Food - Drink
The Surefire Way To Tell Your Nonstick Pans Are Finished
By MATTHEW SPINA
To keep excess chemicals out of your food, you should stop using nonstick pans once they start showing their age. An obvious sign is peeling or flaking on the surface of the pan.
Not only does a damaged surface make the pan less nonstick, but it also puts you at risk of ingesting flakes of Teflon. This is also the case for scratches, especially large ones.
Dark discoloration is another sign that your pan's surface could be permanently damaged. Depending on how much you use your pan, it's best to replace it every five years or so.
Sturdier alternatives to nonstick pans include ceramic and cast iron vessels, though these pans need some extra maintenance, and all cookware eventually wears out over time.