This Easy Trick Will Make Your Nonstick Cookware Last So Much Longer

In our humble opinion, every kitchen should have at least one nonstick cookware item (or in our case, multiple nonstick cookware items). Nonstick pots and pans can be your best friend in the kitchen when cooking up things like eggs, fish, and pancakes — and they're oh-so-easy to clean.

However, over time, nonstick cookware can get a little beat up. After a while, you may start to notice your pot or pan isn't cooking as well as it used to. Or you may even notice scratches or peeling on the surface.

Of course, nothing is designed to last forever, but if you want to slow down the wear-and-tear and make sure your nonstick has the life it deserves, we have a simple trick for you: season your pots and pans.

You've probably heard of seasoning when it comes to cast iron pans. So, the same thing goes for nonstick pans, from sauté pans, to saucepans, to frying pans, and even baking pans.

What Is Seasoning?

If you don't know, seasoning cookware involves simply adding a layer of oil that will coat the pan's surface and form a protective layer. It helps cookware remain effective while reducing the amount of oil you need when cooking — and it makes cleanup a breeze because foods should just slide right off.

Seasoning a cast iron pan is a little different than seasoning nonstick because cast iron will develop a black patina layer after it's seasoned. Also, with cast iron, the more you cook with it the more seasoned it becomes because you're building up that oil layer.

Seasoning nonstick cookware, meanwhile, will help the surface stay smooth and slippery, as well as fill in any small pores or uneven patches on the surface. Basically, it takes the phrase "nonstick" to a new level.

How to Season Nonstick Cookware

Seasoning nonstick cookware is incredibly easy, and it doesn't take very long either. To season your nonstick pans, follow these steps:

1. If your cookware is brand new, wash it first to remove any leftover factory residue. Make sure it is completely dry before adding oil.
2. Coat the surface with a thin layer of neutral oil (vegetable or canola oil are good choices). You can use a towel to evenly distribute the oil. Bring the oil all the way up to the rim of the pan.
3. Heat the cookware over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes. If the cookware is oven-safe, you can also put it in the oven at 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
4. Once cool, wipe away any excess oil with a towel, and the pan is ready to use!

How Often Should You Season Nonstick Cookware?

Repeating the seasoning process will ensure your pans last longer, but there is no rule for how often you should do it. Some brands recommend seasoning your nonstick cookware monthly, while some say once every six months.

Generally speaking, if you start to notice that your nonstick cookware isn't as nonstick as it was before, it's probably time to season it again.

If you have a cupboard full of nonstick goods that you have never seasoned, it's not too late! Seasoning pans, even after multiple uses, is still better than never seasoning them at all.

However, if your cookware is past its prime — aka it's warped or covered with significant scratches — it may no longer be safe to use. You're probably better off tossing it and starting over with new pots or pans.

Other Tips to Make Your Nonstick Last

In addition to seasoning your pans, it's important to keep proper everyday maintenance in mind to ensure your nonstick lasts and works as advertised. Here are some helpful tips for nonstick success.

• Use the right oils or fats for cooking. You'll want something with a higher smoke point to keep burnt-on residue at bay. With that in mind, skip nonstick cooking sprays as well. This is a case where 1 (nonstick) + 1 (nonstick) does not = 2 (super nonstick). Cooking spray can damage nonstick coating over time.
• Though you want to work with higher smoke points, it's best not to overheat nonstick pans. You can help the coating last longer by keeping a low to medium heat when cooking. High heat adds a lot of wear and tear to nonstick.
• Stick with wooden spoons and silicone utensils for your stirring and flipping, and never use metal utensils or anything with sharp edges that can (and will) scratch.
• Wash your nonstick cookware correctly. Make sure your pan cools completely after use, then hand wash in warm soapy water, wiping with a soft sponge or washcloth. Dry with a towel and store carefully to further protect the surfaces. Avoid stacking, one on top of the other, without something in between. And definitely avoid the dishwasher.

Related:

• Our Test Kitchen Found the Best Nonstick Pans
• 5 Foods You Should Always Cook in a Nonstick Pan (and 4 You Shouldn't)
• How to Choose Cookware