Is it possible to wash a Tefal frying pan in the dishwasher?

Is it possible to wash a Tefal frying pan in the dishwasher? Tefal frying pans are among the most popular due to their non-stick coating. Owners of these cookware still disagree on whether they can be washed in the dishwasher. Some believe it will damage the coating and handles, while others swear by the dishwasher. So, who's right? To find out, let's take a closer look.

Should I put Tefal pans in the dishwasher?

Tefal frying pans come in a variety of sizes, so the manufacturer alerts users with a special icon. This icon either allows dishwasher use or prohibits it. Look for this icon on the bottom of the pan, preferably when purchasing the cookware, to avoid any surprises later.

Important! Even if your frying pan is dishwasher-safe, remember that its lifespan will be significantly shorter. This has been confirmed by numerous expert tests.

The problem is that washing the pan with harsh dishwasher detergents at high temperatures can cause stains to appear inside. The exterior coating will fade, and the aluminum fittings will also lose their shine. While this doesn't affect the quality of the non-stick coating, it will ruin the appearance of the pan. Warranty obligations do not cover such defects. You shouldn't put the frying pan in the dishwasher.

If the manufacturer has approved the pan for washing, and you absolutely don't want to wash it by hand, try not to leave the pan in the machine for too long. To avoid this, choose the shortest cycle and remove the pan immediately after it finishes.

Is cast iron afraid of PMM?

What about cast iron pans without a protective coating? While these pans are dishwasher safe, there are a few caveats.

Although cast iron is a very durable metal, it is better not to expose cookware made from it to strong aggressive substances, such as those found in chemical dishwasher detergents.
After prolonged use in the dishwasher, items gradually begin to rust because they lack a protective coating. Therefore, the optimal wash time is 30 minutes.
Cast iron also does not tolerate washing in water at high temperatures well, so it is better to give preference to hand washing.

Therefore, when cleaning a cast iron skillet, consider whether it's worth running it through the dishwasher every time. Pay attention to its condition. If something is burnt on or there's a lot of grease left, a dishwasher will be a reliable helper. However, for light stains, don't subject it to a half-hour machine wash; hand washing with a soft sponge and liquid detergent is sufficient.

Teflon coated items

Let's turn to Teflon-coated pans. These items are not dishwasher-safe. The protective polymer coating will simply wash off over time from harsh chemicals. For the same reason, only stir food in these pans with wooden or plastic spatulas; otherwise, you risk scraping off the Teflon.

Since you can’t wash it by machine, we wash it by hand, just like cast iron items. We do not use abrasives or cleaning powders that contain alkali, and we forget about metal brushes. We use only sponges, soft cloths, and gentle liquid detergents.

Note! Frying pans marked with the Teflon™ brand from an authorized manufacturer can withstand very high temperatures of 260 degrees Celsius and above. This means they are dishwasher safe, but please refer to the instructions before doing so.

Cookware with non-stick coating

Another type of frying pan is one with a non-stick coating, popular for allowing cooking without oil or fat. However, this type of cookware is even more demanding in terms of operating conditions. It should only be washed after it has cooled naturally in warm water with a gel detergent.

Important! Do not pour cold water into a sprayed pan to cool it. This will ruin the non-stick properties and cause food to stick.

If you want to extend the life of such a frying pan, follow these rules:

do not use metal or hard brushes when washing;
do not wash with cleaning agents such as Sarma or Komet;
Wash dishes immediately after they cool, otherwise the grease layer will dry and be very difficult to remove without damaging the non-stick coating. Damage will be immediately noticeable, as food will stick to the affected areas.
You should avoid using a frying pan with a worn coating, as food will burn every time you cook it;
do not stir food with metal spoons and spatulas, replace them with silicone and wooden utensils;
Protect the cookware from sudden temperature changes, and to do this, cook over medium heat to avoid overheating it, since temperatures above three hundred degrees will be fatal for the coating;
Only in rare cases should you resort to washing in the dishwasher, using the shortest cycle at a temperature of 45 degrees;
Do not put non-stick pans in the refrigerator; transfer food and wash dishes immediately;
Before heating the frying pan, add a little oil to it;
Be sure to rinse a new frying pan with warm water and dry it, and before cooking, grease the inside with oil; this will ensure comfortable and quick cooking.

Therefore, washing pans in a dishwasher is, in most cases, a purely personal decision. If you're concerned about wasting expensive cookware and want to extend its lifespan, then avoiding the harshness of a dishwasher is a good idea. But if saving time or a beautiful manicure are your top priorities, then a dishwasher is essential.