Is Your Burnt & Beat-Up Baking Sheet Trying to Kill You?
On the topic of baking sheets, there is one in particular that most all of us own. It's black and brown and busted, and you have no idea when you bought it or even where it came from. If you're like me, you still use it a few times a week, and it still works perfectly fine!
It may look totally janky and worn out, but you can pry it from my cold, dead hands. We are bonded at this point. She is my GIRL. My "Ride or Die" over the years of cooking for the fam. That pan has been there for me when I've needed her most to crank out a batch of cookies or roast some veggies. I figure I'll just keep slapping parchment paper down on her when things get...sticky.
I can't even remember the last time I bought new pots and pans. All of ours are just hand-me-downs from my parents, and I don't cook extravagant meals or bake very often anyway, but is there a lifespan on a set of pots or pans?
How Often Should You Replace Your Pots and Pans?
After assessing sources on Google like Southern Living, American Kitchens, and Home & Garden, it seems the average life of cookware is five to ten years. Closer to the lower end of the range if you are frequently in the kitchen. However, there are instances where you should toss them out even sooner. When they scratch and dent, they can leak metals into your food.
What Are Signs You Need to Replace Your Cookware?
Signs you need to replace your cookware include visible scratches, warping or dents, loose handles, and spots with rust. Another sign is if the pan is scorched or you are unable to clean it in a way that makes the pan look clean. If it is brown, black, or perpetually greasy looking, it may be time to replace it.
How to Make Your Cookware Last Longer
Stainless steel sets are recommended for durability and safe cooking. To get the most out of your cooking sets, be sure to always handwash them and towel dry them. You can use a storage rack or even pieces of cardboard or plastic to separate them so they won't scratch or bang on each other in the cabinet. Another way to prevent damage is by using wooden or rubber utensils vs. metal for stirring or flipping whatever you're making.
How old is your oldest pan? Do you think it's time to replace it or will you hang onto it for a little longer?
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