Can you put non-stick pans in the dishwasher?

Some modern non-stick pans are certified dishwasher safe and will survive it. Even so, the alkaline detergent and the abrasive salts in it slowly degrade the coating and dull the surface, and most manufacturers who permit it still recommend hand washing to preserve the pan. Anything with an aluminium exterior will also discolour and pit, since dishwasher detergent attacks bare aluminium directly. Given a non-stick pan is a consumable with a life measured in a few years, halving that to save two minutes is a poor trade.

How to do it properly

1. Check the base of the pan for a dishwasher-safe mark.
2. Use the lowest-temperature cycle and skip the heated dry.
3. Never use a rinse aid with abrasive additives.

Other options

• Wipe out while still warm with a soft sponge and warm soapy water — non-stick barely needs more.

Other "can you dishwasher" questions

• Can you put cast iron in the dishwasher? No — No. Dishwasher detergent strips the seasoning and the pan rusts within hours.
• Can you put knives in the dishwasher? No — No, if you care about the edge. Heat, detergent and knocking all dull and damage it.
• Can you put an insulated bottle in the dishwasher? It depends — Only if it says dishwasher safe. Older vacuum flasks can lose their vacuum and stop insulating.
• Can you put wooden spoons in the dishwasher? No — No. Prolonged soaking and heat raise the grain, then crack and split the wood.