Cerra Pan: Seasoning Essential?

Seasoning a pan is a crucial step in maintaining its non-stick properties and preventing rust. It involves creating a natural, non-stick coating on the surface of the cookware by applying a thin layer of oil and heating the pan to a specific temperature. This process, known as polymerization, forms a protective layer that not only prevents food from sticking but also enhances the flavour of dishes and improves the pan's durability. While some pans come pre-seasoned, others require seasoning before use and regular seasoning to maintain their non-stick properties. The process of seasoning a pan can vary depending on the type of pan and the method used, such as oven seasoning or stovetop seasoning.

Why season a Cerra pan?

Seasoning a Cerra pan is important for several reasons. Firstly, it creates a natural, non-stick coating on the surface of the pan, making it easier to cook and clean. This non-stick coating also improves the pan's durability and longevity by protecting it from rust and corrosion. Additionally, seasoning a pan can enhance the flavour of dishes cooked in it.

The process of seasoning involves creating a protective, non-stick coating on the pan by applying and heating thin layers of oil. This coating is formed through polymerization, where the oil bonds to the metal and itself, creating a hard, plastic-like surface. This process is important for pans made of cast iron, carbon steel, hard-coat aluminium, or tin plate, as it prevents rust and improves their non-stick properties.

To season a Cerra pan, follow these steps:

• Start with a clean pan: Wash the pan with warm, soapy water and dry it thoroughly. Ensure that all surface moisture is removed, as any residue left on the pan will affect the seasoning process.
• Apply a thin layer of oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil, or flaxseed oil. Avoid oils that smoke instantly, like olive oil or butter. Coat the entire pan, including the exterior, bottom, sides, and handle. Buff the pan with a kitchen towel to remove any excess oil so that it's not greasy to the touch.
• Heat the pan: Place the oiled pan in an oven preheated to 450-500°F (230°C) for about 30 minutes to an hour. Alternatively, you can heat the pan on a stovetop over medium heat. Place a baking sheet or aluminium foil underneath the pan to catch any drippings.
• Repeat the process: Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool. Repeat the oiling and heating process 3-4 more times to build a good initial layer of seasoning.
• Maintain the seasoning: To maintain the seasoning, simply use the pan regularly. Each time you cook with oil or fat, you will be adding more seasoning to the pan. You can also repeat the oiling and heating process as needed to build up more layers of seasoning.

How to season a Cerra pan?

How to season a Cera Pan

Cera Pans are ceramic-coated, non-stick cookware. They are made of aluminium and are oven-friendly.

No, you do not need to season a Cera Pan. The non-stick coating is functional straight away.

How to care for your Cera Pan

• Avoid using high heat.
• Do not use metal utensils as this may damage the non-stick surface.
• Hand washing is recommended, although some Cera Pans are dishwasher-safe.
• Avoid using cooking sprays as these can cause a build-up on the pan's surface over time.
• Tighten the handle screws regularly as they can come loose.

How often should you season a Cerra pan?

CeraPan is a brand of non-stick ceramic-coated cookware. The coating is diamond-infused and scratch-resistant, and the pans are also oven-safe and dishwasher-safe.

The CeraPan Marble Hill set is made of aluminium and is 4mm thick. The handles are heat-resistant and can withstand temperatures of up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The handles are attached with screws, which may need to be tightened regularly as they can become loose over time.

The non-stick surface is very effective, and eggs, for example, will slide right off. The surface also reduces the need for cooking oil and is easy to clean. However, some reviews mention that the non-stick coating can start to wear off after a few months of use, with food starting to stick to the surface.

Overall, the CeraPan Marble Hill set is a good option for those seeking a non-stick, scratch-resistant, and oven-safe cookware set. However, it is important to note that the handles may need to be tightened regularly and that the non-stick coating may not be completely durable.

What oil should you use to season a Cerra pan?

CeraPan is a brand of ceramic cookware that is marketed as non-stick, scratch-resistant, and healthy. It is made without harmful chemicals like PTFE, and its non-stick coating is considered one of the best on the market.

While CeraPan cookware does not require seasoning, some users have reported that the non-stick coating starts to wear off after a few months of use, and that food starts to stick to the pan. To address this issue, you can season your CeraPan cookware using oil. Here are some recommendations for the best oils to use:

• Avocado oil is a healthy, versatile, and affordable option. It has a high smoke point of around 500 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes it ideal for seasoning cast iron. It is also neutral in flavor, so it won't affect the taste of your food.
• Crisco solid shortening is a popular choice for seasoning cast iron because it is versatile, affordable, and widely available in grocery stores. It has a high smoke point of 490 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Vegetable oil and canola oil are widely available and inexpensive options. They have smoke points between 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes them suitable for seasoning cast iron.
• Grapeseed oil is recommended by three out of four cast iron manufacturers. It has a high smoke point and is rich in omega fats. However, some grapeseed oils may contain potentially harmful levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are known to cause cancer.
• Flaxseed oil is considered a "drying oil" because it dries hard onto cast iron. However, it is expensive and has a low smoke point of 225 degrees Fahrenheit. It can also be difficult to find the correct variety, as some types of flaxseed oil will flake off after seasoning.
• Olive oil is readily available in most pantries, but extra virgin olive oil has a low smoke point and is not recommended for seasoning cast iron. Refined olive oil has a higher smoke point and may be a better option.

When choosing an oil for seasoning your CeraPan cookware, consider the smoke point, the concentration of unsaturated fats, the flavor, and the cost of the oil. It is important to choose an oil with a high smoke point, as the seasoning process involves heating the oil to high temperatures. Oils with a higher concentration of unsaturated fats are also preferable because they are more optimal for polymerization, which is the process that creates the non-stick coating. Additionally, a neutral-flavored oil will not affect the taste of your food, and a versatile oil can be used for multiple purposes in the kitchen. Finally, consider the cost of the oil, especially if you plan to use it frequently for seasoning.

How to clean a seasoned Cerra pan?

CeraPan is a brand of non-stick cookware with a ceramic coating. It is marketed as being scratch-resistant, but it is still important to take good care of your CeraPan cookware to ensure that it lasts a long time. Here is a guide on how to clean a seasoned CeraPan:

How to Clean a Seasoned CeraPan

• After cooking, use a spatula or paper towel to remove excess oil from the pan.
• Loosen any bits of stuck-on food by adding some hot water to the pan and using a long-handled dish brush to dislodge them.
• Use a scouring pad or sponge to remove any remaining stains. A Scotch-Brite scouring pad or sponge is the most effective tool for removing tough stains. For lighter stains, a softer sponge, such as a Dobie pad, will require more effort but will leave fewer scratches.
• Wash the pan with a mild dish soap. Although it is generally recommended not to use soap on seasoned cast-iron pans, a small amount of soap is acceptable for CeraPan.
• Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. Ensure that the pan is completely dry before putting it away.
• If there are any stubborn, stuck-on food residues, you can simmer a little water in the pan for 3-5 minutes and then use a pan scraper to remove the food once the pan has cooled.
• If your CeraPan has developed rust, you can remove it by scouring the pan with warm, soapy water and steel wool. Rinse and dry the pan thoroughly, then apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the cookware and place it in the oven upside down on the top rack. Place a baking sheet or aluminium foil on the bottom rack to catch any oil drips, and bake at 450-500 degrees F for one hour. Allow the pan to cool, and repeat if necessary.
• To maintain the non-stick coating, re-season the pan by coating its interior and exterior with a few drops of vegetable oil, spreading the oil with a clean paper towel.
• If you want to avoid using soap on your CeraPan, you can clean it with coarse salt instead. Pour a thin layer of kosher salt into the pan and use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape off any burnt-on bits. Then, heat the salt until it is cool, and wipe the pan clean with a paper towel or cloth.

Frequently asked questions