Is It Safe to Use a Scratched Calphalon Pan? (& Tips…)

The answer is yes, it is safe to use a scratched Calphalon pan. As long as the scratches do not go deep enough, they do not affect the performance of the pan or the food that you cook in it. If the scratches are long and deep, they can leach chemicals into your food. 

Using non-abrasive cleaner and sanding the scratches can help you to fix your scratches.

Tips to Understand if Your Calphalon Pan Is Scratched

Even though it is safe to use a scratched Calphalon pan, you may not want to use one that is too scratched. Here are a few tips to help you determine if a pan is scratched:

Look at the Pan in Good Light

The best way to tell if a pan is scratched is to look at it in good light. If you can’t see any aluminum, the pan is probably scratched. If you see shiny metal, it’s not scratched. If you see a dull surface, it’s probably scratched.

Take a close look at the surface of the pan. If you see any grooves or lines, the pan is probably scratched. If the surface is smooth, it’s not scratched.

Run Your Finger Along the Surface of the Pan

If you’re still not sure if the pan is scratched, try running your finger along the surface of the pan. If you feel any bumps or ridges, the pan is probably scratched. If the surface is smooth, it’s not scratched.

It’s also a good idea to check for scratches before you use a new pan. That way, you’ll know if it’s safe to use or not.

Try Cooking Something in the Pan

If you’re still not sure if the pan is scratched, try cooking something in it. If the food sticks to the pan or doesn’t cook evenly, the pan is probably scratched. If the food cooks evenly and doesn’t stick, the pan is not scratched.

LEARN MORE: How Long Do Calphalon Pans Last?

How to Fix Your Scratched Calphalon Pan?

If you have a scratched Calphalon pan, there are a few things you can do to fix it.

Try Using a Non-abrasive Cleaner

One option is to try using a non-abrasive cleaner. There are a variety of cleaners on the market that are specifically designed for cleaning Calphalon pans.

To use a non-abrasive cleaner, simply follow the instructions on the packaging. Most cleaners will require you to soak the pan in a solution for a few minutes before scrubbing it with a soft cloth.

Once you’ve scrubbed the pan, rinse it off with water and dry it with a clean towel.

Try Sanding the Scratches With Fine-grit Sandpaper

If the scratches are deep, you may need to try sanding them with a fine-grit sandpaper. This will require a bit more work, but it should remove the deepest scratches.

To sand, the scratches, start by wetting a piece of sandpaper with water. Then, gently rub the sandpaper over the scratched area in a circular motion.

Once you’ve gone over the entire area, rinse off the pan and dry it with a clean towel.

Use a Metal Polish

One option is to use a metal polish. This will fill in the scratches and make them less visible.

To use a metal polish, apply a small amount to a soft cloth and rub it into the scratches. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label of the polish to avoid damaging the pan.

Once you’re finished, rinse the pan with water and dry it with a clean cloth.

LEARN MORE: Can You Fry in Ceramic Pans?

The Causes of Scratches on a Calphalon Pan

If you don’t follow proper measures your pans can easily get scratches no matter what brand you use. The most important reasons your Calphalon pans may get scratched are given below

Using Wrong Utensils

You should only use soft utensils such as wooden or silicone spatulas when cooking with nonstick cookware. Harder utensils like metal whisks, tongs, and even some plastic can cause scratches.

Additionally, you should avoid using any kind of sharp object on your pan, including a knife. If you need to cut something while it’s in the pan, use a cutting board.

Cooking on an Uneven Surface

Another common cause of scratches is cooking on an uneven surface. It’s important to make sure your pan is sitting flat on the burner. If it’s not, it can wobble and cause the surface to scratch.

If your stovetop isn’t level, your pan will wobble and eventually scratch. Make sure your stovetop is level before cooking to avoid this issue.

Storing Your Pans Improperly

Scratches can also be caused by carelessly storing your pans. Stacking pans on top of each other is never a good idea. This can cause the bottom pan to scratch the surface of the pan above it.

The best way to store your pans is to hang them from a pot rack or place them in a drawer. This will keep them from getting scratched.

LEARN MORE: How Long Do Cast Iron Pans Last?

Risks of Using a Scratched Calphalon Pan

Even though it is safe to use a scratched Calphalon pan, there are some risks associated with it.

Unhealthy Food

The biggest risk is that the food you cook in a scratched pan can be unhealthy. If the scratches are deep enough, they can provide a place for bacteria to grow. This can lead to food poisoning or other health problems.

It’s also important to note that not all scratches are created equal. Some scratches are shallower than others and don’t pose as much of a risk. However, deep scratches should be avoided if possible.

Untasty Food

Another risk is that the food you cook in a scratched pan can be less tasty. This is because the scratches can cause the pan to lose its non-stick properties. This means that food will stick to the pan and burn more easily.

As a result, your food will not taste as good as it would if you were using a non-scratched pan.

Can Cause the Pan to Break Down

Another risk of using a scratched Calphalon pan is that it can cause the pan to break down over time. This is because the scratches can weaken the structure of the pan and make it more susceptible to damage.

So, if you use a scratched Calphalon pan, be sure to inspect it regularly for any signs of wear and tear.

LEARN MORE: Why Do Ceramic Pans Lose Their Nonstick?

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is safe to use a scratched Calphalon pan. However, there are some risks associated with it. These include the possibility of unhealthy food, less tasty food, and the pan breaking down over time.

If you have a scratched Calphalon pan, follow our tips to fix it.