Calphalon cookware with a non-stick coating can make cooking easier and more convenient, but is it safe to use when scratched? Most people are concerned about the non-stick coating of the pan mixing into their food. In this article, we will discuss if scratched Calphalon pans are still safe to use and when is the time to throw them away and purchase a new one. While non-stick cookware is ideal to use, you need to know when it is time to replace them.
Is it safe to use scratched Calphalon pan? If the scratch is small and not fragmenting, it is still safe to use the Calphalon pan. However, if the non-stick coating is lifting, some of it can flake into your food which can release toxic compounds and can be dangerous. The pan can also become stickier. Moreover, using a non-stick pan over high heat can release chemicals that are dangerous when ingested. When used moderately, nonstick pans can last only about five years. If it is damaged or scratched, you need to throw and replace them just to be on the safe side.
Calphalon pans are popular because just like any non-stick pan, it makes cooking and cleaning easier thanks to the coating that keeps food from sticking to the surface of the pan. The non-stick surface of the pan also allows cooking with less butter or oil. However, it can be worrying when the coating began to flake. Is it still safe to use scratched pan? What are the dangers of cooking with non-stick pans? Check out the rest of this article for more information.
Should I Throw Away My Scratched Non-Stick Pans?
You can still use a scratched non-stick pan as long as the coating is not lifting or fragmenting, and the scratch is not big or long. A common concern is that the non-stick coating can flake off and be ingested which can happen if the pan is old and not well taken care of. A metal spatula can scratch even a high-quality Calphalon pan and cause it to flake. However, ingesting small flakes of the non-stick coating is not dangerous as the material will most likely just pass through the body.
To be on the safe side, you can decide to replace the pan if the scratch is too big that the coating flakes get mixed with the food when you start stirring. Scratches on non-stick pans do make it stickier, so if it starts to get flaky and does not provide the cooking results that you want, then it is time to replace it with a new one.
When Should Calphalon Pans be Replaced?
Replace Calphalon pans approximately every five years. Check your pans frequently for any changes or damages. When you notice any scratches, discolorations, or if the pan starts to appear warped, you need to replace them immediately.
When the Pan is Warped
This is not a health risk but can compromise the quality of the food that you are cooking because you will not get even heating. Warped pans can be caused if it is heated to a high temperature and cooled very quickly. For example, if you have immediately taken the pan off the stove and then place it in the sink with water, the bottom of the pan can warp. To test if the pan is warped, place it on a flat surface and press the handle up and down. If it wobbles, it means that the bottom is warped.
When Scratches Appears
It is easy for non-stick pans to get scraped or scratched. Once it does, the coating can start to flake off and can land on the food that you are making. Your dishes can have strange black bits on them that come from the coating.
Are Calphalon Pans Toxic?
When properly used and maintained, the Calphalon pan is not toxic and safe to use for cooking. To maintain the stability of the cookware, avoid using scratchy sponges or abrasive when cleaning. To remove food residue, you can gently wipe it with dishwashing soap. Soak the pan in warm water to remove difficult bits. When cooking, do not use metal utensils because they can scratch the surface of the pan.
How to Safely Use Non-Stick Cookware
As long as you follow some precautions on how to use non-stick cookware, then you can use them safely. Preheating an empty non-stick pan, cooking on high heat, and damaging the pan are some of the things that you need to avoid. Below are some tips on how to safely use non-stick cookware.
Avoid Pre-Heating an Empty Non-Stick Pan
This can overheat the pan especially if it is lightweight and flimsy. Lightweight pans can reach temperatures above 500 degrees in less than five minutes.
Do Not Cook on High Heat
Avoid going above medium heat when cooking. Set your knob to low or medium and do not place your non-stick pan on power burners because those are meant for tasks like quickly boiling large ports of water.
Do Not Sear or Boil Meats
Searing and boiling meats require temperatures above what a non-stick pan can usually handle.
Avoid Chipping or Damaging the Pan
Metal utensils can chip, scratch, and damage non-stick pans they should be avoided. Instead, use wooden spoons to stir food. Avoid using steel wool or other abrasive tools when cleaning. If you have to stack the pans to save space, place a paper towel or soft liner between them.
How to Restore Calphalon Pots and Pans
Calphalon pots and pans are sturdy. However, if you accidentally burned them, there are a few things that you can do to restore these pots and pots to make them look good as new. Using mild dishwashing liquid, vinegar, and baking soda are some of the best and easy ways to restore burned Calphalon cookware. Check out the process below.
Mild Dishwashing Liquid
This is an ideal remedy for pots and pans that are not completely ruined from accidental burning.
Method:
Take the pan and add a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid to the burned area. Place it on the stove and turn the heat from medium to low. Let the pan simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the pan sit for at least half an hour. Next, gently scrub the pan with a soft brush to break off the crusted layer. Lastly, rinse the pan and pat it dry.
Vinegar
Soaking stainless steel pots in white vinegar is also another solution. The vinegar will react with the burned layer and force it to break away from the surface of the pan. If you do not have vinegar, you can use apple cider or fresh lemon juice.
Method:
Mix the vinegar in an equal ratio with water and soak the burned pan into the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes. Once the burnt residue starts to come off, dump the dirty vinegar water and start scrubbing using a non-abrasive brush or sponge. After scrubbing off most of the crusty layer, use liquid dishwashing soap to remove the buildup. Rinse the pan and let it dry.
Baking Soda
Another method that you can use is baking soda. It will react with the blackened surface and cause the burned layer to break away. This method takes a bit of time, but the result is just as effective.
Method:
Mix a few teaspoons of baking soda with warm water and pour the mixture into the burned area of the pan. Allow it to soak for a maximum of 2 hours. Next, scrub the affected areas using a soft sponge. Drain the baking soda solution into the sink and refill the pan with another batch of the solution. Continue this method until the burned bits start to flake off from the pan. To remove the remaining residue, scrub the pan with mild dishwashing soap. Rinse and let the pan dry.
✅ Video – How to Clean Calphalon Non-Stick Cookware
Essortment shared the video below on YouTube. It talks about how to clean Calphalon nonstick cookware. Cleaning the cookware properly will prevent any damage and make the cookware last for a long time. Check out the video below for the proper cleaning demonstration.
Is Granitium Cookware Safe?
Granitium cookware has a nonstick coating that is composed of four layers reinforced with mineral particles. It is durable and safe to use. To learn more about this topic, you can check out this article that we have written titled, is Granitium cookware safe?
Is Porcelain Oven Safe?
Most of the porcelain cookware is oven-safe. To achieve its hardened state, porcelain is heated at over 2300 degrees. The high temperature allows porcelain cookware to be durable and resilient to thermal shock and heat. Check out this article that discusses if porcelain is oven safe. We have shared useful tips and information on how to take care of your porcelain cookware.
How Long do Calphalon Pans Last?
Calphalon pans can last three to five years. It is recommended that you change your non-stick pans approximately every five years. Moreover, if you noticed any dents, scratches, or warp in your pans, you need to replace them because it means that the pan does not provide the same quality for cooking.
Why is My Calphalon Pan Peeling?
Calphalon pans may peel or flake because of high heat. Another reason for the coating to flake is because it has been scratched and will continue to peel. Avoid using high heat on non-stick cookware because it can damage the pan. Using metal utensils can also cause scratches and flaking. You can also check out this article titled, is carbon fiber stronger than titanium, steel, aluminum? We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
Can I Put Calphalon in the Dishwasher?
It is safe to put Calphalon signature stainless steel cookware in the dishwasher. On the other hand, hand wash the cookware with warm and sudsy water before using it for the first time. You can also check out this article that we have shared about how to make matte porcelain tile shiny. We have shared different methods that you can follow.
Conclusion
You have reached the end of this article that discusses if it is safe to use a scratched Calphalon pan. We have learned that as long as the non-stick coating of the pan is not flaking or peeling, the pan is still safe to use. However, take note that once the non-stick coating is peeling, food will start sticking into that area when you cook. Hence, it is best to replace the pan. Thank you for reading!