Hellobee Boards

Really?! We got a cephalon nonstick in 2008 and it still works!

I have a couple Analon nonstick pans that I got 8-9 years ago and they are still in great condition. The key is making sure nothing metal touches it and using non-abrasive soap and scrubber.

I have some lower end Caphlon I bought while working at BBB in 2002. My 8 piece set is still used today, so 12 years. The outside is beat up, but the nonstick is still in good shape because I hand wash them.

Our expensive ones have lasted almost 5 years with no issues. My mom's are no more than 15 years old (I don't know for sure) and they are AWFUL. We're living with her until we buy a house, and I hate having to use them. They're definitely not intended for continued use once the non-stick surface is damaged! We're switching to cast iron as well, and I'll probably pass on at least some of my non-stick once we're comfortable with what we'll actually need. It still risks her getting all the chemicals from non-stick, but it's better that using damaged ones!

ETA- We also have only ever gently hand washed ours, whereas she definitely puts them in the dishwasher and isn't careful with them. At this point one is even warped so the lid doesn't fit anymore, and I have no idea how that happened (and it happened since we moved in!).

Our older pieces are now almost 7 years old! We did toss out a few pieces in previous years once there was a scratch on the lining.

@Torchwood: If you put inexpensive pans under cold water directly after they've been hot it'll warp them. So if you're cooking and dish the food out and throw the pan in the sink and rinse it.

I'm the same - I'm trying to avoid non-stick, but I definitely need just one for eggs and fish and such. Mine usually last 1.5-2 years. I get the America's Test Kitchen recommended T-Fal Total Professional Non-Stick. Best in quality and price. Love, love, love it.