Caring For Your Green Pan: Tips And Tricks

GreenPan is a popular brand of non-stick cookware coated with Thermolon, a ceramic non-stick coating. To care for your GreenPan, it is recommended that you wash it by hand with a soft sponge and warm, soapy water. You should avoid using abrasive detergents, steel wool, or iron sponges, and always let the pan cool before washing to avoid thermal shock, which can warp the pan and shatter glass lids. To remove burnt bits from your GreenPan, you can fill the pan with warm soapy water, boil it, and then let it cool before wiping away the burnt food. You can also create a baking soda solution or use vinegar to clean your GreenPan. To maximise the performance of your GreenPan, use low to medium heat, silicone or wooden utensils, and oil or butter.

Use low to medium heat

GreenPan's Thermolon™ coating distributes heat more effectively than traditional coatings, so your pan will get hot enough to cook a steak even on low to medium heat.

Using low to medium heat is important because it helps to extend the lifespan of your pan. Non-stick pans are made with a special coating that prevents food from sticking to them. When a non-stick pan is heated above 400-500°F, the molecules on the coating break down and release fluorocarbons into the air. These polymers are common in household products, but inhaling them is linked to respiratory illness.

Additionally, the plastic coating is made of a gas that is frozen and then compressed into a waxy substance. When exposed to high temperatures, this substance will begin to flake and break down. It will turn back into a gas and start to degrade like a candle.

To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to use a non-stick pan to cook things that require low to medium heat, such as eggs and vegetables. Reserve your stainless steel pan for cooking at high heats.

It's also important to note that an empty non-stick pan on low heat will be damaged much more quickly than a pan filled with oil and vegetables on high heat. This is because the oil acts as a middleman for heat transfer, soaking up heat from the pan and then transferring it to the food.

Therefore, when using your GreenPan, it is best to stick to low to medium heat. This will ensure that your pan's coating lasts longer and that you are not exposed to any harmful fumes.

Clean with a soft sponge and warm, soapy water

GreenPan's ceramic nonstick coating is coated with Thermolon, which is free of dangerous elements such as lead, cadmium, or PFAS. To care for your GreenPan, it is recommended to clean it with a soft sponge and warm, soapy water. This is an easy and effective way to keep your pan in good condition.

• Ensure that your pan is completely cool before washing. Plunging a hot pan into cold water can cause thermal shock, which may warp the pan or shatter glass lids. Always let the pan cool down before cleaning.
• Fill your sink or a basin with warm water and add a mild dish soap. You can also fill the pan with warm, soapy water if you prefer.
• Use a soft sponge or dishcloth to gently wash the pan. Avoid using abrasive detergents, steel wool, or iron sponges as these can damage the non-stick coating.
• Gently scrub away any food residue or stains. For burnt-on food, you can fill the pan with warm, soapy water, bring it to a boil, and then let it cool. The burnt-on food should wipe away easily after.
• Rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap residue.
• Dry the pan completely before storing it. You can also use a pan protector, which is a soft pad that keeps your pan from getting scratched or dinged during storage.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean your GreenPan and maintain its non-stick properties for a long time. Remember to always use soft tools like silicone or wooden utensils when cooking with your GreenPan, as they are gentler on the coating.

Avoid abrasive detergents, steel wool, and iron sponges

GreenPan's ceramic non-stick coating is formulated using sand-derived raw materials and does not contain dangerous elements such as lead, cadmium, or PFAS. To keep your GreenPan in top shape, it is important to avoid using abrasive detergents, steel wool, or iron sponges. These can damage the non-stick coating and reduce the pan's lifespan.

Instead, opt for a soft sponge and some warm, soapy water for cleaning. If you're dealing with stubborn residue, you can use a small amount of baking soda to scrub the pan, but this should not be a daily solution as it will eventually break down the non-stick surface.

For deep cleaning, fill the pan halfway with water and bring it to a boil for about 2 minutes. Then, pour out the water and place the pan on a sturdy surface, such as a wooden cutting board. Finish by carefully wiping the pan with a restoring (melamine) sponge.

Additionally, always allow your GreenPan to cool before washing to avoid thermal shock, which can warp the pan and shatter glass lids. Properly caring for your GreenPan will ensure its longevity and maintain its non-stick properties.

Allow the pan to cool before washing

Allowing your Green Pan to cool before washing is an important step in ensuring the longevity of your cookware. By rapidly lowering the temperature of a hot pan, you risk causing thermal shock, which can lead to warping and cracking. This happens because metals expand when heated and shrink when cooled. By allowing your pan to cool down naturally, you prevent this drastic temperature change and the potential damage that comes with it.

When a pan is subjected to thermal shock, it may become warped, resulting in an uneven bottom that will no longer sit flat on the stovetop. This can lead to hot and cold spots during cooking, affecting the performance of your pan. Repeated exposure to thermal shock can also cause permanent warping, especially in pans made with thin metal or less sturdy materials.

To avoid thermal shock and its consequences, it is recommended that you let your Green Pan cool to room temperature before washing. This simple act of patience can help ensure that your pan remains in optimal condition and performs effectively for a long time.

It is also important to note that while waiting for your pan to cool, you should avoid the temptation to add water to the pan to speed up the process. This can have the same detrimental effects as plunging a hot pan into cold water. Instead, let the pan cool down gradually and then proceed with washing it using a soft sponge, warm water, and a mild detergent.

By following these instructions, you can help ensure that your Green Pan remains in good condition and continues to provide you with a pleasant and efficient cooking experience.

Season the pan before use

Seasoning a Green Pan is a simple process, but it is important to choose the oil carefully. Peanut oil has a very high flashpoint and is therefore the most commonly used oil for seasoning. However, vegetable oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil, lard, and shortening are also good options. Butter and olive oil are not recommended.

• Wash your pan in warm, soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and dry. Ensure the pan is completely dry before beginning the seasoning process.
• Pour a small amount of oil into the pan. Use your fingers to spread it around and coat the inside cooking surface of the pan completely.
• Heat the pan on the stovetop over moderate heat until the oil begins to smoke.
• Remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool completely.
• Use a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe away any excess oil. Your pan is now ready to be used or stored.

It is recommended to season your Green Pan once every six months. If food begins to stick to the surface of your pan before six months have elapsed, re-season your pan ahead of schedule.

Frequently asked questions