Ceramic Pans: Season Or Not?

There is conflicting information about whether or not ceramic pans need to be seasoned. Some sources claim that seasoning a ceramic pan will increase its lifespan and enhance the cooking experience by making the surface non-stick. However, other sources state that ceramic pans do not require seasoning and that the ceramic coating is non-stick on its own. Seasoning a ceramic pan involves washing and drying the pan, coating it with oil, heating it, and then letting it cool. This process can be done using an oven, a stove, or direct sunlight. It is important to note that high temperatures can damage the coating on ceramic pans, so it is recommended to stick to low to medium heat when cooking with these pans.

How to season a ceramic pan

Seasoning a ceramic pan is important to maximize its benefits, increase its lifespan, and enhance your cooking experience. It involves applying a thin layer of oil to the pan's surface and burning it to form a non-stick coating. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season your ceramic pan:

Step 1: Wash Your Ceramic Pan

Start by washing your ceramic pan with a mild dish soap and a soft cloth or sponge. Ensure that the pan is completely spotless, removing any food residue or burnt oil. This step applies to both new and used pans.

Step 2: Add Oil to the Pan's Surface

Choose an oil with a high smoking point, such as vegetable oil, peanut oil, grapeseed oil, lard, or canola oil. Avoid oils with a low smoking point, like olive oil, coconut oil, and butter, as they can leave an unpleasant smell and flavour. Add about one tablespoon of oil to the pan and spread it evenly across the cooking surface using a brush, paper towel, or soft cloth.

Step 3: Heat the Pan

You can heat the pan on the stovetop or in the oven. If using the stovetop, place the pan on a burner set to medium heat. Do not rush the process by using high heat. Heat the pan slowly until you see smoke coming out of it, which may take up to 30 minutes. Alternatively, if your pan is oven-safe, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and place the pan in the middle rack. Keep in mind that this method only works for conventional and convection ovens.

Step 4: Let the Pan Cool Completely

After heating, let the pan cool down completely. Do not rush the cooling process by placing the pan in the fridge or pouring cold water on it. Allow the pan to reach room temperature and give it time to soak up the non-stick coating.

Step 5: Wipe Away Excess Oil

Once the pan has cooled, use a clean paper towel or soft cloth to wipe away any excess oil. Your pan will feel a bit greasy, but this is normal for a non-stick surface.

Step 6: Repeat the Process Regularly

Depending on how often you use your ceramic pan and how well you care for it, you may need to repeat the seasoning process every few months. A good rule of thumb is to season your pan after every six months or when you notice food starting to stick to the surface.

Tips for Maintaining Your Seasoned Ceramic Pan:

• Wash your ceramic pans properly using a soft sponge and mild dish soap. Avoid abrasive sponges or steel wool pads.
• Do not use metal utensils as they can scratch the non-stick coating. Instead, opt for silicone or wooden utensils.
• Avoid stacking your ceramic pans to prevent the non-stick coating from wearing off. If necessary, use a paper towel or dishcloth between the pans.

Why ceramic pans don't need seasoning

Ceramic pans do not need to be seasoned because they are non-stick. Seasoning is the process of burning a thin layer of oil to form a coating with non-stick properties. However, ceramic pans are already non-stick, so seasoning is unnecessary and can even be harmful.

Ceramic pans are coated with a non-toxic substance called "sol-gel," which is made from silica (sand) and other inorganic materials. This coating gives the pan its non-stick properties and makes it easy to clean. While some people believe that seasoning a ceramic pan can increase its lifespan and enhance the cooking experience, it is not necessary and can actually be detrimental.

Seasoning a ceramic pan involves washing the pan, adding oil, and heating it slowly on the stove or in the oven. However, if the pan is heated too much, the ceramic coating can crack. Therefore, it is best to avoid seasoning ceramic pans altogether.

Additionally, ceramic pans should not be washed in the dishwasher, as the detergents can damage the coating. Instead, hand washing with mild soap and a soft cloth or sponge is recommended. It is also important to use non-metallic utensils with ceramic pans to avoid scratching the coating.

In summary, ceramic pans do not need to be seasoned because they are already non-stick. Seasoning can be harmful to the ceramic coating, so it is best to avoid it. Proper care and maintenance of ceramic pans involve hand washing, using non-metallic utensils, and avoiding high temperatures.

How to wash ceramic pans

Ceramic pans are a great addition to your kitchen, but they do require some special care to keep them in good condition. Here are some detailed instructions on how to wash your ceramic pans properly:

• Always allow your ceramic pan to cool down completely before washing. This is important to avoid thermal shock, which can cause the pan to shatter.
• Hand-wash your ceramic pan with warm, soapy water using a soft sponge or cloth. Avoid using steel wool, abrasive nylon, metal pads, or abrasive cleaners as these can scratch the surface and reduce the non-stick quality.
• Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it with a soft dish towel or air-dry it on a rack.
• If there is hardened or burnt-on food, fill the sink or a large dishpan with warm water and add a few squirts of dish soap. Submerge the pan and let it soak for at least 30 minutes.
• To remove stubborn food residue, dip a damp sponge into dry baking soda and scrub the pan. You can also add some white vinegar to create a bubbling action that loosens the burnt-on food. Rinse and dry the pan as usual.
• For very tough stains, create a mixture of 2 cups of water and 1/2 cup of white vinegar and pour it into the pan. Let it soak overnight or boil the mixture for a few minutes. Allow the pan to cool before scrubbing.
• To remove discolouration, pour enough 3% hydrogen peroxide into the pan to cover the bottom. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then rinse and dry. The peroxide will help lighten the finish.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools as these can damage the ceramic coating.
• Do not use dishwasher detergents that contain bleach or citric acids as they are too harsh for the finish.
• To restore the non-stick quality of your pan, you can try oiling the surface. Use seed oils instead of olive oil and heat the pan on medium for about 5-7 minutes to bring the oil to its smoking point. Remove the pan, let it cool, and gently wipe away excess oil with a paper towel.
• To prevent scratches, use only plastic, silicone, wood, or nylon utensils when cooking with ceramic pans.
• Store your ceramic pans carefully to prevent scratches. You can hang them on a pan rack or stack them with a paper towel, dishcloth, or paper bag between them.

How to store ceramic pans

While ceramic pans are highly durable and can withstand high temperatures, storing them correctly will help them last longer and maintain their non-stick properties. Here are some tips on how to store ceramic pans:

• Ensure the pan is clean and dry before storing it away. Leftover food particles can build up over time and interfere with the non-stick performance of the pan, so always clean your pan with soap and water after each use.
• Do not stack other cookware directly on top of or inside your ceramic pans. The friction and contact between the pan's surfaces can damage the non-stick coating and cause scratches. If you are limited on kitchen storage space and need to stack your pans, use polyester pot protectors or place a cloth napkin, paper towel, paper bag, or paper napkin between each pan. This will create a cushioning layer that prevents the pans from banging into each other and potentially causing damage.
• Store the pans on a flat surface where they will not get knocked over, and where nothing will fall onto them. An enclosed cabinet is ideal as it will keep the pans clean and protected.
• Avoid storing metal utensils inside nested pans as they can cause scuffs and scratches. Instead, use cloth napkins, paper towels, or pan protectors to preserve the non-stick coating. A pan and pot lid organizer for kitchen drawers or cabinets is also a good option.

How to choose the right oil for seasoning

While ceramic pans are a great addition to your kitchen, they do need to be seasoned and cared for properly to ensure their longevity. Seasoning a ceramic pan involves burning a thin layer of oil to form a coating with non-stick properties. This coating is important as the ceramic coating on its own is not non-stick.

Step 1: Wash Your Pan

Start by giving your pan a good wash. Use a soft cloth or sponge with some dish soap and gently clean the surface of the pan. Avoid using abrasive brushes or sponges as these can damage the surface of your pan, especially if it is new. Once you've cleaned it, rinse it thoroughly and dry it with a fresh, soft cloth.

Step 2: Choose the Right Oil

When it comes to choosing the right oil for seasoning, it is important to select an oil with a high smoking point. Oils like vegetable oil, grapeseed oil, peanut oil, canola oil, and lard are great options. Avoid using oils with a low smoking point such as olive oil, coconut oil, butter, or flavored cooking sprays as these can leave an unpleasant smell and flavour.

Step 3: Add Oil to the Pan

Add a tablespoon of your chosen oil to the pan and spread it evenly across the entire surface. You can use your fingers or a paper towel for this step. If needed, add more oil until the entire cooking surface is coated. You can use a brush, a clean paper towel, or a soft cloth to ensure an even coating.

Step 4: Heat the Pan

Place your pan on the stovetop burner on medium heat. It is important to let the oil heat slowly, so avoid the temptation to turn up the heat. Keep the pan on medium heat until you notice smoke coming out of it. This may take up to 30 minutes, so be patient.

Alternatively, if your pan is oven-safe, you can place it in the oven at 300°F (or 150°C) for about 20 minutes. This method is ideal for ceramic baking pans.

Step 5: Let it Cool

Once the pan starts smoking, turn off the heat and let it cool down completely. Do not rush the cooling process by putting the pan in the fridge or running cold water over it. This sudden change in temperature can damage the pan.

Step 6: Wipe Away Excess Oil

Once the pan has cooled, use a clean paper towel or soft cloth to wipe away any excess oil. Your pan will feel greasier than usual, but this is what creates the non-stick property. Do not scrub or wash the pan to remove the oiliness.

Step 7: Repeat the Process

Depending on how often you use your ceramic pan, you should repeat the seasoning process every few months. If you notice food sticking to the surface or the ceramic coating starting to fade, it's time to re-season your pan. For new pans, it is recommended to season them once a month for the first few months to build up a permanent layer of seasoning.

By following these steps and choosing the right oil for seasoning, you can keep your ceramic pans in great condition and enjoy their non-stick properties for longer.

Frequently asked questions