Can you use non-stick spray (Pam etc.) on 70's Teflon?

[scoots]

I recently purchased a New In Box Salton Egg Cooker and love it.

I want to try the poaching tray, which has four wells in a stamped aluminum form covered in Teflon II.

Should I use a non-stick spray like Pam, or just cook the eggs in the well "as is"? I've heard that Pam and similar products damage the Teflon but would like the group's opinion about this.

What can I do to promote the longevity of the Teflon (other than not using metal utensils to control scratching?)

Any comments along these lines would be welcome.

 

[vintagekitchen]

well..

They do say Pam spray damages teflon, however I use it anyway and haven't found any adverse affects other than discoloration.

On the other hand, a teaspoon of butter in each well should make the eggs slip right out as well as adding a lovely flavor.

 

[polkanut]

I use cooking spray in my Oster poaching tray all the time with no adverse effects to the Teflon. 

 

[tomturbomatic]

The only way that Pam and similar products damage Teflon is if the Teflon surface is not completely cleaned and then a sticky film builds up on the Teflon. The trouble is that Teflon is deceptively easy to clean, but the easy cleaning does not thoroughly clean it. That is why black Teflon often developed a brown film over it. The no-stick spray can build up and form a very sticky surface. There were instructions for periodic deep cleaning and stain removal which involved boiling a bleach or dishwasher detergent solution in the pan, a vinegar rinse to neutralize the alkalinity then seasoning it by wiping it with oil again.

Sandy probably remembers more.

 

[jamiel]

Given that you're only cooking at 212 degrees there is minimal danger of buildup...it really isn't hot enough to polymerize the oil too drastically.

 

[epixstar128]

Just remember your oil smoke points dont use olive oil based pam and you should be fine.

 

[danemodsandy]

Tom:

That's basically what I remember, and I never paid all that much attention to it in the first place, because what I've always used is high-quality dish liquid, very hot water and a scrub brush. And my nonstick is both clean and long-lived.

I find that giving directions to people with really dirty stuff is seldom very productive anyway, because the root of the problem is lack of motivation, not equipment or procedure. How much expensive kitchenware did we both sell to people whom we knew would never get behind it and push?

 

[scoots]

Thanks for the input guys

I rarely have Teflon products in the house so it's kind of a mystery to me, but what you all said makes sense. Thanks.

 

[blueneon]

I always put olive oil on mine... discoloration/buildup does become slightly visible but goes away after putting the cookware in the dishwasher. The only thing that really ever seems to kill it is scouring pads. Comcast has been sending me all these service upgrade offers that come with a mock gift card inside made of plastic and I use that to scratch off stuck food, it works fine without damage.

Dunno if you'd want to put the vintage stuff in the dishwasher though