Stainless steel pans are renowned for their durability and strength. But even though they don't have a fragile coating like non-stick pans, they aren't invulnerable to scratches . With a little care and the right techniques, you can keep your stainless steel pan shiny and pristine for years .
Here are our practical tips to avoid scratches and maximize the lifespan of your stainless steel pan.
1. Use the right kitchen utensils
The first rule to avoid scratches on a stainless steel pan is to choose suitable utensils :
- Wooden utensils : They are soft and do not damage the surface of the pan.
- Silicone or nylon utensils : These flexible materials are perfect for stirring or turning your food without risk of scratching.
- Avoid metal : Metal spatulas, forks or knives can scratch the surface of your pan, especially if you use force.
Tip: Reserve your metal utensils for other types of less sensitive kitchen utensils.
2. Never cut directly in the pan
It may seem obvious, but cutting your food directly in a stainless steel pan with a knife is one of the main causes of scratches.
- Use a cutting board to prepare your ingredients before cooking.
- If you are turning the meat or fish, use wooden or silicone tongs rather than a knife.
👉 A small, simple gesture, but one that preserves the surface of your pan.
3. Clean your pan carefully
Proper cleaning is essential to keep your stainless steel pan shiny and scratch-free. Here's how to do it:
Absolutely avoid:
- Metal sponges or abrasive scrapers that scratch stainless steel.
- Unsuitable abrasive powders , like some overly aggressive cleaning creams.
Best practices:
- Allow the pan to cool before cleaning it to avoid thermal shock.
- Use hot water and a soft sponge . For stubborn residue, soak the pan for a few minutes in hot soapy water.
- Baking soda : For stubborn stains, sprinkle some baking soda into the damp pan, let it sit, then gently rub with a non-abrasive sponge.
- White vinegar : Add a few drops of vinegar to hot water to degrease and restore shine.
Tip: Always deglaze the cooking juices with hot water after use. This makes cleaning easier and avoids having to scrub too hard.
4. Avoid impacts and direct stacking
Scratches sometimes occur outside of cooking , particularly when you are storing your pans.
- Do not stack them directly : Place a protective layer between each pan, such as a clean cloth or a felt separator.
- Avoid impacts : Be careful when storing or moving your pans so as not to bump them against other utensils.
Tip: If you have several pans, store them by hanging them up to avoid any contact.
5. Preheat your pan before cooking
Proper preheating reduces food residue buildup that can stick and require abrasive cleaning. Here's how to do it:
- Place your empty pan over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Test the heat with a drop of water: if it forms a bead that slides , the pan is ready.
- Add your ingredients (with or without fat).
Properly controlled cooking makes cleaning easier and reduces the risk of damaging the surface of your pan.
6. Maintain your pan regularly
Regular maintenance preserves the shiny appearance of your pan and limits micro-scratches:
- Lightly polish your pan with a soft cloth and a few drops of white vinegar to remove watermarks and maintain its shine.
- Avoid harsh chemicals : They are unnecessary and can dull the surface.
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Choosing quality: stainless steel as a long-term, cost-effective alternative