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Teflon removed from frying pan - Now What?

Rather than throw away an expensive aluminum fry pan that was Teflon coated and now badly scratched, I decided to grind away the Teflon coating entirely. The surface is now clean and smooth, exposing the bare aluminum surface. I don't plan to re coat with Teflon spray, and need to know if there are any dangers in using the pan the way it is. I've seen many responses you've posted regarding anodized surfaces, but need to know if this is completely necessary.

Gary Schaeffer
Hobbyist - Hillsborough, NJ USA
November 24, 2009

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Hi, Gary. Some people are concerned about the safety of aluminum; I'm not. Bare aluminum is hard to keep attractive, must be dried after washing, and tends to form a black smut which people find non-aesthetic on a food preparation surface. But wipe it with a paper towel immediately before cooking and I think it will be fine. Repeated washing and wiping over the months will leave you with an oxidized surface not too different from a very thin anodized coating.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
November 24, 2009