Why Does My New Nonstick Pan Smell When Heated?

Nonstick frying pan heating on a gas stove while cooking an omelet

I recently bought a new hard-anodized aluminum nonstick pan, and something unexpected happened during its first use. After placing it on the stovetop and letting it heat, I noticed a faint chemical-like smell. There was no visible smoke. The burner was not set unusually high, and the cooking surface looked completely normal. Still, the odor … Read more