Hexclad Pans: Seasoning Secrets

Hexclad pans are made from a metal alloy of 1 percent carbon and 99 percent iron, which creates one of the strongest and most versatile cookware options on the market. Before using your Hexclad pan for the first time, it's important to season it. This process involves heating the pan with a thin layer of neutral oil, such as vegetable, avocado, or olive oil, to create a natural non-stick coating. This coating will protect your food from burning and sticking to the pan, making it easier to clean. You only need to season your Hexclad pan once, as it will re-season with each use. However, if food starts to stick to the pan, it may be beneficial to re-season it.

Hexclad pans should be seasoned before first use

To season your pan before cooking, heat the pan with a thin layer of neutral oil, such as vegetable, avocado, or olive oil. This process is called polymerization, which occurs when the oil (or another fat) is heated at a high enough temperature that it transforms from a liquid into a naturally nonstick layer that bonds with the metal.

• Wash your pan with warm water, a gentle sponge, and dish soap. Dry it thoroughly with a paper towel or a dry kitchen towel.
• Place the pan on the stovetop and turn the burner to medium or low heat.
• After a minute or two, add about one tablespoon of oil to the pan. You can use a variety of oils, including vegetable, avocado, canola, peanut, safflower, or olive oil.
• Allow the oil to heat up for about a minute, then swirl it around the pan to coat the entire cooking surface.
• Let the oil heat up and swirl around for two to three minutes. The oil will start to burn and smoke, which is normal as long as you don't burn the oil.
• Wipe away excess oil with a paper towel and allow the pan to cool down.

Your Hexclad pan is now seasoned and ready to use! You only need to season your Hexclad pan once before its first use. However, if your food starts to stick to the pan, it may be beneficial to season it again.

Hexclad pans do not need to be seasoned before every use

To season your pan before cooking, heat the pan with a thin layer of neutral oil, such as vegetable, avocado, or olive oil. This process is called polymerization, which occurs when the oil or another fat is heated at a high enough temperature that it transforms from a liquid into a naturally non-stick layer that bonds with the metal.

• Wash your non-stick pan with warm water, a gentle sponge, and dish soap. Dry it well.
• Heat your pan over medium-low heat for about 30 seconds.
• Pour 1 teaspoon of neutral oil, such as vegetable, avocado, or olive oil, into the pan and swirl to coat. You can also use a paper towel to spread the oil all the way to the edges.
• Increase the heat to medium and continue to heat the pan for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool.
• Use a paper towel to wipe excess oil from the pan. If you're planning to cook right away, proceed with your recipe. Otherwise, wipe well and store.

Remember that seasoning your Hexclad pan is only necessary the first time you cook with it or after a deep clean. Hexclad pans and other non-stick pans re-season with each use.

Hexclad pans can be seasoned using vegetable oil

Hexclad pans should be seasoned before their first use. You can use vegetable oil to season your Hexclad pans. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Wash the pan with warm water, a sponge, and dish soap to gently scrub it clean.
• Dry the pan with a paper towel or a dry kitchen towel.
• Place the pan on the stovetop and turn the burner to medium or low heat.
• Add about one tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan.
• Let the oil heat up for about one minute, then swirl it around to coat the entire cooking surface.
• Allow the oil to heat up and swirl around the pan for two to three minutes.
• Wipe away excess oil and allow the pan to cool down.

You only need to season your Hexclad pans once before their first use. However, if you notice that your pans are sticking after extended use, you can re-season them by giving them a deep clean with an abrasive sponge and then following the seasoning steps again.

Hexclad pans should be heated to medium-low before seasoning

To season a Hexclad pan, you should first wash it with warm water, a gentle sponge, and dish soap. Dry the pan thoroughly, as any water left in the pan can react with the oil and heat and cause issues with the seasoning process.

Once the pan is dry, place it on the stove and heat it to medium-low. Add about one tablespoon of oil to the pan and swirl it around to coat the interior. You can use a variety of oils, including vegetable, avocado, olive, canola, peanut, safflower, or sunflower oil.

Leave the pan on the heat for one to two minutes, then remove it from the heat and let it cool. Wipe away any excess oil, and your pan is ready to use.

Seasoning your Hexclad pan is crucial before its first use and will only need to be repeated after a deep clean or if food starts to stick to the pan. The process is simple and will ensure your pan performs at its best.

Hexclad pans should be washed with warm water and dried before seasoning

First, use warm water, a sponge, and dish soap to gently scrub your pan clean. Each pan is hand-polished before packaging, so there may be some residual polishing compound left on the surface. It is important to remove any residue or contaminants that may impact the seasoning process or your food.

After washing, dry your pan thoroughly with a paper towel or a dry kitchen towel. Avoid air drying, as this can lead to water spots and streaks on your pan. It is crucial to ensure that your pan is completely dry before proceeding to the next step. Any residual moisture can react with the oil and heat during the seasoning process, causing imperfections.

Once your pan is dry, place it on the stovetop and turn the burner to medium or low heat. Hexclad pans are designed to distribute heat efficiently, so you do not need to use high heat settings. Heating the pan will ensure that any remaining moisture evaporates and prepare the surface for the oil application.

Next, add a small amount of oil to the pan. You can use a variety of oils, such as vegetable, avocado, or olive oil. These oils have high smoke points and will create a durable non-stick coating. Spread the oil evenly across the interior surface of the pan, ensuring complete coverage.

Allow the oil to heat up for about a minute, and then swirl it around the pan to coat the entire cooking surface. This step is crucial in creating an even and effective non-stick layer. The oil will start to smoke slightly as it reaches the right temperature, which is a normal part of the process.

Finally, increase the heat to medium and continue heating the pan for 1-2 minutes. This step completes the polymerization process, transforming the oil into a natural non-stick coating that bonds with the metal. Remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool down.

Once the pan has cooled, use a paper towel to wipe away any excess oil. Your Hexclad pan is now seasoned and ready for use. If you plan to cook immediately, you can proceed with your recipe without wiping the pan. The residual oil is safe to use and will enhance the seasoning process as you cook.

Remember, seasoning your Hexclad pan is typically only necessary before its first use or after a deep clean. With regular use, Hexclad pans re-season naturally over time due to the fats in the food you cook. However, if you notice sticking or discolouration, you can repeat the seasoning process to restore the non-stick properties of your pan.

Frequently asked questions