How Often Should You Replace Non-Stick Pans?

Nothing lasts forever and when it comes to non-stick pans, truer words were never spoken. After all, there's a reason you should never use metal utensils on non-stick pans and toss them if they have a scratch.

Non-stick pans are non-stick because they have a chemical coating of Teflon that makes it easy to scramble eggs, make the perfect grilled cheese sandwich, or flip your flapjacks without using an excessive amount of oil or fat. It also makes them easier to clean. These pots and pans are so popular, in 2021, market research found non-stick cookware raked in $10.79 billion and is projected to grow to $15.39 billion in 2028 (via Grandview Research).

But as great as this kitchen gear is, its nonstick properties are fleeting and can lead to a need for frequent replacement. While it is a no brainer that if you have a non-stick pan that has visible scratches or has lost most of its non-stick coating, it is time to replace it, that isn't the only sign you should be looking for.

Cooking with damaged non-stick pans can ruin your favorite meals, which is why you should inspect them from time to time. What are you looking for? If your favorite non-stick frying pan or baking sheet looks warped, it may be time to fire-up your favorite culinary shopping app and purchase some new ones. Warping may seem like an innocuous problem, but it may cause some culinary woes with meals not cooking consistently. Another sign is discoloration. If your non-stick pans have become dark in color, chances are the non-stick coating has not only lost its non-stick superpower but may be ending up in what you are cooking.

What if you are attentive and take extra good care of your non-stick cookware? Chances are it could last you for between five and seven years depending on what material it is made of. Traditional non-stick pans tend to last longer than those made of ceramic. Of course, if you really love your non-stick pan and want to try and repair it, you should first check with the brand to see if they recommend using a non-stick cookware spray to do so.