Is It Okay to Use Metal Utensils on Non-stick Cookware?

We’ve all been there: It’s early in the morning, you’re getting ready for work, you’re under-caffeinated and hungry, and you’re thinking about whipping up some delicious scrambled eggs. You reach for a spatula, only to find your usual wooden, plastic, or silicone one is dirty. But there, perfectly clean and at arm’s length, is a metal spatula. You can’t help but ask yourself, is it really that bad to use it? You might scratch your expensive cookware, but is it really that serious? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. But why?

If you’ve ever wondered why you shouldn’t use metal spatulas on non-stick pans, here’s what you need to know.

The Hard Truth About Non-Stick Pans

Metal utensils can scratch non-stick coatings, especially those with a PTFE (Teflon) base. On the other hand, if your pan has a ceramic coating, a metal spatula might not cause as much damage since ceramic coatings are generally more durable.

While most coatings are multi-layered, small surface scratches from using metal spatulas or spoons are normal and primarily cosmetic. Minor scratches on the coating’s surface typically won’t impact its integrity or performance.

So, if you’re in a pinch and cooking with a ceramic pan, occasional careful use of a metal spatula won’t cause major damage. Just don’t make it a habit.

However, if you cut through the coating, penetrating all the layers down to the pan’s base metal, you’ll likely find that area of the pan will perform poorly. At this point, it’s crucial to replace your pan. This is also why most manufacturers advise against cutting food with a knife directly in a non-stick pan.

Which Spatula Should You Use Instead of Metal?

We recommend using nylon or wooden utensils to minimize those small scratches. Alternatively, silicone spatulas are also excellent; they’re dishwasher-safe and versatile for all types of cooking. If you prefer using metal spatulas, consider purchasing cookware that doesn’t have a non-stick coating.

Can’t bear to part with your non-stick pans? Then clear out all your metal spatulas from the kitchen so you’re not tempted to use them. If you’re not comfortable getting rid of them entirely, tuck them away in a drawer: out of sight, out of mind.

Do you have any other questions about caring for your cookware?