If you feel that your days are only getting busier, and because of that, healthy cooking has to take a backseat, know this: you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other. Non-stick pans have come to the rescue, and knowing how to correctly use them will not only save you time, but money and calories too!
Types of non-stick pans
You will not be hard-pressed to find a non-stick pan. They come in many shapes and sizes. As a whole, there are three main types of non-stick cookware: Teflon, ceramic, and cast iron.
Teflon is the most common non-stick coating of all, but it can break down after repeated use and is not as durable as ceramic or cast iron. Non-stick ceramic coatings applied over a metal pan create an invisible barrier that keeps food from sticking to the pan, making it both affordable and durable. Cast iron needs several seasonings with oil before its non-stick qualities become more apparent, but it is a highly durable type of cookware that can withstand extremely high heat.
Why you should use a non-stick pan:
- Good for inexperienced cooks
- Requires very little oil
- Reduces calories from fat
- Easy to clean
- Durable and long-lasting
Good for inexperienced cooks
Beginner cooks will appreciate a pan that is easy to use. When first learning how to cook, eggs are one of the foods that tend to stick the most. It takes skill and experience to cook eggs perfectly. Non-stick pans are best used over medium heat, which is perfect for new cooks just starting out.
Requires very little oil
Non-stick cookware requires very little oil or butter to cook food. When cooking beef, chicken, or pork, a teaspoon of oil will help the food keep from sticking to the pan and give it a nice crust on the bottom. When cooking foods like sunny side up eggs, breaded meats, flaky fish, crepes, or pancakes, a non-stick pan will do a better job of keeping the food intact without it breaking up.
Reduces calories from fat
For the less experienced cook, using a non-stick pan helps ensure that food does not get cooked in too much oil. In fact, some dishes do not require oil at all, thanks to the pan’s non-stick capabilities.
Easy to clean
Non-stick pans are easy to clean. Excess grease and grime will not stick to the pan as easily, and washing up becomes more efficient. Higher quality non-stick pans such as ceramic coated pans can last a very long time, making them a great investment, for easy cooking and cleaning up.
How to clean your non-stick cookware well:
- Hand wash only with mild dish-washing detergent
- Air dry or dry with a dish towel
- Season with 1 - 2 drops of oil while still warm
- Stack pans with a pot holder or dry folded washcloths between them.
Durable and long lasting
Both ceramic coated and cast iron pans are durable and long-lasting, able to withstand higher heat without breaking down. Teflon pans however need to be used with care. Teflon cookware is coated with a material called PTFE, which breaks down at high temperatures, releasing fumes that can be toxic. If using Teflon, always remember to retain heat at a low to medium temperature, and do not allow it to overheat or smoke.
Want to try our non-stick ceramic cookware? They are a great-value investment that makes cooks and clean ups easy, while being highly durable and long-lasting.
