Non-stick Temperature Guidelines
What temperatures should be used with non-stick skillets for cooking various foods? Are there any guidelines? I read somewhere that eggs should be cooked on med-low, is that correct?
Dr. Gourmet Says...
Thanks very much for this question. I have had a debate about this with
a chef friend who claimed that I should not have used a non-stick pan
at high heat as I did in a recent television segment.
I have looked at a great deal of opinion on this and many manufacturers suggest temperatures between 350°F and 450°F. There is no clear consensus. I do use my pans occasionally in a hot oven (temperatures in the 500°F range).
duPont is one of the major manufacturers of non-stick coatings and here is some information released by them on the subject:
"Low to medium-high heat is recommended for cookware with non-stick surfaces but, on occasion, when you need to cook with temperatures up to 500 ºF (260 ºC), you can without damaging the finish."
I cook eggs on medium low because cooking them on a higher heat can result in a rubbery texture.
Thanks for writing,
Timothy S. Harlan, M.D.
Dr. Gourmet