Kitchen storage is a challenge in most homes, but one common habit could be damaging your pans. According to experts, you should never pile your pans on top of each other. That’s because weight and friction can cause a surprising amount of damage over time. The inside of your pans take the brunt of the damage when they’re stacked. Every time you place one pan inside another and shift them around, you’re creating friction that gradually wears down the surface. For non-stick pans, the damage can happen faster than most people realize. Pans can also be at risk of scratching and warping. The good news is, there are smarter ways to store them. If your kitchen has deep drawers or cupboards, storing pans side by side rather than stacked can help protect them. A ceiling-mounted or wall-hung pot rack can also be a space-saving way of storing your pans while ensuring they stay protected. Vertical pan organizers — either freestanding or fitted inside a cupboard — allow pans to stand upright and separately from one another. Even a pan divider inside a cupboard can make a huge difference. Your pans aren’t touching, they’re easy to grab, and you’re not dragging them across each other every time you cook. Finally, if you absolutely have to stack your pans, felt or silicone pan protectors placed between cookware prevent direct contact and significantly reduce the risk of scratching.
