This Is When You Should Throw Out Your Cookware, According to a Kitchen Expert
It may be time to toss it.
- After years of wear and tear, your cooking sets may be in need of an upgrade.
- We tapped a kitchen expert to help figure out when you should toss your cookware.
- These are the top things you should know.
If I had to guess, I would say it has probably been a while since you last gave your cookware a good once over. And I don’t blame you. In the haste that is keeping up with everyday life, swapping out your old faithful cookware is likely the last thing on your (and my) to-do list.
But despite the lack of time or attention that is given to properly inspecting the state of your cookware on a day to day basis, there is still a great reason to check for signs of wear. “Nonstick cookware is actually only designed to last a few years,” said GH Kitchen & Cooking Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou. “Ceramic cookware is even shorter.”
No matter what cookware material you prefer, most will need to be replaced after some time. So, I tapped Papantoniou to give a full rundown on the top signs it’s time to toss your cookware. And after you’ve decided which pieces to throw away, you can take a look at our best cookware sets to help you make an informed decision for your replacements.
Scratches or chips have appeared
Pots or pans that have scratches or chips should be on your list to go. “Once your nonstick cookware starts showing any signs of wear, you should toss it,” Papantoniou said. “You don’t want to accidentally ingest that.”
Non-stick starts sticking
If your food has begun sticking to your non-stick pans, Papantoniou suggests letting it go. “It's not really nonstick anymore,” she said, meaning it’s no longer serving the purpose you originally bought it for.
Pots and pans are warped
A dent here or there may not make your cookware completely unusable, but “if it doesn't sit flat, it can be dangerous,” according to Papantoniou.
Stainless steel becomes stained
Despite its name, stainless steel pans can pick up stains after consistent use. And Papantoniou says that’s more than an aesthetic issue. “Sometimes stainless steel pans get so stained that it can affect the taste of your food, so you should toss,” she said.
Cookware isn’t compatible with your induction cooktop
Not all cookware is created equal. And that specifically goes for the type of cookware you can use on an induction cooktop. “Some cookware may not be compatible even if it says it is,” Papantoniou points out. “[There’s] no point in keeping something that doesn't work for you.”
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