How to Buy Nonstick Utensils

Many cooks prefer nonstick cookware for lowfat cooking and easy cleaning. If you have nonstick cookware, you must buy nonstick utensils made of wood, silicone or rubber to protect the coating on your cookware and to prevent contamination of your food. Think about the type of cooking you do to determine particular utensils you'll want close to hand.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Make a list of specific cooking utensils you need based on your cooking style. Most cooks require one or more turners, slotted spoons, serving spoons and a ladle. You may want a spaghetti fork and tongs as well.

2. Select heat-resistant silicone or rubber utensils. Less expensive utensils may not be heat resistant and won't last as long, especially if you plan to clean them in the dishwasher. Remember that heat resistance doesn't mean heat-proof.

3. Look for seamless utensils when shopping. Seams invite bacteria to lodge in the tool. No matter how well you clean it, the utensil may contaminate your food.

4. Hold the utensil and get a feel for how you'll be using it while cooking before you buy it. If the utensil feels unbalanced or uncomfortable in your hand, you'll want to try another brand or model.

5. Buy more than one utensil if you have more than one nonstick pan. For example, if you have two skillets, buy at least two turners, two serving spoons and two slotted spoons in case you use both skillets at the same time.

Tips & Warnings

• Rubber and silicone utensils may stain. To prevent foods from discoloring your utensils, wash them in cool soapy water rather than placing them in the dishwasher or hand washing them in hot water.
• Wooden utensils may be more expensive than rubber and silicone utensils and slightly more difficult to clean properly. However, you can use them at higher temperatures than rubber and silicone tools.
• Nonstick utensils made from silicone or rubber can melt. Don't lay your utensils on the stove or leave them in the pot or pan.

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