Is your pan sticking? Here's how you can prevent a kitchen crisis

Why your pan is suddenly acting up

We all know it: you're happily cooking, turn around for the spices... and BAM! Burnt mess. But why does that happen? In most cases, it's not your cooking skills, but some misunderstandings between you and your pan. Grease residue, overheating, or starting too dry can really mess with the non-stick coating.

What's really going wrong with the non-stick coating

The ceramic coating in your pan is great – but not invincible. Over time, grease and food residue can build up. Add a dash of too much heat or a pinch of abrasive washing, and you've got the perfect cocktail for a sticky pan bottom.

Pan already caked? This does work

Don't panic. With some household remedies, you can get your pan clean and happy again.

Method 1: Vinegar

• Fill the cooking pot with warm water and a generous splash of natural vinegar.
• Let it soak for 15–30 minutes.
• Clean gently with a non-abrasive sponge.
• Rinse well and dry immediately.

Method 2: Baking soda

• Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda on the bottom.
• Add a few tablespoons of warm water until it becomes a paste.
• Let this sit for 10–15 minutes.
• Gently scrub clean and then rinse well.

What you absolutely shouldn't do

Just scrub with steel wool? Nope. You'll do more damage than you like. Also, holding a pan under cold water while it's still hot is asking for trouble (read: cracks or warping).

How to keep your pan happy

With a few simple habits, you can ensure your pan remains your best friend:

• Always use some oil or butter – a dry start is not a smart start.
• Don't heat the pan empty, and certainly not on lava mode.
• Give it time to warm up slowly.
• Use only soft sponges and leave aggressive cleaners alone.

Pan broken or just misused?

Sometimes a pan seems ready for retirement, but it's just a matter of good maintenance. Take your pan seriously, and you really won't have to say goodbye for a while.

Oops… wrong pan for the job?

Some pans just aren't made for your cooking habits. Did you use a lightweight pan on wok mode? Then you understand that it's going wrong. For heavy tasks, you prefer to choose a pan with power – like those from Cook & Pan (hint, hint).

Prevention is more fun than scrubbing

If you give your pan love, you'll get crispy crusts and stress-free cooking in return. So: take that extra minute to clean it well, and it will be eternally grateful.

Which pan suits your cooking style?

Not every pan is an all-rounder – and it doesn't have to be. Do you cook quickly and basically? Then a sturdy stainless steel pan is your go-to. Do you prefer slow-cooked goodness? Then you're all set with a Dutch oven. And yes, at Cook & Pan, we have the right match for every style.

Why Cook & Pan should become your kitchen companion

Our pans are not only a feast for the eyes – they are made to rock in the kitchen. Made of sustainable material, without harmful substances, and in colors that make your mouth water. Whether you cook every day or just look for something that doesn't burn: Cook & Pan has what you're looking for.

Leave the burnt pan behind

Time to say goodbye to those frustrating kitchen moments. With the right tips and the right pan, cooking becomes a party again. So grab that vinegar, throw some baking soda into the mix, and give your pan the love it deserves.