When looking at one of the must-have kitchen gadgets, a dishwasher definitely tops the list. It’s that kitchen workhorse which saves you time and cleaning hassles, making your life way easier. But at the same time, not every cookware or utensil you have around your home should go in there based on safety and durability.
Now one of them is nonstick cookware which for the longest time have been branded as non-dishwasher safe. The thing is, it’s not about finding the right dishwasher safe nonstick cookware set but actually the impact that a dishwasher has on this type of cookware sets.
Now that aside, manufacturers are stretching the far they can to give you nonstick brands which can withstand the conditions in a dishwasher, but even with that, they’re still scarce on the shelves. Now on to the question, why is it so difficult to find the best nonstick cookware set which is dishwasher safe? Let’s unravel the puzzle.
Why Are Most Nonstick Cookware Sets Not Dishwasher Safe?
- Banging
Anything sharp that comes closer to your nonstick cookware is definitely a threat to the layers. In the dishwasher, the cookware will be moving against the racks as the cleaning process goes on, making it easier for the surfaces to grate.
It’s even more risky when you put them together with other objects and tools because with that, mechanical banging is initiated even at the slightest movement. The exposure often gets aggravated when the machine is faulty with which the shaking can in turn increase damage on the pans.
- Abrasive Detergent
Most dishwasher detergents have higher percentages of harsh chemicals which might not go well with nonstick pans. The reason why you always end up with spotlessly-cleaned dishes has a lot to do with alkali, bleach and surfactant, ingredients which weaken the bonds used for making nonstick layers.
This makes them prone to scratching and with time, the layers will be ruined. When such compositions settle on your cookware, there are also chances that they could end up stained. In the end, it’s certainly your efforts to get rid of the statins which could peel the layers off in the first place.
Nonstick surfaces are meant to be cleaned with gentle and mild dish soap, no matter how greasy they are. Being that it’s not recommendable to use any soap other than dishwashing detergent should be more reasons for you to stick to hand washing. The logic is simple; if it’s gentle on your hands, it definitely will be on your nonstick cookware set.
- High Water Temperature and Drying Heat
High heat levels is yet another threat to your nonstick cookware sets. This includes cooking temperatures of the water used in cleaning and also the heat levels for drying settings. When used over time or frequently, the exposure will cause the nonstick layers to deteriorate.
With such, the layers will start peeling off, rendering the affected pieces ineffective. On the other hand, you might have landed on a substandard brand with layers which release toxic vapors with the slightest exposure to high heat.
On such occasions, the same can be retained in the dishwashing machine and in the end get into contact with other utensils, exposing you to greater health risks. So dishwasher aside, don’t be tempted to soak nonstick cookware in hot water, no matter how stained it is.
Here’s the solution: Go Modern
As mentioned, not all the nonstick cookware sets aren’t dishwasher safe. We still have modern pieces which can withstand a couple of rounds in the dishwasher. However, for such you’ll have to spend extra dollars than you would on regular nonstick sets.
This also means that you have to watch out for substandard brands which will not survive the trips to the dishwasher as expected. That aside, it’s important to underline that even with those modern and quality brands, you shouldn’t throw them in the dishwasher every now and then and only do so on a few occasions.
Conclusion
At this point, I think you know my stand when it comes to throwing nonstick cookware in the dishwasher. The rule of the thumb remains the same for me: Keep any cookware you love out of the dishwasher. These pots and pans are usually easier to clean once you invest in one with a decent nonstick layer because with that, there will be minimal stains and food residues left behind.
All in all, if you don’t want to go through any hand-washing troubles, you can still find some reliable varieties on amazon. In addition to that, you can also look out for the dishwasher-safe sign on the cookware whenever you’re shopping at the local store.