Ceramic Pans: To Season Or Not?

Ceramic pans are a popular alternative to traditional non-stick pans, but they do require special care to keep them in good condition. Ceramic pans are susceptible to scratches and should be washed by hand with warm soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge. They should not be cleaned in the dishwasher or with steel wool, as this can damage the coating and cause it to peel, which may contaminate your food.

Cleaning and maintenance

Before First Use

Before using a new ceramic pan, it's important to hand wash it with warm soapy water. Use a sponge or soft cloth to remove any dust or dirt particles that may have accumulated during manufacturing and shipping.

After Each Use

Ceramic pans are sensitive to sudden temperature changes, so always let the pan cool down before washing it. Fill your sink with warm water and a mild dish soap, and use a non-abrasive sponge or soft dishcloth to clean the surfaces. 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 let it air-dry on a rack.

Removing Hardened Food

If food has burned and stuck to the pan, let the pan soak in warm soapy water for at least 30 minutes. Then, dip a damp sponge into baking soda and scrub away any remaining bits of food. You can also add a bit of white vinegar to the baking soda paste to create a bubbling action that loosens the burnt-on food. Rinse and dry the pan as usual.

For very stubborn food residue, create a mixture of 2 cups of water and 1/2 cup of white vinegar, and pour it into the pan. Let the pan soak overnight, or put it on the stove and heat the mixture to a boil for a few minutes. Allow the pan to cool before attempting to scrub out the burnt food.

Removing Discoloration

The ceramic coating can become discolored over time, especially if food is burned at high temperatures. To lighten the finish, pour enough 3% hydrogen peroxide (regular first-aid strength) to cover the bottom of the pan. Let the solution sit for 30 minutes, then rinse and dry the pan. The slight bleaching action of the peroxide will brighten the finish.

Other Tips

• Always hand-wash ceramic pans, as dishwasher detergents can damage the coating.
• Use only plastic, silicone, wood, or nylon utensils when cooking with ceramic pans. Metal utensils can scratch the coating and ruin the pan.
• Avoid cutting food with a knife directly in the pan, as this can gouge the surface and reduce its non-stick quality.
• Use a small amount of oil or butter when cooking.
• Avoid harsh cooking sprays, as these can leave a residue that is hard to remove.
• Do not use excessively high temperatures when cooking, as this can cause burnt-on stains and reduce the non-stick properties of the pan.
• Store ceramic pans properly to avoid scratches. Do not stack them directly on top of each other, and use pan protectors if necessary.

Durability

Ceramic pans are a popular alternative to traditional non-stick pans, touted for their health and environmental benefits. However, they are not as durable as other types of cookware. Here are some key points about the durability of ceramic pans:

Lifespan

Ceramic pans typically last for two to five years, depending on their quality and maintenance. The non-stick coating will eventually wear off, at which point the pan will need to be replaced.

Coating

The coating on ceramic pans is more brittle and delicate than other types of coatings. It is susceptible to scratches and scuff marks from metal utensils, which can ruin the non-stick properties of the pan. Therefore, it is recommended to use wooden, nylon, or silicon utensils with ceramic pans.

Heat

Ceramic pans are generally safe to use at high temperatures, but sustained use over high heat can cause the coating to break down more quickly. Additionally, dry heating or leaving the pan on an active stovetop without oil or fat can degrade the coating. It is recommended to use low to medium heat with ceramic pans and to always lubricate the pan with oil or fat before cooking.

Cleaning

Ceramic pans should always be hand-washed with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth. Putting them in the dishwasher can damage the coating and cause it to peel, potentially contaminating food.

Storage

Ceramic pans should be stored properly to prolong their lifespan. They should be completely dry before storing, and stacked with pan protectors to prevent unwanted marks and scratches.

Maintenance

To maintain the non-stick properties of a ceramic pan, it is important to clean it properly after each use. Leftover protein residue can bake into the ceramic coating, making it more difficult to remove over time. A simple wash with soapy water may not be enough, and a more thorough cleaning method may be required.

Safety

Ceramic pans are marketed as a safer alternative to traditional non-stick cookware. The coating on ceramic pans is made from silica (sand) and other inorganic materials, and is free of chemicals like PFOA and PTFE. However, it is important to note that the non-stick coating on ceramic pans can break down over time, especially if exposed to high heat, and may release toxic fumes. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid using ceramic pans over high heat and to hand-wash them instead of putting them in the dishwasher to prolong their lifespan and maintain their non-stick properties.

Avoiding Toxic Fumes

To avoid the potential release of toxic fumes, it is important to never heat a ceramic pan above 500 °F (260 °C). The non-stick coating on ceramic pans can begin to break down and release fumes at temperatures above 500 °F. Additionally, high heat can cause food to stick to the pan due to thermocapillary convection. Therefore, it is recommended to use low to medium heat when cooking with ceramic pans.

Proper Cleaning and Maintenance

To maintain the non-stick properties of ceramic pans and prevent the build-up of food particles and residue, it is important to clean them properly after each use. Hand-washing ceramic pans with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth is recommended. Avoid using steel wool, abrasive nylon, metal pads, or abrasive cleaners as they can scratch the surface and reduce the non-stick quality. It is also important to avoid using dishwasher detergents that contain bleach or citric acids, as they are too harsh for the finish.

Preventing Warping

Ceramic pans are vulnerable to drastic changes in temperature, which can cause them to warp. Therefore, it is important to allow the pan to cool down completely before washing it. Additionally, washing hot pans in cold water can cause warping due to thermal expansion, so it is recommended to let the pan cool to room temperature before rinsing.

Storing Safely

To prevent scratches and damage, it is important to store ceramic pans properly. Avoid stacking ceramic pans directly on top of each other, as this can cause scratches and marks. Instead, use a hanging rack or separate them on a shelf with some space between each pan. If cabinet space is limited, pan protectors can be purchased to prevent unwanted friction and scratching.

Heat management

Ceramic pans are prized for their heat retention, ease of cleaning, and sleek design. However, they require careful heat management to avoid damage and maintain their non-stick properties. Here are some tips for effective heat management with ceramic pans:

Avoid High Temperatures

Ceramic pans are best suited for low to medium heat cooking. Most ceramic pans can withstand temperatures up to 500°F, but exceeding this limit will cause the non-stick coating to break down, potentially releasing toxic fumes. High heat can also lead to food sticking due to thermocapillary convection, where focused heat causes oil to move outward in the pan.

Avoid Dry Heating

Always add a small amount of butter or oil before cooking. Dry heating, or exposing the pan to an active stovetop without any lubrication, can damage the coating, even at low temperatures.

Allow Pans to Cool Before Cleaning

Ceramic pans are vulnerable to sudden temperature changes. Always let your ceramic pan cool down completely before rinsing or washing. The shock of cold water on a hot pan can damage the coating and cause warping over time.

Hand Wash Recommended

While some ceramic pans are dishwasher-safe, hand washing is highly recommended to extend the life of the pan. Dishwasher detergents can damage the coating, causing it to peel and potentially contaminating your food. Additionally, the presence of other utensils in the dishwasher can scratch the pan's surface.

Use Suitable Utensils

Use silicone or wooden spoons and spatulas instead of metal utensils, as metal can nick or scrape the outer layer of the pan.

Seasoning

Some ceramic pans may benefit from seasoning. Check the manufacturer's instructions. If seasoning is recommended, hand wash and thoroughly dry the pan, then coat the surface with a tablespoon of oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, avocado, or canola oil. Heat the oil slowly using an oven or stovetop until it begins to smoke. Let the pan cool to room temperature, then wipe away any excess oil.

Storage

Proper storage of your ceramic pans is essential to their longevity. Here are some tips to ensure your ceramic pans are stored correctly:

• Always ensure your ceramic pans are completely dry before storing them. Leaving pans damp can lead to the growth of mould or bacteria.
• Avoid stacking ceramic pans directly on top of each other. Stacking pans can cause unwanted marks and scratches on the cooking surface.
• If you must stack your pans due to limited storage space, use pan protectors, cloth napkins, or kitchen towels between each pan. These act as a cushioning layer, preventing the pans from banging against and scratching each other.
• Store your pans on a flat surface, in a spot where they are unlikely to fall or have objects fall onto them. An enclosed cabinet is ideal as it keeps the pans clean and protected.
• If you have a hanging rack, this is an ideal storage solution as it eliminates the risk of stacking pans.
• If you store your pans on a shelf, separate them and leave some space between each one.
• Ensure your ceramic pans do not come into contact with other cookware that could cause damage, such as metal utensils.

Frequently asked questions