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• Avoid thermal shock, let your pans fully cool before cleaning.
• Consider hand washing instead of using a dishwasher.
• Stack and storing correctly avoid damaging your pots and pans
• Use the correct utensils for your cookware
• Cook at the right temperature for your type of pan
• Ready to level up?

Taking a hot pan straight from the cooker to the sink without letting it fully cool down first can cause thermal shock. Thermal shock can damage the non-stick coating over time and significantly reduce the lifespan of the cookware.

Although dishwashers can be very effective at cleaning cookware and crockery, often the dishwasher tablets or powder can contain harsh chemicals which could break down the coating on your non-stick pans over time. Dishwashers can even cause corrosion on certain grades of stainless steel cookware!

Washing by hand in warm soapy water can still be effective at cleaning your non-stick cookware without damaging the coating. It may take a little longer but your pans and purse will thank you in the long term.

Incorrectly stacking your pots and pans when drying or when being stored may cause permanent damage such as chips and scratches. Any damage to non-stick coatings can impact heat distribution and cooking efficiency as well as shortening the life of your cookware.

As well as surface damage, if your pots and pans fall in an avalanche from being stacked up when drying you could easily dent or cause deeper scratches to the metal or coatings.

Our expert advice is to either invest in storage racks or simply stack them on a flat surface in size order. Be sure to store glass lids separately to avoid damage.

For non-stick pans, non-metal utensils will be a safer option to prevent scratches or damage to the surface of your cookware. Whether you opt for silicone, wood or plastic utensils;  having a more gentle material can help to prolong the life of your pans without having to compromise on cooking performance.

Remember to care for your utensils too, washing them by hand with your cookware will keep them in top condition also. We also recommend giving wooden tools the occasional oil treatment to keep them looking fresh. Treat your utensils right and they’ll be cooking up a storm with you for years to come!

No matter whether you prefer to cook with stainless steel pans or non-stick cookware, it’s important to consider which temperatures will work best.

For stainless steel pans:

1. Start off cold.
2. Place the pan on the hob.
3. Gradually bring up the heat.

For non-stick pans it’s best to go low and slow to protect the coating and keep the food from burning.

Are you ready to level up your cooking? Now that you know how to get the best from your cookware, perhaps it’s a good time to consider a brand new set?