What to Do with Old Frying Pans? 10 Ways to Reuse Pan
Last Updated on July 15, 2023 by Emily Anna
Pans become old with time and use. From breaking the coating to scratching, the this cookware may become unusable. But in such situations, do you find challenging to decide what to do with your old frying pan?
Fortunately, there are many creative ways to use these pans without throwing them away. You can reuse an old pan in the following ways.
- Recycle the old pans
- Kitchen decor ideas
- Make a DIY wind chime
- Transform them into candle holders
- Use them as bird feeders
- Re-purpose them as planters
- Explore arts and crafts projects
- Donate them to those in need
- Sell them for some extra cash
- Donate them to the Arts Department
By following these methods, you can get rid of your old pans. Further, this article will provide a complete, step-by-step guide on how to reuse these old pans.
10 Ways What to Do with Old Frying Pans
Recycle the old pans
The most environmentally friendly way to dispose of old pans is to recycle them. Recycling them as scrap metal can be used for something else, making them a safer and more sustainable option for old pans.
Kitchen decor ideas
Utensils add beauty to the kitchen due to different designs as copper pans hold a prominent position due to their beauty and luster.
Such pans can be used as decoration for the kitchen. It is best to use old pans to give the kitchen a modern, stylish, and royal look.
Make a DIY wind chime
Old pans can add charm to your home. Poke small holes in the bottom of the pan and attach them with pretty strings. This way, you can create a unique and attractive wind chime that will charm your outdoor spaces.
Transform them into candle holders
Place white gravel, stones, and shells in the old pan and securely fix the candle in the center. You will now have a stunning candle holder that can enhance the ambiance of your candlelit dinner.
Use them as bird feeders
Tie a pretty string to the handle of the old pan and hang it wherever the birds come. Then, add bird seeds to it. This way, you will have a great bird feeder made from an old pan.
Re-purpose them as planters
Old pans can be a wonderful gift if you are a gardening enthusiast. Fill the pans with soil and moisten them lightly. Plant your chosen seeds or herbs in the soil, and place the pan in a sunny spot.
You will then have a portable planter to move around without worrying about making a mess.
Explore arts and crafts projects
You can also incorporate beautiful and stylish vintage pans in your arts and crafts projects. You can use old pans to add an artistic touch to your home’s walls and various parts. Try hanging them in different ways, such as in a stylish and shiny display on the wall.
Donate them to those in need
If your pans are old and you no longer need them, you can consider donating them. You can donate them to individuals who need pans but cannot afford them. You can donate old frying pans in different ways like
- Local Charities and Non-profit Organizations
- Food Banks and Soup Kitchens
- Thrift Stores and Secondhand Shops
- Online Donation Platforms
- Community Sharing Programs
Sell them for some extra cash
There are many websites where you can sell second-hand items, so you can go there and sell your old pans at a reasonable price. This way, your old pans will not waste, and you can get a fair price. Here are some of the best options to sale if your old pan is in good condition :
- eBay
- Amazon
- Facebook Marketplace
- Etsy
- OfferUp
Donate them to the Arts Department
University art departments continue to work with various metals, requiring many diverse types of metals for their research and art projects.
Therefore, if you have old pens that you no longer need, consider donating them to the Arts Department. Your contribution could be valuable to their work. Here are some of the best arts departments that may appreciate your donation:
- Local Community Centers
- Schools and Colleges
- Nonprofit Arts Organizations
- Theater Groups
- Art Therapy Programs
FAQ About What to Do with Old Frying Pans
Can a frying pan be recycled?
In general, pans cannot be completely recycled. However, some companies recycle metals at their facilities. These companies separate the metal from other materials and make it usable again. This is an easy and safe way to make old pans reusable.
What can you do with old nonstick pans?
You can get a good price for old nonstick pans by visiting websites that sell second-hand items.Â
Additionally, organizations or institutions in your local area may deliver goods to people in need. You can donate your old pans to people in need through these institutions.
When should you throw away a frying pan?
Do not use the pan if its surface is cracked or scratched, the handle is loose, the coating is peeling off, and the metal is visible.
Should I throw away old pans?
You can recycle old pans in various ways instead of throwing them away. For instance, old pans are perfect for making window chimes, planters, bird feeders, candle holders, and kitchen decorations in arts and crafts.
How do I scrap a pan?
Go to a local scrap yard and recycle old pans. Recycling them this way will recover metals that can be used again. So, recycle the old pans at a metal facility instead of throwing them away.
Should I throw away my scratched nonstick pan?
It would be best if you re-coated a scratched nonstick pan instead of throwing it away. You can easily recoat it at home with nonstick cookware repair spray.
First, wash the pan with soap and water, and dry it with a towel. Then, apply the cookware repair spray to the edges and surface of the pan, and leave it to dry for a while.
 Next, bake it in the oven for about 45 minutes. After the oven cools, you can remove the pan and reuse it.
Can you get sick from an old pan?
Yes, the fumes emitted from scratched surfaces and cracked pans are toxic and can make you sick. So, always avoid scratching the pan’s surface and take special care of the coating.
Do pans expire?
Even with modern coating methods and special care, pans have a maximum lifespan of 5 years. After five years of use, the pans become discolored, rusted, and damaged. Therefore, cooking with them can be harmful to health.
Should frying pans be washed?
According to the chef, you should never wash the pans with soap or detergent as it can damage the surface. Instead, always use salt as a scrubber or add two spoons of vinegar to water and boil it in the pan before washing with it.
Additionally, always use a soft sponge or cloth to scrub to clean the frying pan. Also, it is best to wipe off any excess oil with a tissue or paper towel.
Can you recycle metal pots and pans?
Yes, pans can be recycled at a scrap metal facility. In this process, the metal is scraped off to be recycled. However, it’s important to note that certain companies only do this process.
Conclusion
Now you have a good idea of what to do with old frying pans. As the coating of the pans begins to peel after five years, you may need to change the pan.
Instead of throwing away old pans, you can use them differently. Old pans are helpful for recycling, arts and crafts, wind chimes, bird feeders, candle holders, planters, and kitchen decorations.
Furthermore, you can donate old pans to those in need through various organizations or visit websites that sell second-hand items to get reasonable prices for old pans. Therefore, you should adopt helpful and effective ways instead of worrying or wasting pans.
