Cleaning And Seasoning Your Pampered Chef Stoneware Loaf Pan

Pampered Chef stoneware is a kitchen tool used for baking or cooking. It is designed to be non-stick and becomes seasoned as it is used, improving over time. To maintain your stoneware and preserve the seasoning, it is important to follow the care instructions recommended by Pampered Chef. This includes allowing the stoneware to cool down to room temperature before cleaning, as sudden temperature changes can damage it. When cleaning, it is recommended to wash the stoneware by hand in warm water without soap, as soap can remove the seasoning. An exception to this is glazed stoneware, where the glazed area can be washed with dish soap. To remove stuck-on food, a nylon scraper or brush can be used. For a deeper clean, a baking soda paste can be applied and left to stand for 10-15 minutes before rinsing. When seasoning stoneware, it is recommended to coat it with vegetable oil and bake it in the oven for 20-30 minutes.

Wash new stoneware by hand before first use

It is important to wash new stoneware by hand before its first use. This is because soap will remove the seasoning from the stoneware. To wash new stoneware by hand, remove the stoneware dish from its packaging and wash it by hand with water only. In the future, avoid using soap on your stoneware, as it will remove the seasoning. Once you have washed the stoneware, dry it with a towel and set it aside.

It is also important to note that you should not use aerosol non-stick spray on the surface of the stoneware. This is because it can cause a sticky surface that prevents seasoning. Instead, you can use coconut oil or lard to season your stoneware.

Dry stoneware with a towel

When drying stoneware with a towel, it's important to be gentle and thorough. Use a soft, absorbent towel to blot away any remaining water or moisture from the stoneware's surface. Make sure to dry the stoneware completely before storing it or using it again. This helps prevent the growth of bacteria and ensures your stoneware is ready for its next use.

It's also important to note that you should never use soap when cleaning Pampered Chef stoneware, as it will remove the seasoning. Instead, hand-wash the stoneware with warm or hot water, and use a towel to dry it thoroughly.

Additionally, when drying stoneware, it's a good idea to store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid stacking stoneware pieces on top of each other, as this can trap moisture and lead to the development of odours or mildew. Proper drying and storage techniques will help extend the life of your stoneware and maintain its non-stick surface.

Furthermore, when drying stoneware with a towel, you can also use this opportunity to inspect the stoneware for any cracks, chips, or other damage. If you notice any issues, it's best to discontinue using the stoneware and consider replacing it. This is important for food safety and to ensure the stoneware performs optimally during cooking or baking.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively dry your Pampered Chef stoneware loaf pan with a towel, maintaining its quality and extending its lifespan.

Don't use aerosol non-stick spray

When cleaning and seasoning Pampered Chef stoneware, it is important to note that aerosol non-stick sprays should be avoided. While it may be tempting to reach for these sprays to make your stoneware loaf pan non-stick, they can actually cause more harm than good. Here's why you should avoid using aerosol non-stick sprays on your stoneware:

• Buildup Over Time: The use of aerosol non-stick sprays can lead to a sticky buildup on your stoneware that is difficult to remove. This buildup occurs due to the presence of lecithin, propellants, and other additives in the spray. Over time, this buildup can affect the performance of your stoneware and make it less non-stick.
• Degradation of the Cooking Surface: The buildup from non-stick sprays can degrade the cooking surface of your stoneware loaf pan, causing food to stick. This defeats the purpose of using a non-stick surface and can make cleaning more challenging.
• Voiding Product Warranty: Some manufacturers, like Anolon, specifically advise against using cooking sprays as it can void the product warranty. They recommend alternative methods, such as using a refillable manual oil mister or a kitchen spritzer filled with oil, to achieve a non-stick effect without damaging the surface.
• Health Concerns: Non-stick sprays often contain propellants such as propane or butane, which may pose potential health risks if used incorrectly or in excessive amounts. It is always important to prioritize your health and the health of your family when choosing cooking methods and products.
• Alternative Options: Instead of reaching for the aerosol spray, there are other effective ways to create a non-stick surface on your stoneware. You can use pure oils like olive oil, coconut oil, or vegetable oil, and apply them with a paper towel, a silicone basting brush, or a kitchen spritzer. These options provide a natural non-stick coating without the negative side effects of aerosol sprays.

Remember, the key to maintaining the quality of your Pampered Chef stoneware loaf pan is to avoid aerosol non-stick sprays and opt for alternative methods that are safer and more effective in the long run. By following these instructions, you will be able to enjoy your stoneware for many years to come.

How to season new stoneware

Stoneware is a great kitchen tool for baking or cooking. To maintain your stoneware and preserve its seasoning, you need to follow the care instructions recommended by the manufacturer.

Washing new stoneware:

• Remove the stoneware from the package and wash it by hand before its first use. Avoid using soap on your stoneware, as it will remove the seasoning.
• Dry the stoneware with a towel and set it aside.
• Do not use aerosol non-stick spray on the surface of the stoneware. It can cause a sticky surface that prevents seasoning.

Seasoning new stoneware:

• Preheat your oven to 425° Fahrenheit (220° Celsius). Do not pre-heat the stoneware.
• Fill the inside of the stoneware item with vegetable oil before you use it. Fill it to two-thirds full. If you are using a muffin pan, fill each of the compartments two-thirds full of oil.
• Place the pan inside the pre-heated oven for 20 minutes.
• Remove the pan from the oven and set it to cool on a wire rack or another sturdy surface. Turn off the oven.
• Let it cool for two to four hours. The pan should cool completely and absorb some of the oil.
• Pour the oil off into a large bowl in the sink. Reserve the oil for future seasoning or other uses.
• Wipe the inside of the container lightly with a paper towel.
• Dip a paper towel in oil and rub it around the inside of the stone surface before you use it during the next two to three uses. Then, it should remain coated so that you have a non-stick surface for the remaining time you use it.

Alternative method:

As an alternative to coating the interior with vegetable oil, bake high-fat items in your stoneware for the first five uses. The oil from the food will help the stoneware develop its seasoned non-stick surface. Pampered Chef recommends refrigerated crescent rolls or biscuits. Simply place the rolls or biscuits on the stoneware and bake as you normally would.

Keep in mind that the darker and “dirtier” the stoneware looks, the better the surface will be for baking. The light coating of oil will stay on the pan, so you don’t need to add too much oil or fat.

How to deep clean stoneware

Stoneware is a great kitchen tool for baking or cooking. To maintain your stoneware and preserve its seasoning, it's important to follow the care instructions recommended by the manufacturer. Here is a detailed guide on how to deep clean your stoneware:

Step 1: Allow the Stoneware to Cool

Before cleaning your stoneware, always let it cool down to room temperature. Avoid subjecting it to sudden temperature changes as this can damage the stoneware. This is an important step, especially if your stoneware has been refrigerated.

Step 2: Scrape Off Excess Food

Use a nylon scraper or a kitchen brush to remove dried-on food from the surface of the stoneware. Be gentle to avoid scratching the surface. If there is tough, caked-on food, you can try soaking the stoneware in warm water to loosen it before scraping.

Step 3: Prepare a Baking Soda Paste

In a small bowl, mix together baking soda and water to form a paste. You will need half a cup of baking soda and about three tablespoons of water. The paste will act as a gentle abrasive to help lift any remaining food residue.

Step 4: Apply the Baking Soda Paste

Spread the paste evenly over the surface of the stoneware. Let it stand for 10 to 15 minutes. The baking soda will work to break down any stubborn grease or food particles.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry

After the paste has done its work, use a nylon scraper or a soft sponge to remove any remaining paste. Rinse the stoneware with warm water and dry it thoroughly before storing. If there are still some stubborn spots, you can repeat the process.

Additional Tips:

• Avoid using soap on your stoneware as it can strip away the seasoning.
• Never place hot stoneware directly into water or pour water onto it. Always allow it to cool first.
• Stoneware is heat resistant up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Using it at higher temperatures may cause breakage.
• To maintain the natural non-stick surface, season your stoneware regularly with vegetable oil or by baking high-fat items.

Frequently asked questions