Clean Your Gotham Steel Pan: Tips And Tricks

Gotham Steel pans are popular among home cooks and chefs alike due to their non-stick and lightweight properties, making cooking and cleaning a breeze. However, even the best pans can end up with stubborn burnt food sticking to them. So, how do you clean the bottom of a Gotham Steel pan and ensure its longevity? Firstly, it is imperative to let the pan cool down before cleaning. Then, use a soft sponge or cloth with mild soap and water to wipe away any mess. For tougher stains, fill the pan with water and a quarter cup of baking soda, heating the mixture for about ten minutes to loosen burnt food bits. Wash the pan with water and soap, and dry it completely before storing. To maintain the non-stick coating, avoid cooking on high heat, using cooking sprays, and stacking pans during storage.

Use a soft sponge or cloth with mild soap

To clean the bottom of a Gotham Steel Pan, you can use a soft sponge or cloth with mild soap. Before you begin, make sure the pan is not too hot. If it is, leave it to cool down before washing. Gotham Steel Pans are non-stick, so there shouldn't be any tough stains or burnt food. This means you don't need to use abrasive brushes or metal scouring pads. Instead, opt for a soft sponge or cloth. With a gentle soap, wipe away any mess with this sponge. You can also use a paper towel if you don't have a sponge.

After wiping away the mess, run the pan under water and wash it with any dish soap. It is important to thoroughly dry your pots and pans before storing them to prevent mould or rust. This can be done with a piece of cloth or a paper towel.

Gotham Steel Pans are durable and easy to clean due to their non-stick properties. However, it is important to avoid using harsh cleaning agents, cooking on high heat, and cooking sprays to prolong the lifespan of the pan.

Avoid cooking on high heat

The Gotham Steel Pan is a non-stick pan made from a combination of titanium and ceramic. It is designed to be used without oil or butter, although a small amount of oil can be used at the correct heat setting.

The titanium and ceramic components of the pan are sensitive to heat. Cooking on high heat can damage the pan's non-stick coating, causing it to deteriorate faster and stick. The pan is designed to absorb and distribute heat evenly, so there is no need to cook on high heat. Cooking on high heat can also cause the oil to burn and polymerize, creating a sticky mess that is difficult to remove and can ruin the pan.

To prevent this, it is recommended to use lower heat settings when cooking with a Gotham Steel Pan. This will ensure the longevity of the pan and maintain its non-stick properties. Cooking on low to medium heat will also prevent the pan from discolouring and turning a burnt orange colour.

Using a small amount of vegetable oil after cleaning or before cooking can also help protect the pan's surface and make the non-stick coating last longer. Simply rub a small amount of oil all over the pan with your fingers or a cotton ball, and remove any excess with a paper towel.

By following these instructions, you can keep your Gotham Steel Pan in optimal condition and avoid the issues that can arise from cooking on high heat.

Avoid using cooking sprays

When it comes to cleaning the bottom of your Gotham Steel pan, it's important to note that these pans are designed to be easy to clean due to their non-stick properties. However, there are a few things to keep in mind, especially when it comes to avoiding the use of cooking sprays. Here are some detailed instructions on why you should avoid using cooking sprays on your Gotham Steel pan:

• Chemical Breakdown of Non-Stick Surface: Cooking sprays often contain chemicals that can react with the non-stick coating on your Gotham Steel pan. These chemicals can break down the coating over time, reducing its effectiveness and potentially damaging the pan. The non-stick coating is designed to make cooking and cleaning easier, but it needs to be protected from certain substances, including some common ingredients in cooking sprays.
• Build-Up and Residue: The use of cooking sprays can lead to a buildup of residue on the pan's surface. This residue can be difficult to remove and may require extra scrubbing or the use of harsh chemicals. The residue can also attract and stick to other food particles, making your pan more prone to sticking and becoming discolored. It defeats the purpose of having a non-stick pan if you have to spend extra time and effort cleaning it due to the buildup caused by cooking sprays.
• Alternative Options: With Gotham Steel pans, you don't need to use cooking sprays or even apply oil or butter before cooking. The non-stick coating is designed to allow food to slide right off, so you can cook with minimal or no added fats or oils. If you feel the need to add some lubrication, it is recommended to use a small amount of oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil, and always cook on low to medium heat. This will help maintain the integrity of the non-stick surface while still providing the desired level of lubrication for your cooking needs.
• Health and Safety: Some cooking sprays contain lecithin, a natural emulsifier that can leave a thin, sticky film on your pan's surface. This film can be challenging to remove and may harbor bacteria if not cleaned properly. You don't want to risk contaminating your food with chemicals or bacteria, so it's best to avoid using cooking sprays altogether.
• Performance and Longevity: By avoiding cooking sprays, you can help maintain the performance and longevity of your Gotham Steel pan. The non-stick coating is designed to last, but it's important to follow the manufacturer's care instructions, which include avoiding cooking sprays. This will ensure that your pan continues to provide a long-lasting non-stick experience, and you won't have to deal with the hassle of frequent re-seasoning or the disappointment of a degraded non-stick surface.
• Easy Cleaning: Without the buildup caused by cooking sprays, cleaning your Gotham Steel pan becomes even easier. A simple hand wash with mild soap and a soft sponge or cloth is usually enough to keep your pan in top condition. You won't have to worry about spending extra time scrubbing or using harsh chemicals to remove stubborn residue. Just follow the recommended care instructions, and your pan will perform as expected.

In summary, avoiding the use of cooking sprays on your Gotham Steel pan is crucial for maintaining its non-stick properties, ensuring easy cleaning, and prolonging the lifespan of your pan. By following the manufacturer's recommendations and using alternative options for lubrication when necessary, you can keep your Gotham Steel pan in top condition and enjoy its non-stick benefits for years to come.

Season the pan before first use

Seasoning a pan is the process of applying oil to its cooking surface and heating it to maximise its lifespan and prevent rust. It is recommended to season Gotham Steel pans before their first use and then regularly thereafter.

To season your Gotham Steel pan, start by washing it with warm, soapy water and a mild sponge. Rinse the pan thoroughly to get rid of any soap suds and then wipe it dry with a soft cloth.

Next, apply a thin layer of oil to the pan's cooking surface. Avoid using olive oil, as it has a low smoking point and will degrade when heated beyond this point. Groundnut oil or canola oil are good choices. Make sure to rub the oil all over the cooking surface and only use a small amount—you want the pan to look dry.

Once the oil is applied, place the pan on a stove top over low heat for around 30 seconds. Remove the pan from the heat source, allow it to cool, and then wipe off any excess oil with a soft cloth or paper towel.

By seasoning your Gotham Steel pan before its first use and then repeating the process periodically, you will maximise its lifespan and enhance its non-stick performance.

Avoid abrasive cleaning materials

When cleaning the bottom of a Gotham Steel pan, it is imperative to avoid abrasive cleaning materials. This is because the non-stick coating on the pan is susceptible to damage from harsh scrubbers. Steel wool and scouring pads, for example, can scratch the coating, leading to a decline in the pan's performance and durability.

It is recommended to use a soft sponge or cloth, similar to what you would use to clean glasses or mugs. Paper towels are also an option for cleaning the pan, and they are especially useful for applying oil when seasoning the pan. When dealing with stubborn stains, a non-scratch scrub sponge or a soft-bristled brush can be used.

In addition to avoiding abrasive materials, it is also important to let the pan cool down before washing it. The sudden change in temperature from a hot pan to cold water can cause thermal shock, which can damage the non-stick coating and warp the pan.

For tougher stains, an alternative cleaning method is required. This involves filling the pan with water and 1/4 cup of baking soda, then simmering on low heat for about ten minutes. This process will loosen burnt-on food, after which the pan can be washed with soap and water and dried completely.

By following these guidelines and avoiding abrasive cleaning materials, you can effectively clean the bottom of your Gotham Steel pan while maintaining its non-stick properties and extending its lifespan.

Frequently asked questions