temperature. Even for stir-frying and frying, the temperature generally does not exceed 250°C. You can use your cookware normally with complete peace of mind.
• For PTFE to decompose and produce toxic gases, the temperature must be at least 350°C (660°F), which is difficult to achieve unless the non-stick pan is left to burn for a long time.

Note: PTFE produced by large enterprises can be completely assured, but small workshops in China are unknown.

Myth 1: If the non-stick coating is scratched, it should be thrown away: scratches on the surface of the non-stick coating have little effect on its performance. As long as the scratching of the coating does not affect the non-stick performance, there is no need to replace the cookware.

Myth 2: If you accidentally eat a small piece of non-stick coating, you will get sick. The non-stick coating produced by large companies is FDA-compliant, will not harm human health, and is safe.

What is PFOA?

PFOA is the abbreviation of Perfluorooctanoic Acid, PFOA is an adjuvant (emulsifier) ​​used in the production of PTFE.

PFOA pollutes the environment and cannot be degraded. As for whether it is harmful to the human body, there is still no definite answer. Most of the fluorine-containing coating formulations made by some well-known coating manufacturers do not contain PFOA.

Silicone resin coating (commonly known as a ceramic coating)

What is a silicone coating?

Ceramic coatings are prepared by sol-gel technology. Many properties of coatings produced by this technology are similar to ceramics, so they are commonly called ceramic coatings, but they are not real ceramics. The most famous of this type of coating is Thermolon, which was jointly developed by South Korea and the United States. The specific cookware will be mentioned later.

Characteristics of Ceramic Coatings

• Advantages: higher hardness, higher temperature resistance, better color, stronger anti-fouling ability, good initial non-stickiness
• Disadvantages: The longer it is used, the worse the non-stickiness will be, the service life will be shorter, and the price will be higher

Are our ceramic coatings environmentally friendly?

Ceramic coatings are often referred to as "green" coatings because they do not contain PFOA or PTFE. However, ceramic coatings have a shorter lifespan than traditional PTFE non-stick pans, so replacement frequency increases. Therefore, ceramic-coated non-stick pans are not environmentally friendly in an absolute sense. While emphasizing that they do not contain PTFE, they avoid talking about the short lifespan of such non-stick pans.

Important factors affecting the performance and price of non-stick pans

coating process

In addition to the two main different coatings mentioned above, other coating process-related factors can affect the performance and price of non-stick pans

Coating Thickness

Taking Teflon as an example, it can be roughly divided into the following grades:

Prima

The coating thickness is about 6-10 microns, generally used for baking pans.

Classic

The most common coating thickness, the minimum thickness of the coating is 25 microns, the double-layer coating technology, the recommended frequency of use is once or twice a week.

Xtra

Double-layer coating technology is slightly better than Classic, the recommended frequency of use is once a day.

In higher grades, the minimum thickness of the coating is 35 microns, three-layer coating technology, the recommended frequency of use is once or twice a day

Platinum

The minimum thickness of the coating is 40 microns, with new special anti-wear particles and three-layer coating technology, suitable for people who often cook and have higher requirements; can withstand normal metal utensils brushing.

Platinum Plus

50% higher abrasion resistance than Platinum, can withstand normal metal utensils brushing, suitable for those who cook frequently and require the ultimate non-stick experience.

Platinum Pro/Professional

Professional grade non-stick coating for long-term use, suitable for professional occasions

Autograph

Top non-stick coating for long-term use, suitable for professional occasions, and can meet the requirements of the gourmet level.

New additions in the coating

Take Whitford in the United States as an example, there are two well-known coatings, namely: Quantum2 and QuanTanium Quantum2

New inorganic particles have been added that bind more tightly to other elements in the coating to increase service life. So the coating lasts longer than traditional non-stick coatings. Non-stick surfaces are also smoother and glossier

QuanTanium

Added titanium metal, a multi-layer titanium-containing reinforcement coating makes this coating resistant to scratches on almost any item. In addition to its non-stick properties, its wear resistance is unparalleled.

Q&A: What exactly are the expensive sapphire coating, titanium coating, and diamond coating non-stick pan? What is Maifan Stone Non-Stick Wok?

Now there is a new type of non-stick pot called titanium coating, which is to make metal titanium into an extremely fine powder, sprays it on the inner wall with high-temperature spraying technology, and melts titanium alloy or diamond at 20,000 ° C at 2 times the speed of sound. Plasma technology casts the surface of the pan, resulting in a non-stick coating.

The principle is the same for sapphire and diamond coating, diamond coating uses diamond powder. A medical stone is a real stone. A medical stone is a compound mineral or medicinal rock that is non-toxic and harmless to living beings and has certain biological activity. The medical stone non-stick pot is also similar to the above principle. The stone is ground into powder and sprayed on the inner wall to achieve the "health effect". There is no need to expect health preservation, just use it as an ordinary non-stick pan.

Pot body material

In addition to the coating, the material and thickness of the pot body are also important.

Since the non-stick coating is an organic substance, it will be damaged by overheating, so the cookware with high weight and good thermal conductivity will have a longer service life than the non-stick coating. Of course, the higher the thickness, the more expensive the cookware is. higher.

There are two main types of non-stick pans on the market:

• Aluminum alloy: there is a thick layer of aluminum oxide on the surface
• Stainless steel: There is a layer of chromium oxide on the surface, which has strong corrosion resistance and slow corrosion

 How to easily and quickly judge the quality of a non-stick pan

There are all kinds of non-stick pans on the market. Many merchants change the color of the product, slightly change the appearance design, and then make a new series with technical terms that people can't understand. Technology (coating process and pot body material mentioned above).

Here is a simple and quick judgment method (applicable to most cases):

Some brands will honestly mark the coating grade and pot body material on the outer packaging or the bottom of the pot, and you can find out by searching the Internet. Some will even indicate the pot body material. For example, IKEA's packaging will identify the level of coating:

Judging from the conditions of use

Some brands do not clearly state the coating grade, and it can be judged roughly according to the product usage conditions given by the manufacturer, from high to low:

• Metal shovel SAFE+ dishwasher SAFE+ long warranty time (generally more than ten years)
• Dishwasher SAFE+ longer warranty
• The length of the warranty period

weigh

Heavier, more thermally conductive pans will have a longer nonstick coating life.

other instructions

• The temperature of the Oven Safe does not directly indicate that the coating is good because it is also related to the material of the handle. The handle of stainless steel is more heat-resistant than plastic. If the upper temperature is 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius), it is a fluoropolymer coating.
• The handle with STAY-COOL written on it is a lot more convenient to not get hot when cooking (not in the oven).
• Not all non-stick pans can be used on the induction cooker. If you use an induction cooker at home, pay special attention to the logo on the packaging or the bottom of the pot or the English word Induction.

Non-stick pan brand introduction

There are many brands of non-stick pans.

• Mid-to-high-end brands

Woll (Germany)

Recognized by the industry as the world's best manufacturer of non-stick pans, the handle can be easily removed

WMF (Germany)

Germany's century-old high-end kitchenware brand, a brand everyone knows

Gastrolux (Denmark)

It has a good reputation in Europe, but the Chinese don't know much about it

Swiss Diamond (Switzerland)

More common in American kitchenware stores

SCANPAN (Denmark)

Similar to Swiss Diamond, there is a detailed brand introduction later

Calphalon (US)

It is the most cost-effective among mid-to-high-end brands. A detailed brand introduction will be given later.

Green Pan (Belgium)

Brands specializing in ceramic coatings are very common in the United States, and detailed brand introductions are given later.

KitchenAid (US)

Native American brand, very common in the US

• low-end brands

Cuisinart (Germany)

Native American brands

T-fal (France)

The characteristic is that there is a red dot in the middle, which can judge the oil temperature

IKEA (Sweden)

Not a professional pot maker, but some non-stick pots are good and cost-effective. There are detailed brand introductions later.

Tramontina (Brazil)

Costco often sells

Anolon/Circulon (USA)

All are owned by MEYER Kitchenware Group

Calphalon - Native American Brand

Calphalon is a domestic high-end cookware brand in the United States. It uses anodizing process, a local brand warranty is convenient, and fluoropolymer/ceramic coating is optional. This brand has a good reputation among non-stick pan brands in the United States. Although it uses Teflon non-stick coating, it uses relatively advanced Teflon coating techniques, mostly Platinum, Platinum Pro, and even Autograph grades. , featuring an anodized aluminum process.

What is anodized aluminum?

Anodizing is a process of hardening aluminum. The aluminum is put into an acidic liquid and given an electric charge. The aluminum combines with oxygen on the surface to produce aluminum oxide. Anodizing produces pots that are extremely durable and twice as hard as stainless steel. This cookware has a long lifespan and is very resistant to corrosion and wear, even in extreme heat.

In the past, there have been concerns about the strong link between aluminum and Alzheimer's disease, so many consumers have been afraid to buy cookware made of aluminum materials. And hard aluminum oxide can eliminate these users' concerns. Its final product is not only chemically stable but also does not decompose, without any toxicity.

Introduction to the features of the official website series

CANAAN - Danish high-end brand

Scanpan is a very common Danish brand of high-end non-stick pans. Its core technology is "ceramic-titanium coating". Judging from the color and heat resistance temperature, this coating is based on a fluorine-containing coating. In addition to the pot body, the bakelite handle on the SCANPAN pot has an exclusive patented technology, which solves the trouble of consumers replacing screws and rivets. Up to 260 degrees Celsius.

Green Pan - Belgian high-end brand

Greenspan is a high-end brand specializing in the manufacture of ceramic-coated non-stick pans in Belgium. All products are guaranteed for life and are very popular in the United States. It uses the famous ceramic coating Thermolon Thermolon. Since 2007, Greenspan has developed the fifth generation of coating technology. The latest generation of coating technology strengthens the Tamron coating with diamond for even greater performance, durability, and resilience of non-stick pans.

• Greenspan has several collections with the latest 5th generation coating technology Thermolon Minerals ceramic non-stick, but there are still several collections with lower ceramic coating technology Thermolon ceramic non-stick (Tamron Ceramics).
• In addition, Greenspan will launch cooperation series with different merchants, such as the "Pure Ceramic + Magneto' series, "Diamond + Evershine" series, and "Champagne" series launched in cooperation with Sur La Table, as long as you pay attention to coating technology, pot material, the highest heat-resistant temperature, and other key factors, we can know that it is possible to compare the cost-effectiveness with that series horizontally.

IKEA - Swedish brand

We all know that IKEA is cost-effective, and it is not bad to buy a pot when you go to buy furniture. The non-stick pans sold by IKEA currently use four Teflon coatings, from high to low: Teflon Professional, Teflon Platinum Plus, Teflon Select, and Teflon Classic. The main difference lies in the tolerance of the coating. Those who use non-stick pans more frequently are suitable for buying non-stick pans with higher-grade coatings, and those with lower frequencies can buy non-stick pans with slightly lower-end coatings.

The OUMBÄRLIG series is more recommended, which combines appearance, performance, and cost-effectiveness, and induction cookers can also be used.

Use and maintenance of non-stick pan

Boil for the first time

Most pots recommend opening the pot first. Before using it for the first time, you should wash the pan with soapy water, then apply a small amount of cooking oil to the surface of the pan and wipe it with a paper towel.

daily use

• Low to medium heat should be used when cooking to help maintain the longevity of the non-stick surface
• Avoid using the sharp point of the knife to cut food directly on the surface of the cookware or pierce the surface of the cookware
• Do not overheat empty cookware, make sure there is oil, water or ingredients in the pan before starting the heat
• Wait until the cookware has cooled before submerging it in the water. This is very important because many people are used to cooking one dish and immediately washing the pot and frying the next one. It is recommended to keep 2-3 pots and wash them together after eating.
• Burnt grease or food residue accidentally left on the surface of the pan can usually be removed with warm water and mild detergent; in extreme cases, you can use the following formula to remove residue: 3 tablespoons bleach, 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap, and 1 cup of water. Use a sponge or plastic scrubbing pad to apply the prepared detergent to the nonstick surface, then apply a little cooking oil to the surface after washing

The Best Way to Clean a Ceramic Nonstick Pan

• Try soaking a nonstick pan in hot soapy water, use Dawn dishwashing detergent, then scrub with a sponge
• For hard-to-wash stains like BBQ sauce, mix 1/2 cup Cascade dishwasher detergent with 2 cups water, let soapy water soak overnight, rinse off and wash thoroughly the next morning
• 
  

Storage of non-stick pans

A common way to store cooking and baking utensils is by nesting the pieces together, or stacking them, preferably stuffed with paper liners when storing. If possible, it is best to hang each pot separately.

Common problem

Is it impossible to use a metal spatula for non-stick pans?

Technological advances have made it possible to use metal utensils in many products with non-stick coatings, and top coatings can withstand all items including metal utensils. Of course, if it is too rough, even the best non-stick coating may be slipped and damaged, so to make non-stick cooking utensils perform better and more durable, it is recommended to use a wooden or plastic spatula that is less likely to scratch.

Most non-stick coating products look the same, are they similar?

Not quite. Multi-coat products are of better quality than single-coat products. Reinforced non-stick coatings are more resistant than unreinforced ones.

Can I put non-stick pans in the dishwasher?

Some non-stick pans are OK, while others are not, please refer to the instructions.

Should I use butter or cooking oil for cooking?

Any butter or ghee can be used (depending on personal taste), but for most meals little or no oil is required, making dishes that are consciously less fat than they are through healthier cooking.

What is the lifespan of a nonstick coating product?

It depends on two factors: one is the quality of the non-stick coating applied to the surface of the product (the better the quality, the longer the life), and the other is whether you are careful when using the product. A good quality nonstick coating product can last for many years if you don't "rough" it.

What happens if I overheat a nonstick pan?

If a nonstick pan is accidentally overheated (above normal cooking, and baking temperatures), the nonstick coating may discolor and lose some of its nonstick properties.

I am ingenious. Is it possible to refurbish old kitchenware with nonstick paint directly from the manufacturer?

Regrettably, no. Nonstick coatings require processing at very high temperatures (750° to 825°F/400° to 440°C). The coating must be applied by professional equipment.

Can nonstick cookware be put in the oven?

Yes, but most nonstick paints are only oven safe within 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Certain sol-gel ("ceramic") nonstick coatings can withstand higher temperatures. One caveat though: pans, plates, handles on lids, or accessories must also fit in the oven. You should preferably refer to the product's oven safety instructions under the "Use and Care" section of the manufacturer's instructions for use.

Can I use nonstick household utensils in the microwave?

Most non-stick coatings are applied to metal, although non-stick coatings will not be damaged metal products should not be used in microwave ovens. Microwaveable if the non-stick coating is on glassware.