When you’re out looking for the ideal non-stick cookware for your kitchen, the first thing that you will notice is the wide range of variety in the market. It can prove to be overwhelming. Unless you have done your due diligence, coming to the right conclusion can be tricky seeing how many options you can have to choose from. While you’re shopping for non-stick cookware, you suddenly remember a debate with your neighbor about the cookware containing certain toxic chemicals, or that it chips off easily. You will come across such myths frequently. But to make the right choice you must know for certain.

5 most common myths about non-stick cookware

Non-stick coating is not safe

This is the most common misunderstanding floating out there. What really happens is that the non-stick coating degrades over time. But even if it does degrade, it only means that the non-stick properties will slightly fade. PTFE coating has been certified safe for use by the USFDA. However, most non-stick utensils are made up of an aluminum base. If the coating comes off, the food comes in contact with aluminum which is known to leach in food after sustained usage. Old and worn aluminum cookware is prone to leach more aluminum than the acceptable amount in our food.

Non-stick cookware contain PFOA

Perfluorooctanoic acid or PFOA has a rather nasty reputation. And rightly so. It is known to be a carcinogen with many other adverse effects on health. It is generally used as an adhesive to keep the non-stick coating from coming off. While most respectable cookware manufacturers have moved away from the use of this harmful chemical, there are a few in the unorganized sector that might still be working with PFOA in some form.  

Non-stick cookware requires high maintenance

One of the things that makes non-stick cookware so widely used is the fact that if you just stick to the instructions of its usage, it is one of the most long-lasting and cost-effective cookware out there. Non Stick cookware made in triply stainless steel is known to be more durable and healthier than that made in an aluminum base.

Every non-stick coating out there is the same

There are many coatings available in the market with various degrees of non-stick properties. There’s the ceramic coating, Teflon coating, and a more advanced and safer coating called Greblon coating.

Scratched non-stick cookware is no good

A scratch or two can take a toll on its look and feel, but that’s about it. It is not recommended to replace the utensil if it is superficially scratched. Even with tiny scratches on the non-stick cookware, its performance remains undeterred.

Ceramic Vs Teflon Vs Greblon

Most of the time, the term non-stick is associated with Teflon coatings. But in reality, there are two types of non-stick coatings – ceramic and polymer coatings. While both are non-stick, they are not without their set of pros and cons.

Ceramic coating

Ceramic vessels are extremely beautiful to look at and almost irresistible. But it’s not just that anymore. Ceramics have evolved and are also available as a coating. Here are some of its pros and cons.

Pros:

1. Easy to clean after immediate cooking.
2. Better heat retention.

Cons:

1. More expensive than Teflon.
2. Prone to chipping.
3. Takes longer to heat.
4. Not fully Non Stick unless seasoned

Teflon Coating

Teflon has been our trusted kitchen partner for quite a long time. But what is Teflon? Teflon is actually a brand name for the polymer named polytetrafluorethylene, or PTFE. Not only does it make cooking fuss-free, but it also makes cleaning much easier. Although safety concerns of the PTFE polymer are a topic of debate, studies have shown that when used under 300℃ it is completely safe.

Pros:

1. Affordable.
2. More resistant to chipping than ceramic coating.
3. Heats quickly.
4. Completely non stick.

Cons:

1. Cannot be used on high flame.
2. Must be cleaned using soft material.

Greblon – Just like Teflon, only better.

Teflon has benefitted many industry verticals. It has evolved over the past few years. A special polymer coating named Greblon is proving to be just as useful, only more effective and robust than Teflon. The Greblon coating for cookware is available in various grades – C2, C2+, C3, C3+, and C3+ PEEK. These coatings have multiple reinforcements of polymer coatings making them extremely durable, robust, and more resistant to abrasion. Besides being used in cookware, Greblon is also being used in tools and electrical appliances. Stahl non-stick cookware is equipped with the C3+ grade Greblon coating. It means that it gives a seamless non-stick experience while being more resistant to corrosion and abrasion.

Wear and tear of non-stick

The best part of using non-stick cookware is that not only is it easy to use but is also easy to maintain. You can easily increase its life using these tips and tricks.

1. Avoid storing food in your non-stick cookware for longer durations.
2. Use low or moderate flames while cooking.
3. Avoid sudden temperature changes.
4. Season the non-stick cookware with oil before use.
5. Avoid using abrasive materials while cleaning.

And that’s why non-stick is great. But you know what’s better?

Imagine the best qualities of SS304 stainless steel triply and non-stick C3+ Greblon coating coming together. Sounds too good to be true? All the drawbacks of aluminum based non-stick cookware are eliminated and the cooking experience is beyond expectation because of the feel & functioning of the cookware .With Stahl's NevrStick Range, you have a true winner on your hands. 

If you're not familiar with triply stainless steel, try reading 5 Things You Need to Know About Using Your Triply Cookware! and The Truth About Triply