Rachael Answers: My Nonstick Pan Started Peeling, Do I Have to Throw It Away Immediately?

Here's an important question you've definitely wondered before:

If you have a nonstick pan, and the protective layer on it starts peeling, do you have to throw it away immediately?

That was one of our audience member's questions to Rachael, and this was her immediate response:

"Bye, bye!"

And another thing!

"When you cook with nonstick, never heat it empty," Rachael says. "Always preheat nonstick (or copper) pans with something in it — with the fat that you're using IN the pan."

As Rach explains, heating a nonstick pan empty is "bad for the nonstick."

And yes, once the coating starts peeling, it can be hazardous for you!

"Just, bye bye!" Rach says.

There you have it, folks! Once it's peeling, DUMP IT.