I think the non-stick stuff is called Teflon, right?

Anyway, I was wondering about how long you can use a non-stick pot before it needs to be disposed of and replaced?

I have 2 large non stick pots and one of them which is less frequently used is still dark black and smooth inside. The other which we use more often is light grey and more rough texture inside.

And I noticed the other night when I went to fill it with water that the water always bubbles up as if there is soap in it, but there isn't. The bubbles go away after a few seconds but its not like normal water bubbles, they act like soap bubbles. And the other pot doesn't do that.

Is it safe to keep using a nonstick pot that has turned light grey and you can see the silver underneath? Thanks!

I toss mine once I noticed that the coating is starting to come off while hand washing it. If the coating is still smooth I'd still use it. Of course if everything starts sticking to it then you lose the benefit of the non-stick pan and I would toss then as well.

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Originally Posted by franneh

I think the non-stick stuff is called Teflon, right?

Anyways, I was wondering about how long you can use a non-stick pot before it needs to be disposed of and replaced?

I have 2 large non stick pots and one of them which is less frequently used is still dark black and smooth inside. The other which we use more often is light grey and more rough texture inside.

And I noticed the other night when I went to fill it with water that the water always bubbles up as if there is soap in it, but there isn't. The bubbles go away after a few seconds but its not like normal water bubbles, they act like soap bubbles. And the other pot doesn't do that.

Is it safe to keep using a nonstick pot that has turned light grey and you can see the silver underneath? Thanks!

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You should only really worry about tossing a non-stick pan if the coating is flaking off. If the pan still does what you want it to do, hang on to it.

As for the bubbling, try a little test. Wash it like you normally would, and then boil water like you normally would. Turn off the heat and let the water cool. Is there a scum on the water? Did the bubbles stick around? Can you find anything at all in your water that isn't, yanno, water? (if you're brave, try a taste test -- just swish and spit, it won't kill you.) if you taste something or see something, toss the pan. The surface is absorbing your wash soap or holding on to food residue, and it's not really fixable.

If everything seems fine, dump the old water and boil again without washing. If is bubbles again like that, it's just how the pan is, and you're on your own. If it doesn't bubble, toss it. It's probably the absorption thing.

If the second boil doesn't produce your bubbles

Flaking is a big this with teflon and absolutely should be tossed if that's the case. Teflon pans/pots can be used almost forever with the proper care and washing. In other words, never place in dishwasher, never use those 3M green scrubbies on them or anything remotely close to that. Don't let water sit in them for extended periods (like overnight) or any other liquids or foods. Dry immediately after washing. And I'm sure you're aware that you should never use metal on non-stick pots/pans.

I think using Teflon pans itself is a bad idea- they are so delicate - and who knows what the effect is- of fragments of the coating on our digestive system? Prefer using traditional pots and pans

Just do use metal against them this is what scratches them to s**t makes the metal come off teflon is great

I also have a pot that I burned and used a spiral scrubber which took the coating off. The stainless steel is now showing through. Is it still safe to cook in?