The Ultimate Guide To Caring For Caraway Pans

Caraway pans are made from ceramic, a naturally non-stick material. This means that, when cooking, less oil or butter is required compared to other cookware. However, ceramic pans should not be overheated, as this can damage the non-stick coating. To care for your Caraway pans, it is recommended that you hand-wash them with warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. Metal utensils should be avoided, as they can damage the non-stick coating.

Use non-abrasive tools to clean Caraway pans

To keep your Caraway pans in optimal condition, it's important to use non-abrasive tools when cleaning them. This will help to avoid scratching the surface of the pan, which can lead to the degradation of the non-stick coating over time.

When cleaning your Caraway pans, it's best to use a soft sponge or a non-abrasive scrub pad. These tools are designed to be gentle on the surface of the pan while still being effective at removing stuck-on food and stains. Soft sponges made from materials like wool or a plastic mesh cover wrapped around a standard sponge are ideal. Non-abrasive scrub pads can be effective at removing caked-on bits from pans without leaving scratches.

It's important to avoid using metal utensils or abrasive tools like steel wool when cleaning Caraway pans. These can damage the non-stick coating and the outer layer of the pan, leading to a shorter lifespan. Instead, opt for wooden, silicone, or plastic utensils when cooking and cleaning.

When drying your Caraway pans, use a soft, non-abrasive dish towel. This will help to prevent scratches and keep your pans looking new.

Avoid high heat

Caraway pans are made from ceramic, a material that is naturally non-stick. This means that you should avoid using high heat when cooking with these pans. Overheating can wear away the non-stick coating, reducing the lifespan of the pan.

Ceramic pans are highly efficient at conducting and distributing heat. This means that you can achieve the same level of browning on low-to-medium heat as you would with other pans on high heat. The coating on Caraway pans is oven-cured, and using high heat will wear out the non-stick properties of the coating faster.

Caraway recommends using low-to-medium heat when cooking with their pans. They also advise allowing the pan to pre-heat for up to 90 seconds on low-to-medium heat before adding oil. This will ensure that your food doesn't stick to the pan.

If you are searing or browning meat, Caraway pans might not be the best option due to their slippery surface. Instead, opt for cast iron, carbon steel, or stainless steel pans.

Avoid rapid heat changes

Caraway pans are made from ceramic, which is a more earth-friendly option than PTFE (Teflon). However, ceramic pans are susceptible to damage from rapid heat changes. Here are some tips to avoid rapid heat changes and extend the lifespan of your Caraway pans:

• Use low to medium heat: Caraway pans should only be used on low to medium heat. Overheating can wear away the non-stick coating and cause food to stick. Ceramic pans excel in heat retention, so you don't need a high flame. Lower heat settings can also prevent damage to your pan.
• Preheat gradually: Before adding oil and food, preheat your pan gradually to gauge the temperature better and make any necessary adjustments.
• Monitor the temperature: Keep a close eye on the temperature to prevent overheating. Ceramic pans retain heat more efficiently than traditional pans, so they don't need as much firepower.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes: Do not subject a hot pan to cold water immediately. Allow it to cool naturally to avoid warping.
• Optimise heat usage: Ceramic pans distribute heat very efficiently, so a high flame is unnecessary.
• Use the right utensils: Metal utensils can damage the non-stick coating. Stick to wooden, silicone, plastic, or nylon utensils.
• Clean with care: When cleaning, always let the pan cool down before washing it with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth. This prevents thermal shock and maintains the integrity of the non-stick surface.

Use wooden or silicone utensils

Caraway's ceramic non-stick pans are an attractive, lightweight, and easy-to-clean option for your kitchen. To ensure that your pans last a long time, it's important to take proper care of them. One of the ways to do this is by using wooden or silicone utensils.

Wooden utensils have been a popular choice for millennia and are widely used for a variety of kitchen tools. Wood is hard enough to break up chunks of meat or scrape up fond from the bottom of a pan, but it's also malleable enough that it won't scratch or gouge the delicate non-stick coating. Teak wood utensils are an excellent option as they won't scratch the surface and wood is naturally antimicrobial, meaning it won't contaminate your food with germs or bacteria if properly cared for.

However, wooden utensils require more maintenance than other materials. They cannot be put in the dishwasher or left wet for long periods as this can cause the wood to warp, crack, or break. They also need to be oiled occasionally to prevent cracking.

Silicone utensils are incredibly durable, heat-safe, dishwasher-safe, and fantastic for use in non-stick cookware. They are soft and won't damage the finish on non-stick pans, and they can heat up alongside your meals without melting or warping. Silicone utensils are also great for getting into the shape of your pan to get to every last drop of food. However, some silicone utensils are made of two pieces—a handle and a head—and the adhesive used can wear out over time, causing the head to come loose. Therefore, it's recommended to look for a silicone utensil that is heat-safe above 500°F with a stainless steel core for better rigidity and durability.

When using wooden or silicone utensils with your Caraway pans, it's important to avoid leaving them in the pan for too long, as this may cause food to stick or burn. Additionally, always ensure that your wooden utensils are thoroughly cleaned after each use to prevent oil seepage into your food.

Hand-wash Caraway pans

Caraway pans are an investment, so it's important to take good care of them. Here are some detailed instructions on how to hand-wash your Caraway pans to keep them in the best condition:

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Before washing your Caraway pan for the first time, it is important to remove any dirt or debris left over from the manufacturing and shipping process. Use a soft, non-abrasive dish towel to wipe down the pan. Make sure that the bottom surface of the pan is completely dry before placing it on a burner.

Step 2: Cooking with Your Pan

Caraway pans are made from ceramic, which has natural non-stick properties. Therefore, you only need to use a small amount of oil or butter when cooking—about a tablespoon should be enough. Avoid using oil sprays or cooking aerosols, as these can damage the non-stick coating. Always use wooden, silicone, plastic, or nylon utensils when cooking with your Caraway pan, as metal utensils can scratch the coating.

It is also important to control the heat when cooking with Caraway pans. Always use low to medium heat and avoid leaving the pan empty on a hot burner. Ceramic can hold heat more efficiently than traditional pans, so overheating can damage the non-stick coating.

Step 3: Cooling the Pan

Before cleaning your Caraway pan, always let it cool down completely. Do not run cold water over a hot pan, as this can cause thermal shock and crack the pan.

Step 4: Hand-Washing Your Pan

Fill your Caraway pan with warm, soapy water and use a soft sponge or non-abrasive dishcloth to clean the cooking surface. For tougher stains, you can use a stronger sponge, such as a wool sponge, with a high-strength detergent. If food is stuck on the surface, fill the pan with an inch of soapy water and simmer it on low heat. Once the food has loosened, let the water cool, then pour it out and wipe away the food with a non-abrasive sponge. Rinse the pan with warm water.

Step 5: Drying and Storing Your Pan

After washing your Caraway pan, dry it with a soft, non-abrasive dish towel. Make sure the pan is completely dry before putting it away.

Frequently asked questions