Just found out my cheap pan is actually toxic at high heat

I was reading up on nonstick coatings last night after my eggs started smoking weird. Turns out some of the budget pans from the grocery store can break down at 500 degrees and release fumes. I got mine for $12 at the local supermarket last year. Now I'm worried I've been cooking on it too hot. Anyone else check their pan's max temp?

2 comments

2 Comments

mila_craig41mo ago

Oh man, that is concerning but I gotta push back a little. Those cheap pans are usually fine if you keep the heat low or medium, not blasting it on high. I've used $10 pans for years and never had smoke unless I forgot about the eggs. You should be okay if you just cook on lower settings, that's what I do with mine.

hayes.tara1mo ago

Oh ABSOLUTELY! That's exactly what I do too. I swear by those cheap nonstick pans but I ONLY use them on medium-low heat. Like if I'm making eggs I set the burner to maybe a 4 out of 10 and they come out perfect every time. The problem is people crank the heat up thinking it'll cook faster and then the coating burns off or gets all smoky. Same thing with those little $20 skillets from the grocery store - you just gotta treat them GENTLY. I've had the same one for over two years now and it still looks brand new because I never blast it.