We select and review products independently. When you purchase through our links we may earn a commission. Learn more.
X

Is Nonstick Cooking Spray Harming Your Pans?

A man sprays a pan with cooking spray.
DGLimages/Shutterstock.com

It’s time to cook dinner. You reach for your handy nonstick pan and some cooking spray just to be extra sure your food doesn’t stick. While this might seem like a good call in the moment, you should probably rethink it.

Your nonstick pans can be damaged by nonstick cooking spray, and over time, you might end up needing new cookware as a result.

Most nonstick cookware has a Teflon or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) that keeps food from sticking using a combination of carbon and fluorine atoms. Unfortunately, when nonstick cooking spray is used on these surfaces, it’s nearly impossible to remove.

While your pan might seem fine at first, over time, the spray will build up and compromise performance, causing food to stick.

T-fal Titanium Advanced Nonstick Fry Pan

If you've used a bit too much cooking spray, you might need a new pan altogether.

Now, that doesn’t mean you can’t use oil if you’re worried about food sticking to your pan. Olive oil, canola oil, and other types of cooking oils are all safe options. Use a minimal amount of oil and cook on medium heat as high heat can also be a source of damage to nonstick coatings.

If your nonstick pan is, well, no longer nonstick, it might be time to invest in new cookware. This time, though, skip the cooking spray.

Shea Simmons Shea Simmons
Shea Simmons is the Editor In Chief of LifeSavvy. Previously, she worked as a freelance writer with a focus on beauty and lifestyle content. Her work has appeared in Bustle, Allure, and Hello Giggles. Read Full Bio »
LifeSavvy is focused on one thing: making your life outside of work even better. Want to know more?