Which Wok and Frypan Excels? - Nonstick Cookware FAQs

Click here to see all nonstick woks and frypans. 

If you were told that your non-stick cookware can last for 10 years or a lifetime, you have reason to doubt that claim. While some non-stick cookware might last up to 10 years, it requires meticulous care, including controlled heat, regular seasoning, and proper cleaning.

In our experience, non-stick cookware typically lasts between 2 and 3 years, depending on how often it is used. By contrast, cookware made from carbon steel, cast iron, or stainless steel can last 10 years or even a lifetime, though each type has its own limitations.

Every type of cookware has its pros and cons. No cookware is 100% suitable for everyone. Our goal as a cookware retailer is to help customers understand both the advantages and limitations of each product.

There is no magic pan

First of all, there is no magic pan or wok. If you are looking for a nonstick cookware, then you are considering a lifespan of the product between 2 to 3 years, with a few exceptions where users apply additional care to extend its longevity. 

Secondly, nonstick is nonstick. Even with today’s PTFE- and PFOA-free ceramic cookware, a nonstick layer is still present. A good manufacturer will ensure it is tested and safe for cooking. This is why choosing a reputable manufacturer and brand is important. 

It is also important to understand the type of cookware you want so that you have reasonable expectations and can extend its lifespan. For example, you should not expect a carbon steel wok to be totally nonstick, nor can you expect nonstick cookware to be as durable as an iron frypan.

This article focuses on: 

• Ceramic-based nonstick cookware
• PTFE-based nonstick cookware
• Does metal cookware have a higher level of safety than nonstick cookware?
• Limitations to nonstick cookware
• Major brands vs. unknown brands
• Nonstick is not the only option

Last updated: 10 May 2025

Ceramic-based Nonstick Cookware

Ceramic non-stick cookware has become increasingly popular, but despite its name, it has no true connection to real ceramic. The term was introduced when the cookware industry looked for alternatives to traditional PTFE-based non-stick coatings that are PFOA-free. They developed a coating made with ceramic-like particles, which gives the cookware a light colour and ceramic-like appearance. However, it remains a type of non-stick layer, not actual ceramic.

If you see cookware labelled with materials such as stone or marble but described as non-stick, treat it the same way. Non-stick is non-stick, and true ceramic, stone, and marble do not naturally have non-stick properties.

The light colour of ceramic non-stick cookware makes it attractive to many consumers, and its easy-to-clean surface has contributed to its popularity. Being free of PTFE and PFOA, it quickly gained traction as a new trend in the non-stick market. However, one thing to keep in mind is that as the non-stick performance diminishes, the coating’s wear may not be immediately visible due to its transparency.

When ceramic non-stick cookware was first developed, it was more suitable for cooking stews and soups because it did not perform well for frying. Over time, advancements in technology have improved its durability and functionality, making ceramic frypans more reliable and robust than before. Even so, ceramic coatings still have limitations. They are sensitive to high temperatures, which can lead to rapid damage. For example, ceramic non-stick cookware is not suitable for deep frying or steaming. While some cookware brands may claim otherwise, we do not recommend these uses.

To keep ceramic non-stick cookware in good condition, proper heat control is essential—this is even more critical than with PTFE-based non-stick products.

Here are some examples of ceramic cookware on our website.

PTFE-based Nonstick Cookware

Nonstick cookware with a black interior is typically made of PTFE, although there are some exceptions. These products have been available for a long time and were considered the most durable nonstick option before ceramic cookware entered the market.

In response to some customers' concerns about PTFE coatings, manufacturers have improved their quality and safety. Today, PTFE-based cookware remains the most common type of nonstick cookware on the market.

Reputable brands ensure their coatings are 100% free of PFOA. However, they are not free of PTFE, as the cookware itself is made from PTFE.

To enhance durability and safety, many reputable manufacturers use multiple layers. For example, they may protect the aluminum core with a stainless steel layer or incorporate additional elements to improve durability. The use of diamond powder is one such enhancement, strengthening the cooking surface and often marketed as "diamond cookware." For more details, refer to individual product descriptions.

According to customer feedback, PTFE-based cookware generally offers better durability than ceramic nonstick cookware.

Here are some examples of PTFE cookware on our website.

Is Metal Cookware Safer Than Non-stick Cookware?

In the past, there were claims that metal cookware is completely safe, while non-stick cookware is hazardous. As a retailer of various types of cookware—including non-stick, stainless steel, and carbon steel—we take a different view.

The safety of cookware depends more on the manufacturer’s quality standards than on the material alone. For instance, poorly produced cast iron cookware can contain undesirable elements, while non-stick cookware from a reputable brand can be just as safe to use.

That said, it is true that metal cookware—such as carbon steel and stainless steel—offers far greater durability compared to non-stick cookware.

There Are Limitations to Non-stick Cookware

With proper care, non-stick cookware typically lasts around 2 to 3 years, while rough use can cause its performance to deteriorate within a year. Once you begin using the pan, it is normal to see minor scratches appear over time.

Non-stick cookware is particularly vulnerable to high temperatures. Overheating or burning a pan will almost certainly damage the non-stick surface.

To extend its lifespan, keep your cooktop at levels 7–8 if the maximum is 10. Avoid using the highest heat setting, and preheat the cookware gradually. It is also important to avoid sudden temperature changes.

For cleaning, always use a gentle sponge to help preserve the non-stick coating. Even a good non-stick pan will gradually lose its performance. When you notice the non-stick effect fading and the pan becomes noticeably sticky during use, it is time to replace it.

Major Brands vs Unknown Brands

Always choose a brand you can trust.

Customers often ask about the difference between major brands and lesser-known ones. Does the country of origin make a significant difference?

In our view, it mainly comes down to reputation and scale. Established brands that have been in the market for a long time must maintain high standards of safety and quality to protect their reputation. In most cases, their production facilities and technology are also more advanced.

Remember: Non-stick is Not the Only Option

Non-stick cookware is popular, but it is not the only choice. Carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron, and clay are excellent alternatives if you have concerns about modern coatings. However, keep in mind that these materials have their own limitations and typically require more maintenance, such as regular oil seasoning.

• To ensure your non-stick cookware is free of PTFE and PFOA, opt for ceramic non-stick cookware.
• If you’re looking for non-stick cookware with a longer lifespan, consider PTFE-based options.
• If you prefer cookware without any coating, choose traditional materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron, or clay.

There is no such thing as a magic pan. Choosing the right cookware depends on your cooking habits and a good understanding of each material’s properties and limitations.

If you’re interested in more durable cookware, have a look at our article on Japanese carbon steel cookware.

If you have any follow-up questions, you can email us at hello@mycookware.com.au or use the chat box in the right lower corner of the page. Our friendly team will respond as soon as possible.

Click here to see all nonstick woks and frypans. 

*Kai, the author of the article, is our product specialist at My Cookware®.

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