Hong Kong watchdog warns of burn risks after tests on non-stick frying pans

Handles on some non-stick frying pans sold in Hong Kong failed fire safety tests, posing a potential burn risk to users, according to the Consumer Council, which also found large performance differences, failure to meet European standards and blistering after exposure to acidic foods in the models tested.

The council examined 24 models of non-stick frying pans available on the Hong Kong market, with prices ranging from HK$90 (US$11) to HK$1,750, and identified inconsistencies in several areas.

“The council urges manufacturers to improve product design and instructions for use, and consumers should also pay heed to the temperature of handles and the distance from the heat source to avoid accidents,” said Chung Chi-yung, chairman of the council’s research and testing committee.

The tested pans featured four types of coating: polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), stone, granite or diamond pattern, ceramic and mesh or honeycomb.

Two models – the Home Coordy non-stick coating deep-pan and the Topvalu BESTPRICE IH frying pan – failed fire tests because the flames on their handles did not self-extinguish within 15 seconds after the heat source was removed.

Additionally, six models had handles that overheated during testing. While two of these models included warnings on their packaging or instructions, the remaining four did not, thus failing to comply with European safety standards, Chung added.