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So here are a few suggestions that will help you use your nonstick pans more effectively. Don't worry if you didn't already know some of these tips — many people don't!

1. The first thing you need to know is that you shouldn't use high heat with your nonstick pan.
2. The coating is meant for low heat. It's great for eggs, not so great for steak. Your food simply won't brown the way it will in stainless steel or cast iron, and no one wants that, especially for a steak. While you may not want to hear it, you just can't use this pan for everything.
3. Second, to avoid a filmy buildup that is really hard to remove, don't coat your pan with cooking spray.
   What you can and should use instead, as the New York Times advises, is a little bit of oil or butter.

Then, rub a little bit of the oil or butter on the face of the pan, which not only coats the pan but also helps with cooking. Finally, one last tip: Treat your nonstick pan with care. Use silicone, rubber or wood utensils instead of metal, and use a dish towel or soft sponge to clean the pan. When putting it away, try storing it between two paper towels to prevent scratches caused by it rubbing up against other dishes or pots and pans.

See, caring for your nonstick pans isn't nearly as complicated as you thought it might be, is it? We haven't always followed these tips but now that we know about them we're definitely going to take better care of our nonstick pans from now on. If you're in the same position, don't worry — it's not too late!

Article Source: Tasting Table