The Cookware You Should Throw Away Immediately, According to Experts

You might have a favorite stockpot or preferred sauté pan that makes a daily appearance in your cooking, but how do you know when it’s time to replace it? If it’s scratched, warped, or significantly older than your other cookware, it may be time to consider replacing it. Our experts share what to look for when evaluating your existing cookware and what to consider when shopping for new pots and pans.

Scratched Cookware

If your favorite pot or pan has scratches on it, throwing it away is the best thing you can do for your health and safety. "Scratched cookware should be thrown away for a few reasons," advises Tracey Brigman, associate director for the National Center for Home Food Preservation at the University of Georgia. "While newer cookware uses different per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) than those that caused concern in the past, health impacts are still being studied. Since the exact impact is not known, it is not wise to use scratched cookware."

Additionally, when nonstick coatings get scratched, the coating can come off and flake into your food, says Jason Reese, co-founder and partner attorney at Wagner Reese, specializing in foodborne illnesses. "Another issue with scratched cookware is that bacteria can become lodged in those scratches, making it harder to remove," Reese says. "An older pan is even more of a concern, especially if it's made from aluminum or Teflon."

Warped Cookware

Warped cookware can cause safety and sanitation issues for the consumer. "Warped cookware can be wobbly and may tip over, causing burns and spills," warns Brigman. "Spills can result in not just burns, but also slips and falls—so it is best to discard any wobbly cookware."

If you’re cooking with warped pots and pans, part of the bottom isn’t making proper contact with your stovetop. "You might have food that gets burnt in some places while other portions of your meat might not be fully cooked, putting you at major risk of a foodborne illness," warns Reese. "Gas stove users should never gamble with warped pans, as misalignment of the flames can cause a fire hazard for your home."

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Duplicate Cookware

Duplicate cookware causes clutter and may need to be discarded. "You should ask yourself why you have duplicates," says Brigman. "Is it an older or wobbly pan you are hanging onto just in case your newer cookware fails? I think most of us hold on to things, thinking we may need them someday, but actually never get around to using them. So, if the duplicate cookware is old, wobbly, or just overall in bad shape, it is time to declutter."

There are benefits to having extra pans on hand, but it’s just a waste if you have nowhere to store them properly. "Stacking them can cause scratches and dents, and if you’re not using these items regularly, the materials can degrade while stored in your cabinets," Reese says. "Take the time to declutter and only keep cookware that is in good shape to avoid issues with your cooking and your kitchen."

Some Hand-Me-Down or Thrifted Cookware

Grandma's old pans may have sentimental value, but anything that is old and nonstick—even if it doesn’t have scratches—should be thrown away. Also, if you enjoy a good thrift store run, it’s best to skip these types of items and purchase them new to know exactly what you’re getting without the potential for surprise contamination. "Older cookware that doesn’t offer a description of its non-stick materials should be discarded," Brigman says. "It may be a great bargain at an estate sale, but safety is not guaranteed. The same goes for older ceramic cookware, as they may contain lead."

What to Look for When Buying New Cookware

Much thought should go into the purchase of cookware, as it is the foundation of the kitchen. "Well-designed, domestically-made cookware that adheres to food safety regulations should be considered over cheap imports that may contain high amounts of lead or PFAS," says Vivian Villa, chef and founder of UnButter. "Opt for cookware with even heat distribution across the base and a non-reactive surface that can tolerate acidic foods. Enjoying the lifetime performance of excellent cookware is well worth the investment."

Look for high-quality cookware, like new ceramic or stainless steel, for even heating. "Ease of cleaning is another characteristic to look for in cookware. When cleaned thoroughly, it helps to avoid bacteria buildup," says Brigman