Calphalon Signature Pans: Seasoning Secrets

Calphalon pans are known for their durability and high-quality construction. While seasoning cast iron pans is a common practice, it is not recommended to season Calphalon pans. Seasoning Calphalon pans can cause food to stick and make cleaning more difficult. Instead, it is advised to properly wash and dry Calphalon pans before their first use. However, some users have reported sticking issues with their Calphalon pans, which may be due to the type of cooktop or other factors.

Calphalon Signature Pans do not need to be seasoned

Before using a Calphalon Signature Pan for the first time, it is important to wash it with warm, sudsy water and dry it thoroughly. This will remove any manufacturing residues or dust. Here are the steps to properly care for your Calphalon Signature Pan:

• Wash your new pan with liquid dishwashing detergent and a non-abrasive sponge or soft-bristle brush. Ensure that you thoroughly clean the interior and exterior of the pan.
• Dry the pan completely using a clean, soft cloth.
• For better cooking results, preheat the pan using the setting you intend to use when cooking, before adding butter or oil.
• It is recommended to avoid using aerosol cooking sprays as they contain chemical propellants that are difficult to remove. Instead, use an oil mister with olive or vegetable oil, or dab a bit of oil on a paper towel and carefully wipe the interior of the pan.
• After cooking, allow the pan to cool completely before washing.

By following these care instructions, you can maintain the non-stick properties of your Calphalon Signature Pan and ensure optimal cooking performance.

Calphalon pans are non-stick

Before using a Calphalon pan for the first time, it is important to wash it with warm, sudsy water and dry it thoroughly. This will remove any manufacturing residues or dust. It is recommended to use a liquid dishwashing detergent and a non-abrasive sponge or soft-bristle brush for this initial cleaning.

For better cooking results, it is also suggested to preheat the pan using the intended heat setting before adding butter or oil. Calphalon recommends against using aerosol cooking sprays as they contain chemical propellants that are difficult to remove. Instead, they suggest using an oil mister or carefully wiping the interior of the pan with oil using a paper towel.

After cooking, it is important to let the pan cool completely before washing. Calphalon pans are dishwasher-safe, but hand washing is recommended to preserve the non-stick coating and the luster of the pan. When washing, use a liquid dishwashing detergent and a non-abrasive sponge or soft-bristle brush. Avoid using abrasive cleaning pads or cleansers as they can damage the pan and void the warranty.

To maintain the non-stick properties of Calphalon pans, it is important to avoid using metal utensils that can scratch the surface. Silicone, wood, or nylon utensils are recommended instead. Additionally, always ensure that the pan is completely dry after washing to prevent rusting.

While Calphalon pans are designed to be non-stick, some users have reported issues with food sticking. In these cases, it may be beneficial to season the pan. However, it is important to note that seasoning Calphalon pans is not recommended by the manufacturer and may void the warranty. If you choose to season your Calphalon pan, follow the general steps outlined below:

• Wash the pan with hot, soapy water to remove any residues.
• Dry the pan thoroughly.
• Apply a thin layer of cooking oil, such as vegetable oil or canola oil, to the interior and exterior of the pan.
• Heat the pan in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about an hour.
• Allow the pan to cool in the oven, then remove it.
• Wipe off any excess oil with a paper towel.

Pans should be hand-washed before first use

While it is not necessary to season a Calphalon pan, it is important to properly clean it before its first use. Pans should always be hand-washed before their first use to ensure they are free of any residue, manufacturing oils, polishing compounds, or germs that may have accumulated during the manufacturing process or while on display in stores.

• Fill your sink with warm water: As you fill the sink, add some liquid dishwashing detergent to create soapy water.
• Wash the pan: Using a non-abrasive sponge, gently wash the pan in the soapy water. Ensure you cover the entire surface, including the bottom of the pan.
• Rinse and dry: After washing, thoroughly rinse the pan with clean water to remove any soap residue. Finally, dry the pan with a clean, soft cloth.

By hand-washing your new Calphalon pan before its first use, you can ensure that it is free of any potential contaminants and ready for safe and effective cooking.

It is worth noting that Calphalon pans should not be seasoned like cast iron pans. Seasoning a Calphalon pan may cause food to stick and make cleaning more difficult.

Pans should be dried thoroughly after washing

Calphalon pans are made of hard anodized materials and do not need to be seasoned. In fact, seasoning a Calphalon pan is not recommended as it may cause food to stick to the pan and make cleaning more difficult.

When it comes to cleaning your pans, it is important to ensure that they are dried thoroughly after washing. This is because leaving pans damp can lead to rusting, especially in cast iron pans. To dry your pans, use a clean, soft cloth or towel. Make sure to dry the pans immediately after washing, especially if they are cast iron, to prevent rusting.

It is also important to note that you should never put a hot pan under running water. This can cause thermal shock, which can ruin your pan over time. Thermal shock occurs when a hot pan is exposed to cold water, causing the metals to cool down too quickly. This can lead to warping, shattering, chipping, or cracking of the pan. Instead, allow the pan to cool down naturally at room temperature before washing it with warm, soapy water.

Additionally, when washing Calphalon pans, it is recommended to hand-wash them using a liquid dishwashing detergent and a non-abrasive sponge or soft-bristle brush. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or cleaning pads, baking soda, bleach, or liquid household cleaners as these can damage the finish of the pan.

Pans should be heated before adding butter or oil

While you don't need to season Calphalon signature pans, heating your pans before adding butter or oil is essential. Here are some reasons why:

Prevent Burning

Adding butter or oil to a cold pan can lead to overheating, causing the butter or oil to burn and smoke. Heating the pan first gives you more control over the temperature. When the pan is hot enough, add the butter or oil, and then immediately add your food. This cools the pan slightly, preventing the butter or oil from burning.

Prevent Sticking

Some metals, such as stainless steel, have microscopic pores that expand when heated. Filling these pores with oil creates a smoother surface, reducing the chance of food sticking to the pan. However, if you add oil to a cold pan, the oil can settle into the pores, and when you add food, it can get stuck in the pan's surface.

Evaporate Moisture

Heating the pan first allows any moisture in the pan to evaporate. If you add oil to a cold pan, the moisture can get trapped under the oil and cause it to splatter when it finally evaporates.

Achieve Desired Temperatures

If you are aiming for a very high temperature, such as when searing a steak, heating the pan first is crucial. A hot pan can reach higher temperatures than oil alone. Adding oil to a hot pan allows you to achieve the desired temperature for searing without burning the oil.

Maintain Oil Quality

Heating the pan first is also beneficial for the oil itself. When oil is exposed to heat for an extended period, it can start to break down, affecting its taste and forming sticky polymers on the pan, which are difficult to clean.

Safety

Heating the pan first can also be a safety measure. If you heat the pan and oil together, you may forget about it and overheat the oil. A hot pan reminds you to add the oil and then the food, reducing the risk of leaving the oil unattended.

In summary, heating your pans before adding butter or oil is a crucial step in the cooking process. It helps prevent burning, sticking, and the formation of sticky polymers. It also allows you to achieve the desired temperature for specific cooking techniques, such as searing. Additionally, it ensures the oil maintains its quality and flavour, resulting in better-tasting food.

Frequently asked questions