Many people notice their frying pan gets a bump or curve in the middle. This is called warping. When the bottom is not flat, oil or food moves to the edges. Food does not cook evenly. It can be annoying in the kitchen.
Here are some pictures that show what a warped pan looks like.
Main Reasons Why Pans Warp
Metal in pans expands when hot and shrinks when cold. If this happens too fast or unevenly, the pan warps.
- Sudden Temperature Changes This is the most common cause. Do not put a hot pan in cold water. Do not add cold food or liquid to a very hot pan. The middle cools or heats faster than the edges. This causes a bump.
- Too Much Heat Cooking on very high heat makes the center hot faster. Thin pans warp easily from this.
- Wrong Burner Size If the burner is too small for the pan, heat stays in the middle. This makes the center expand more.
- Thin or Low-Quality Pan Cheap pans with thin bottoms warp fast. Good pans have thick bottoms. They stay flat longer.
How to Stop Your Pan from Warping
You can prevent warping with easy habits.
- Heat the pan slowly. Start on low or medium heat.
- Use the right burner size. The flame or heat should cover the whole bottom.
- Let the pan cool before washing. Use warm water, not cold.
- Do not heat an empty pan on high for a long time.
- Add oil or food after the pan is warm, not super hot.
Best Pans That Do Not Warp Easily
Choose pans with thick bottoms. These materials are strong.
- Cast Iron Pans Very heavy and thick. They almost never warp. Great for even heat.Here are examples of cast iron frying pans.
- Stainless Steel with Thick Bottom
Look for “multi-layer” or “clad” pans. They have aluminum inside for good heat. Thick ones stay flat.
Here are stainless steel pans with thick bottoms.
Avoid very thin or cheap non-stick pans. They warp more.
What to Do If Your Pan Is Already Warped
A small warp may still work. For big warps, you can try to fix it. Heat the pan a little, then press it flat with a towel or wood. But it may warp again. Often, it is better to buy a new good pan.
Warping is common, but you can avoid it. Use medium heat. Care for your pan well. Pick a thick, strong pan. Your cooking will be better and easier. Happy cooking!
By day, I’m a Doctor of Clinical Psychology student (Psy.D.) at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine – basically learning how the brain works while drinking way too much coffee.
By night (and weekends, and lunch breaks…), I’m a total kitchen geek. I’m that person who gets excited over a new spatula, owns three different vegetable choppers “for science,” and has strong feelings about which nonstick pan actually stays nonstick.