Frequently asked questions on SCANPAN products
Where is SCANPAN cookware made?
SCANPAN cookware is made in Denmark.
Where is SCANPAN cutlery made?
SCANPAN cutlery is designed in Denmark and made to our specifications in China.
What does SCANPAN mean?
The name SCANPAN is a shortened abbreviation of “Scandinavian Pan,” a reference to our Scandinavian and Danish roots.
What is STRATANIUM?
STRATANIUM is SCANPAN’s patented PFOA/PFOS-free nonstick coating system. SCANPAN spent over two years researching and testing to create the extremely durable, high-performing STRATANIUM non-stick system, which was released in 2017, from the ground up. STRATANIUM is a 5-step system in which hard particle and wave-like layers interlock to reinforce the non-stick layer, making it metal tool safe and extremely durable.
For more about STRATANIUM, click here.
What’s the difference between STRATANIUM and STRATANIUM+?
STRATANIUM+ was tested in restaurants for over two years before it was launched to the public and was designed for professional and home cooks alike. It has a unique textured surface that offers exceptional searing abilities and is 50% more durable against heavy use than STRATANIUM.
Does SCANPAN cookware contain PFOA or PFOS?
SCANPAN was the first manufacturer of cookware to introduce environmentally friendly nonstick products made without PFOA or PFOS to the market.
Does SCANPAN cookware contain PTFE?
While our pans are made without PFOA and PFOS, they DO contain some PTFE. PTFE is the base compound for all true nonstick coatings, it is what provides the nonstick release. Departments of Public Health in Europe and the USA (including the FDA, ANSES, and EFSA) have determined that PTFE is environmentally inert, harmless to ingest, and does not chemically react with food, water or cleaning products.
SCANPAN’s patented STRATANIUM construction provides long lasting nonstick performance. This surface is safe to use for food preparation and is FDA approved. PTFE compounds only begin to break down under excessive overheating, so when used correctly and under normal cooking conditions this ingredient is environmentally inert and completely safe for use. Even butter and cooking oils emit harmful fumes when excessively overheated, so it is important to use care when cooking no matter what kind of pans you are using.
Our nonstick is a proprietary product used only by us called STRATANIUM. Like all SCANPAN products, STRATANIUM is required to meet some of the highest food safety standards in the world (being made in Denmark means we are subject to laws and certifications around green production and food safety that are extremely stringent), ensuring that it is safe and sustainable.
Will metal utensils scratch my pans?
SCANPAN cookware is safe to use with metal tools because the surface is 10x harder than stainless-steel. The ultra-hard surface encases the whole pan, protecting it from wear and tear. Over time the surface may show cosmetic scuff marks, but these will not breach the surface and will not interfere with the superior nonstick performance of the pan.
Can I really put these in the dishwasher without ruining the coating?
Yes, they are indeed dishwasher safe. They are so quick and easy to clean, however, that you may not need or want to use the dishwasher. Simply wash pans with warm, soapy water and a dish sponge after each use to remove food and oil residue.
What’s the best way to keep my SCANPAN cookware nonstick for life?
To prevent sticking, the cooking surface must be kept very clean. Keep your pans clean and perfectly nonstick by washing them thoroughly in warm soapy water after every use. When pans become less nonstick, the culprit is almost always stubborn residue from oils or foods that build up slowly on the surface over time, so ensuring they get scrubbed clean and dried each time you use them prevents those residues from building up in the first place. Our cast-aluminum body pans (not those that are clad in stainless-steel on the exterior) are perfectly safe to wash while they’re still hot, and in fact this will help literally steam off oils and food particles after cooking.
What do I do if my pan has started to stick?
In almost all cases, sticking is due to stubborn food and oil residue. Try cleaning them with a baking soda solution. First, pour water into the pan to cover the base of the pan up to about an inch high - put one tablespoon of baking soda per 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil and let boil for 5 minutes. Turn off heat and let stand 30 minutes. Clean pans. Dry all cookware right away to avoid hard water stains. You may need to repeat this process more than once for it to be effective.
You can also use a product called Barkeepers Friend. It is a mild abrasive that is safe for use on SCANPAN interiors. You will want to create a paste with the Barkeepers Friend and water, and then scrub with a nylon dishwashing brush or scrubby.
Can I buy a lid for my SCANPAN? Which lids fit my pan?
All of our lids are designed to be interchangeable among product lines – as long as the diameter of the lid matches the diameter of the pan, any of our lids from any collection will work. You can shop lids here.
What causes the discoloration/residue on the aluminum base of my pan?
The residue on the underside of your pan is caused by a reaction that occurs between aluminum (like the plate on the base of your pan) and chemicals like phosphates commonly found in dishwasher detergents. It’s harmless and won’t impact the performance of the pan, but it can be a nuisance. You can wash it off with a warm, soapy sponge at the sink, and to avoid it in the future, you can do any of the following:
- Hand wash your pan instead of putting it in the dishwasher
- Switch to a phosphate-free dishwasher detergent
- Continue wiping it off after each dishwasher cycle as needed
My stainless-steel has discolored, can this be restored?
Stainless-steel will discolor and oxidize after application of heat. Any stainless-steel cleaner can be used to restore the stainless-steel – we like Barkeeper’s Friend, Bon Ami, and other baking-soda based products. You can also create a paste from baking soda and water to restore your stainless-steel’s shine.
What exactly does SCANPAN’s warranty cover?
SCANPAN cookware comes with a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturer’s defects. Defects include peeling, pitting, and bubbling of the surface and do not include residue buildup, damage due to propellant sprays or accidental damage from dropping. For full details on the warranty claim process, click here.
What’s the difference between all the lines? I’m so confused!
SCANPAN cookware comes in many different design configurations, but they have more in common than you might think. There are two basic body constructions – squeeze cast aluminum (Classic, Classic Induction, Professional, Pro IQ, ES5 and TechnIQ) and 5-ply stainless steel-clad with an aluminum core (CTX, CS+, HaptIQ).
There are also only two nonstick surface options, but they’re variations on one another: STRATANIUM is our flagship surface (found on Classic, Classic Induction, Professional, Pro IQ, and CTX) and STRATANIUM+ is our commercial-grade surface that is textured for optimal searing (found on HaptIQ, CS+ and TechnIQ). Beyond that, our lines are all far more similar than they are different. Here’s what they all have in common:
- Made from recycled aluminum
- Lifetime warranty against manufacturers defects
- Oven safe to 500 degrees, including lids and handles
- Dishwasher safe
- Metal tool safe
- Hand crafted in Denmark
Which SCANPAN lines can be used with induction cooktops?
Pro IQ, CTX, HaptIQ, CS+, and Classic Induction.
What kind of stovetop is my cookware compatible with?
All SCANPAN cookware is compatible with gas and electric stovetops. For induction stoves, check out Pro IQ, HaptIQ, CS+, and Classic Induction.
What kinds of cooking oils can I use in my SCANPAN cookware?
You can use any kind of cooking oil you like! Never use aerosol cooking sprays - these sprays contain chemicals which burn at very low temperatures and leave residues behind that are difficult and often impossible to remove. Damage/stubborn residue due to cooking spray is not covered under our Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Can I cook in SCANPAN cookware without oil?
You sure can! SCANPAN cookware was designed to enable fat free frying while still providing excellent nonstick release. For best results, preheat your pan on low or medium heat for a minute or two before you start cooking, and wait until your food has fully cooked (or is fully cooked on one side in the case of items you intend to flip) before moving it around.
How can I get a good sear on my food if I can only use these pans at medium heat?
Our squeeze cast aluminum pans conduct heat so quickly and efficiently that you’re easily able to achieve a great sear/browning/reduction result on medium heat. Our pans’ fast, even heat distribution with no hot spots ensures you get consistent results.
Are my SCANPAN pans oven safe?
Yes, all SCANPAN cookware is oven safe and up 500 degrees, including all lids and handles.