Home & Kitchen with Caraway

Is Your Non Stick Pan Sticking? 10 Potential Causes + Fixes

Key Takeaways

Most non-stick sticking issues come from heat, cleaning, or utensil mistakes, and are easy to fix.
Protecting the coating keeps your cookware performing longer and your meals chemical-free.
Upgrading to high-quality, non-toxic cookware like Caraway ensures lasting, easy-release cooking.

At Caraway , we know how frustrating it is when a “non-stick” pan stops living up to its name. You start your day expecting perfectly cooked eggs that slide right onto the plate, and instead, you’re scraping them off in clumps.

Whether it’s pancakes, fish, or sautéed veggies, pan sticking can make cooking (and cleanup) way more stressful than it needs to be. The truth? Most sticking issues have a clear cause, and the good news is that many can be fixed without tossing your cookware entirely.

From heat control to cleaning habits, small tweaks can restore that easy-release performance you love while keeping your cooking surface safe and non-toxic.

Below, we’ll walk you through 10 possible reasons your non-stick pan is sticking, plus the exact fixes to get it back in shape and keep your meals sliding right where they belong.

1. Cooking on Too-High Heat

High heat might seem like the fastest way to get dinner on the table, but it’s one of the quickest ways to ruin a non-stick surface. Excess heat can break down the coating over time , making it less effective and more prone to sticking.

It can also compromise the non-toxic benefits you invested in, which is why keeping temperatures in check matters for both performance and safety.

Fix: Stick to Medium or Medium-Low Heat

For most foods, medium or medium-low heat is all you need, especially with quality non-stick like Caraway’s ceramic coating, which holds heat efficiently. Your pan will still get hot enough to sear and sauté, without damaging the surface.

2. The Pan Isn’t Properly Preheated

A cold pan can cause food to grab onto the surface before it has a chance to form a natural barrier. This is especially true with proteins like eggs, fish, or chicken, which tend to stick if they hit the pan too early.

Fix: Use the Water-Drop Test To Gauge Readiness

Before adding oil or food, flick a drop of water into the pan. If it sizzles and glides across the surface, it’s ready . Preheating for just 60 to 90 seconds over medium heat is enough to prime the pan for better release.

3. Inadequate or Uneven Oil Coverage

Even non-stick cookware benefits from a little fat for smooth performance. Without it, delicate foods can still cling in spots, especially if the oil isn’t spread evenly.

Fix: Spread a Thin, Even Layer of High-Smoke Oil

Use a neutral, high-smoke-point oil like avocado or grapeseed. Make sure it coats the entire surface. Tilt the pan or use a silicone brush to distribute the oil so every inch is covered before adding food.

4. Using Cooking Sprays or Aerosol Oils

Cooking sprays often contain propellants and additives that can leave behind a residue. Over time, that buildup can create a sticky film that’s hard to clean and can affect your pan’s performance.

Fix: Try Refillable Oil Misters or Wiped-On Oil

Skip aerosol sprays and opt for a refillable mister or simply wipe oil onto the surface with a paper towel. This keeps your coating free of buildup and makes cleanup faster.

5. Damaged Coating

If your pan’s coating is scratched, chipped, or worn down, sticking is almost inevitable. Most damage comes from using sharp or rough utensils that dig into the surface.

Fix: Use Gentle Utensils

Switch to non-abrasive tools like our FSC®-certified birch wood utensils . They’re sturdy enough for flipping and stirring, but soft on non-stick surfaces, helping you preserve the coating and keep your cookware in top shape for years.

6. Grease Buildup

Even if you’re hand-washing after every use, a thin layer of grease can cling to the surface over time. This residue can cause sticking, uneven heating, and a dull appearance.

Fix: Deep Clean Your Pan

Every so often, mix baking soda with a little water to form a paste and gently scrub with a soft sponge. This lifts stubborn grease without harming the coating, leaving your pan fresh and slick again.

7. Dishwashing Mistakes

Dishwashers can be rough on non-stick cookware. The high heat, harsh detergents, and constant water pressure can degrade the coating much faster than hand washing.

Fix: Hand-Wash Instead

Stick to warm water, mild soap, and a soft sponge. It’s faster than you think and helps extend the lifespan of your non-toxic surface.

8. Pan Warp

A warped base won’t sit flat on your stovetop, which means uneven heat distribution and more sticking in certain areas. Warping usually happens from sudden temperature changes, like rinsing a hot pan in cold water.

Fix: Check Flatness and Replace if Needed

Place your pan on a flat surface and see if it rocks or spins. If it does, it’s time for a replacement. Prevent warping by letting pans cool before washing.

9. Cooking Acidic Foods at High Heat

Tomato sauce, citrus marinades, and wine-based reductions are delicious, but acidic ingredients at high heat can slowly wear down non-stick coatings.

Fix: Use Medium Heat and Add Fat Early

Keep the heat moderate and add a little oil or butter before acidic ingredients hit the pan. This helps protect the surface and maintain even cooking.

10. Pan Is Old or Low-Quality

Sometimes, sticking isn’t about your technique. Older or cheaply made cookware can lose its non-stick performance quickly, and in some cases, may contain coatings with toxic chemicals.

Fix: Upgrade to Caraway!

Ceramic Cookware+ and Squareware Set - Cream and Gray - Whats Included - Storage

Our ceramic-coated cookware is designed with your health and kitchen in mind—free of PTFE, PFOA, PFAs, and other “forever chemicals” found in traditional non-stick. Built to last, easy to clean, and safe for you and the planet, Caraway pans keep your meals sliding and your cooking stress-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my non-stick pan smell weird when heated?

This can be leftover residue burning off. Deep cleaning often fixes it.

Do non-stick pans work on induction cooktops?

Yes, if the base is magnetic stainless steel. Check the product specs to be sure.

What foods are hardest on non-stick pans?

Metal-heavy sauces, sugary glazes, and sticky proteins can be more likely to cling if the technique isn’t right.

The Bottom Line

At Caraway , we believe cooking should be as enjoyable as the meal itself, and nothing throws off your rhythm faster than a “non-stick” pan that won’t cooperate. Most sticking problems come down to a few common culprits, and as you’ve seen, a little care and the right habits can make all the difference.

By keeping your heat in check, using gentle cleaning methods, and avoiding harsh tools or chemicals, you’re preserving your pan and protecting the safety of the food you put on the table. If your current pans are past the point of no return, upgrading to Caraway means upgrading your entire cooking experience.

From eggs that glide to stews that simmer perfectly, our cookware is built to perform, last, and keep your kitchen healthier. Explore our collection today and see what it’s like when “non-stick” really means it.

Sources:

Five Ways You're Damaging Your Nonstick Pans (and How to Stop) | Food & Wine

How to Tell if Your Stainless Steel Pan is Hot Enough Without a Thermometer | LifeHacker

Heat Distribution - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics

Human Inhalation Exposure to Aerosol and Health Effect | PMC