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Cookware can be a significant investment for any home cook, which means it isn’t something you want to purchase often. Once you buy a high-quality cookware set, it’s worth putting time and effort into caring for its components to ensure they can stand the test of time. 

Armed with the following tips, your latest purchase should be able to withstand several years of you cooking up a storm. 

Pay Attention to Cleaning Instructions

Though most induction cookware sets feature high-quality materials to last the distance, poor cleaning methods can still significantly shorten their working life. Each cookware material is different and comes with its own care requirements. 

For this reason, it’s essential to read the cleaning instructions that come with your set. This is important as the cleaning methods you used with past cookware may no longer be relevant. Pay close attention to any mention of dishwasher cleaning as most high-quality cookware sets are not dishwasher-safe. 

Use the Right Cooking Accessories

After spending your hard-earned money on new cookware, the last thing you want to do is scratch it as soon as you begin cooking. While stainless-steel cooking utensils are ideal for some pots and pans, they are less suitable for those with coatings. 

Silicon or nylon utensils are best for cookware with nonstick coatings. They don’t scratch, are easy to maneuver in the pan, and are also easy to clean. 

Store Safely

While you might have happily thrown your old pots and pans into your cupboard with the rest of the clutter, it pays not to do that with your new, high-quality cookware. Failure to store these items properly may affect their performance. 

After cleaning and drying induction cookware carefully, store it in a cool, dry place. Exposure to moisture may impact its integrity over time. If you lack cupboard storage space, consider investing in tabletop racks or hangers. These allow you to store your cookware and lids separately and even suspend them above your cooking station where they can’t be scratched by anything. 

Heat Carefully

If you have non-stick cookware, you may be frustrated by how the non-stick feature becomes less effective over time. While choosing high-quality cookware can assist with preventing this problem, you can also reduce the risk of it happening by changing how you control temperature. 

If oil is left to get too hot in a pan, the non-stick coating can deteriorate. Some cooking methods require high heat, but you must pay careful attention to ensure your oil doesn’t start smoking. It’s at this point that your pan’s coating can be compromised. 

Be Careful With Acidic Food

Depending on the cookware brand you choose, you may find that certain acidic food types cause premature non-stick coating failure. Frequent contact with acidic products can cause the coating to peel and scratch off, and you may not even notice until it’s too late. Consider cooking foods like tomatoes and lemons in cast iron pans that don’t have non-stick coatings. 

Lubricate Before Cooking

Though non-stick pans are designed to help food not stick, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use a lubricant like butter, oil, or lard. Not only does it assist with flavor development, but it can also prevent premature cookware failure. 

Only a small amount is necessary. Simply use a paper towel with a few drops of cooking oil and smear it around the pan’s surface. 

When you look after cookware well, it can give you many years of faithful service. The next time you decide to purchase new pots and pans, keep these tips in mind to make sure they last as long as possible.