Saucepans

Using non-stick saucepans have the added benefits of healthier cooking, due to the smaller amount of oil required to prepare food, and the reduced amount of time it takes to clean them. However, in order to preserve the non-stick coating, the following points are worth considering to ensure you know how to look after non-stick saucepans. - Although many manufacturers state that their saucepan sets are dishwasher safe, it is usually better to avoid cleaning them in a machine. Certain detergents are not really suitable for non-stick cookware and over time the surface of the saucepans can begin to wear out. - For handwashing, you should avoid using a scouring pad when cleaning non-stick cookware, especially if they made from metal as this can leave unsightly scratch marks. It is usually sufficient to just use a soft sponge with some washing up liquid, after letting the pan soak in warm water for a few minutes. - Using knives, whisks, spatulas and other utensils that are metal based, are also not recommended, as they can also scratch the non-stick surface whilst you are cooking. After cleaning the saucepans, always ensure you dry them thoroughly because if your cookware does happen to have some scratch marks on them then they can easily rust. - A mistake that people can typically make is to put a very hot pan straight into some cold water in the sink. This can be very damaging for non-stick saucepans because the sudden change in temperature can cause the pan to slightly warp, which can result in uneven heat distribution during cooking. It is best to leave your pan on the hob for a few minutes before it cools sufficiently - Cooking non-stick cookware on a very high heat is also not advisable as over time the consequences can be similar to that of putting hot pans in cold water, i.e. they can warp and not spread the heat evenly during cooking - Two final points to consider concern storage. Food should never be stored in non-stick saucepans, and when stacking them in cupboards, you should make sure that no metal pans or other products are on top of them as they can leave scratch marks. Martyn Croston has a keen interest on all things related to cookware. Visit his site to read FREE reviews of the best saucepans and discover the best products for you