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Ok, How Often Should You *Really* Be Replacing These Common Kitchen Tools?
Plus, how to care for them so they *do* last longer
Have you ever looked at a scratched-up nonstick pan or old, smelly Tupperware and wondered if it was time for a trip to the store? Chances are, some of your most well-loved kitchen tools are indeed in need of replacing.
While some products—like stainless steel pans, Dutch ovens, and stand mixers—are built to last, others—like plastic storage containers and even wooden utensils—have a more limited lifespan. If a product becomes damaged or no longer functions like it used to, it’s probably time to toss it, not only for the sake of practicality, but for your safety too.
Though it may feel impossible to know where to start, I’ve identified four common kitchen tools that need replacing sooner rather than later. Read on to learn what these products are and how to care for them so that they *can* last longer.
Nonstick pans
Both traditional and ceramic nonstick pans are covered in coatings that prevent food from sticking to them. This coating makes the pans easy to work with and a breeze to clean, but the coating doesn’t last forever.
“Nonstick pans should no longer be used if the coating is scratched or flaking off,” says Stephanie Smith, associate professor at Washington State University’s School of Food Science. “Many non-stick pans contain Per- and polyfluorinated compounds (PFAS) which can accumulate in the environment and in the human body.” A compromised coating means that the pan can no longer function as nonstick, which isn’t great. It also means the coating can peel off the pan and end up in our food, which is even worse.
Alycia Johnson, vice president of marketing at kitchen supply store, Sur la Table, says that you can expect a nonstick pan to last anywhere from three to ten years, depending on the quality of the pan and how well it’s cared for.
She says there are three things you can do to help your nonstick cookware last longer:
- 1.Avoid high heat
“Due to their construction and materials, most nonstick pans heat up quickly and are meant to be used at medium-low heat—under 400° F,” says Johnson. “Anything above that 400 mark at sustained heat risks damaging the coating in an irreversible way.”
- 1.Hand wash only
Johnson recommends allowing your pan to cool down to room temperature before washing it with soap and water. Avoid soaking the pan and don’t run it through the dishwasher—this will help prevent rusting.
- 1.Use gentle utensils
One of the easiest ways to ruin a nonstick pan is to scrape it with a metal spatula, which can easily damage the coating. Instead, stick with plastic, wood, and silicone utensils to help preserve your pan for longer.
My favorite nonstick pans
Plastic storage containers
We all have an ancient Tupperware from Mom’s house languishing somewhere in a kitchen drawer. So, how do you know when it’s time to finally let it go?
“Plastic food containers that contain chips, cracks, or deep scratches should probably be replaced as they make the containers more difficult to clean,” says Smith. She also notes that older containers might contain harmful chemicals like PFAS and BPA.
Many plastic containers are recyclable, so be sure to check with your local recycling center before chucking yours in the trash—the number on the bottom (1 through 7) will indicate what type of plastic your container is made from and whether it can be recycled in your area.
To help your containers last longer, Johnson also recommends avoiding storing them at extreme hot or cold temperatures. If you’re looking to replace your plastic containers or if you have concerns about plastic in general, glass containers are a great alternative and can last for many years (so long as they don’t break!).
My favorite plastic storage containers
Spatulas and other cooking utensils
Kitchen utensils are commonly made from either plastic, silicone, stainless steel, or wood. Stainless steel is the longest lasting option but due to its sturdy nature, the metal can easily scratch nonstick pans and enamel-coated Dutch ovens. Utensils made from plastic, silicone, and wood are much gentler on your cookware but have varying lifespans.
- Plastic utensils have the shortest lifespan. You’ll know they need replacing when they begin to show signs of damage or excessive wear. Smith says that “if a spatula has material flaking off, is chipped, cracked or has deep scratches, it should probably be replaced,”— the concern being that small bits of plastic could get into your food. “This is not only for chemical risks but also because pieces of the spatula could cause physical risks such as lacerations or cracked teeth,” she says. Deep scratches can also be difficult to clean and harbor bacteria.
- Wooden utensils can last a lifetime if properly cared for, but like a quality wooden cutting board, they need regular maintenance to keep them in working order. Johnson explains that because wood is porous, prolonged exposure to moisture can cause permanent damage—never leave a wooden spoon sitting in a pot of food or soaking in a sink filled with water. Instead, clean your wooden utensils immediately after each use and allow them to air dry. “If you notice your wooden tools appearing dry, dull, or rough in texture, they may need some maintenance,” says Johnson. “In that case, to keep the surface sealed, condition the wood with a food-safe conditioning crème or mineral oil. This is a good practice to do with all of your wooden tools once every few months.”
- Silicone utensils last longer than their plastic counterparts and don’t require as much maintenance as tools made from wood. That said, you should still consider replacing them if they develop deep scratches or grooves.
My favorite utensils
Knives
Most of us probably don’t consider metal utensils like knives to have a lifespan—surely they last forever, right? Well, not necessarily.
“Quality knives are a bit like nice cars,” says Johnson, “In that if you care for them well, with regular maintenance, they will last a long time, possibly a lifetime—however if you treat them poorly, they may not work as expected over time.”
Johnson explains that, with proper care, most high-end knives are expected to last for at least ten years. Ideally, a knife should be honed before and after each use and sharpened every couple of weeks. But this maintenance takes its own toll. “When sharpening knives, you're actually removing small amounts of material on the knife's blade with each pass,” explains Johnson, “Theoretically you could sharpen the blade until there's no blade left.”
You’ll know it’s time to replace a knife when the blade or handle are chipped, cracked, or otherwise damaged beyond repair. Any of these problems can make a knife unsafe to continue using, as it increases the risk of cutting yourself.
At the end of the day, most tools won’t last forever
When your pans, containers, or utensils wear out, they no longer work as well as they once did, and in some cases, they can even pose a risk to your health. Knowing when to replace them will help keep your kitchen a safer, and more functional space.
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