How can I revitalise my non stick frying pans that are no longer non stick?

Question

How can I revitalise my non stick frying pans that are no longer non stick?

Answer 1

Bin them, but I have a solution for future use of pans before you buy anything new.

You need to buy a cast-iron pan that has no teflon or anything on it.  You then take an old chefs trick (and be careful) and heat vegetable oil (only enough to coat the pan) in it til it smokes.  repeat this until the oil has smoked on the pan for a while, be mindful of the fire hazard.  wipe the oil out and pour in some salt.  leave on a moderate heat for 15 minutes and discard the salt - it will be very hot so be careful.

once wiped clean you will find even eggs etc will not stick to it.  once they start to after repeated use just re-oil and salt thepans.  You will have them for life then......

Answer 2

You can't really revitalize them, but you can cook with lots of oil or liquids.

It isn't very healthy to continue to use them though (and certainly not with high heat) because of the coating they have and the likelihood that the surface is flaking off (into the food).  Better to just buy new ones.

There are various types of "non-stick" pans now (I have a Circulon one with tiny concentric rings on the surface, for example), and some definitely last longer than others (generally the ones that cost more and don't "look like" the Teflon you're used to).



Non-stick pans aren't *necessary* for cooking most things though --I use mine only for eggs, e.g.).  Other pans can be used along with a bit of oil (or a bit of chicken stock or other liquid), even if you're browning first.  

And as mentioned, cast iron skillets eventually get a wonderful fairly non-stick surface after they've been used and oiled between uses for awhile, and will also cook most things lots better too because of their weight and very even heat retention.

Diane B.

Answer 3

well you can cook with alot of oil or buy soem new teflon pans ! i say the latter ! welll good luck !

Answer 4

Short of getting them re-tefloned (expensive), you have skillets for that fire on the beach, skillets for mornays on the grill.

Take the handles off if they aren't oven proof and you have mini pizza pans.

Drill holes in them and you have instant drainers for steaming seafood.

The uses are endless, depends how fond of them you are.

Answer 5

Unfortunately you can't, you have to get new pans.