Nobody wants to buy a pot and end up replacing it after a few years. Most home cooks or chefs seek a guarantee on how long a pot is going to last because getting a new pot isn't cheap.
If that's the information you seek, you're at the right place because we are going to discuss the average lifespan of popular pots and how to extend the lifespan of your pots.
How Long Do Pots Last?
With the current economy, pots are really expensive, and you don't want to buy a pot that's going to last for a few years.
High-quality pots are the kind of pots that can last for a very long time with constant use, making the investment in purchasing a pot worth it. That's why it's crucial to know how long the pot you're planning to buy can last you.
In this section, I'm going to cover the average lifespan of popular pot materials.
Nonstick Pots
If you purchase a low-quality nonstick pot, it will only last for less than 2 years. But a high-quality nonstick pot can last for 5 years.
If you keep using a nonstick pot after the fifth year of purchase, even if the nonstick pot is high quality, the nonstick coating of the pot will begin to wear away, which can mix with your food, causing a health hazard.
Stainless Steel Pots
Stainless steel pots are known for their durability. A high-quality stainless steel pot can last for many decades, even if you constantly use it.
Copper Pots
Copper pots can last for a lifetime if they are properly used and maintained.
If your copper pot is lined with tin, you might need to reline it every few decades to keep it in good condition.
Check Out Article: Copper VS Stainless Steel Pots: Pros and Cons
Carbon Steel Pots
Carbon steel pot is one of the best and most loved pots by many chefs. If you get a high-quality carbon steel pot, it can last you for a lifetime if you properly use and maintain it.
Cast Iron Pots
Cast iron pots are nearly indestructible. It can last for a lifetime if you maintain it properly.
Ceramic Pots
Ceramic pots are more delicate than most types of pots. A high-quality ceramic pot can only last for less than 5 years if properly used and maintained. If it's not cared for properly, it might only last for just a year.
Note that the average lifespan of pots listed above is accurate if you purchase a high-quality pot and you use and maintain it properly. If you don't, the pot will last you way less than the average lifespan.
Knowing how to use and care for your pot is one of the major determining factors in how long your pot is going to last.
When You Should Replace Your Pots
At some point, your pot will begin to wear down and show signs of aging, even if the pot is a high-quality pot. If you continue using it at that point, it can pose a risk to your health or affect your cooking experience.
In this section, I'm going to cover the signs that tell you it's time to replace your pot.
Your Pot Is Warped
If your pot is warped, you should replace it as soon as possible. Now, let's talk about what a pot being warped actually means.
A warped pot actually means the pot is bent out of shape. This happens when a pot is heated or cooled very quickly, causing some parts of the pot to expand or tighten faster than other parts.
A warped pot doesn't pose any health hazard, but it can affect your cooking quality. For instance, if you cook with a warped pot, heat will distribute unevenly, causing some part of your meal to be undercooked.
You can detect if your pot is warped by just looking at all sides of your pot. You can also tell by placing your pot on a flat surface; if it wiggles, then it's warped.
Your Pot Is Flaking or Losing Nonstick Coating
When the surface of your pot starts flaking or the nonstick coating begins to wear away, you shouldn't use that pot again because the pot flake or the nonstick coating can mix with your meal, causing a health hazard.
To ensure you don't use a pot that is flaking or losing its nonstick coating, inspect your pots regularly.
Your Pot Responding Differently
If your pot starts responding differently from the way it used to, then it is time to replace the pot.
For instance, if the pot that used to simmer perfectly is now burning sauces or your cast iron pot is now distributing heat unevenly, causing some part of the meal to be undercooked, then you should replace the pot.
Before you replace the pot, inspect your cooking appliance to see if it's damaged. If it's not, then the problem is from your pot, and you should replace it.
Note that replacing your pot doesn't mean you should throw them in a trash can. You can make better use of the pots by recycling them.
I have written an extensive article on how to recycle your old pots.
Tips To Make Your Pot Last Longer
Stick to Handwashing
A dishwasher washes dishes by applying heat and pressure. The heat and pressure can affect your pot or even damage it.
Though some pots are dishwasher safe, hand washing your pot is a more gentle and safe way to clean your pot.
Handwashing your pot can increase the lifespan of your pot, as your pot won't have to withstand the heat and pressure of a dishwasher.
If a stain on your pot won't come off even after scrubbing, you can use baking soda while scrubbing to make the stain go away.
You should also use an ordinary kitchen sponge when handwashing your pot and avoid using metallic brushes to prevent scratches on your pot.
Avoid Temperature Shocks
If a cool pot is suddenly moved to a high heat or vice versa, it can disrupt the quality of a pot.
If you want to cook with a pot, don't move it to a condition (like a preheating oven) where the temperature is really high. Heat it slowly. Also, cool a pot slowly. Don't just move a pot that is really hot to a refrigerator. Allow it to cool slowly.
Season Your Pots Well
Before you start cooking, you should season your pot by adding a little oil or butter as directed (by the care instruction) and heat it a little.
This creates a nonstick surface, which helps in preventing food from sticking, makes cleaning your pot easy, and protects your pot from rusting.
Though some pots, like nonstick pots, copper pots, and some other pots, don't require seasoning. Nonetheless, seasoning your pot can make it serve you longer.
Be Careful When Using Metal Utensils
Using metallic utensils is safe to use on most types of pots, but it can damage the surface of your pot if you use it wrongly.
If you don't use it correctly, it can scratch the surface of your pot and cause the removed coating or flake to mix with your food.
If you don't know how to correctly use metallic utensils, it's best you stick to using silicone or wooden utensils instead.
Avoid Using Cooking Spray
You might want to argue with me on this point, but cooking spray really isn't good for your pot. It contains chemicals that can damage the nonstick coating of your pot.
So, it's best you avoid it and use oil instead to season your pot.
Dry Completely
The reason why it is important to dry your pot completely after washing is that rust and some other contaminants grow easier on a damp pot.
Also, a damp pot can cause a water spot on your pot surface, tarnishing its beauty.
So, if you love your pots and want them to last longer, you should completely dry them after washing.
Store With Care
If pots are stored in a storage system where they are rested against each other, they will have scratches on them.
To avoid that, use a storage system where foam cloth is used on each layer or a rack system.
Review Care Instructions
The care instructions are the best place to get information on how to properly use and take care of your pot. The care instructions of your pot have answers to questions like "Is the pot oven safe?" "Can it withstand high temperatures?" and many more.
Conclusion
Pots serving you for a very long time is what you want, as nobody would like to spend money every few years replacing them.
With the information in this article, you should know the average lifespan of the popular type of pots and how to make them last longer.
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