Cleaning Your Matfer Pan: Tips And Tricks

Matfer carbon steel pans are a popular choice for cookware, but they require special care to keep them in good condition. The pans are coated with a protective layer of vegetable oil to prevent rust during shipping, which must be removed before use. This can be done by washing the pan with soap and warm water, or by putting it through an oven cleaning cycle. Once the pan is clean, it needs to be seasoned to create a non-stick surface. This can be done by bonding oil to the surface of the pan through a process of heating and cooling. Proper maintenance of a Matfer pan includes regular cleaning and drying, as well as re-seasoning when necessary. With the right care, Matfer carbon steel pans can offer natural, non-toxic, and nonstick properties for years.

How to remove the factory coating from a Matfer pan

To remove the factory coating from a Matfer pan, you will need to scrub the pan with hot water, soap, and an abrasive surface. This process may take a few minutes of scrubbing. Matfer Bourgeat USA recommends using a copper wire pad as it will quickly remove the coating without scratching the pan's surface. Steel wool may also be used, but it may scratch the pan. If you are having trouble removing the coating, you can try soaking the pan in hot water and soap for about ten minutes before trying again.

To check if you have removed all the factory coating, you can try the "squeak test". Simply rub your finger over the damp pan, and if it runs smoothly, then you have successfully removed the coating. If there is remaining coating, your finger will "squeak" against it.

After removing the factory coating, you will need to season the pan to create a protective and non-stick surface. This can be done by using potato skins, salt, oil, and heat. First, peel the skins of two large potatoes and saute them with 1/2 cup of oil and 1/4 cup of salt on medium-high heat for fifteen minutes. The surface of the pan will start to turn golden brown as the oil bonds to the surface. Once the potato skins are crisp, discard them and wipe out the pan with a kitchen cloth or paper towel. You can repeat these steps to add another layer of seasoning or start cooking.

Your pan will develop a natural, non-toxic, non-stick surface over time with proper maintenance and care.

How to clean a Matfer pan with coarse salt and oil

To clean a Matfer pan with coarse salt and oil, follow these steps:

Firstly, allow the pan to cool. Add 2 tablespoons each of coarse salt and a neutral oil, such as canola or grapeseed, to the pan. Using a paper towel or kitchen towel, rub the salt and oil all over the inside of the pan. The coarse salt acts as a gentle abrasive, helping to lift any burnt-on food remnants and polymerized oil.

Once you have removed as much of the residue as possible, thoroughly wipe the pan to get rid of the oil, salt, and any remaining food residue. If your pan is still not completely clean, you can try the next step.

Add just enough water to cover the bottom of your pan, then bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once the water is boiling, use a wooden or rubber spatula to gently scrape the bottom of the pan and loosen any remaining food. Continue scraping until you have removed as much residue as possible.

Pour out the water and residue, then wipe the pan clean with a kitchen or paper towel. Place the pan back on the burner over medium-low heat to ensure it is completely dry, as this will help prevent rusting. Once your pan is dry, add a thin layer of neutral oil to the surface using a clean kitchen or paper towel, then place back on the burner for a minute. This helps to reseason your pan before storing it.

How to clean a Matfer pan with boiled water

To clean a Matfer pan with boiled water, follow these steps:

First, remove any food remnants or residue from the pan. Fill the pan with water and place it on a stove. Turn on the heat and bring the water to a boil for 5-7 minutes. The steam and hot water will help loosen and lift any burnt-on food or residue. After a few minutes, you may turn off the heat and carefully pour out the hot water. Use a sponge or scrubber to wipe away any remaining food particles or residue. If necessary, repeat the boiling process until the pan is free of stuck-on food.

Once the pan is free of food residue, you can move on to the next step. For this step, you will need to scrub the pan with hot water and soap. Use a sponge or bristle brush to scrub the pan thoroughly. Remove the pan's protective coating, which is typically made of vegetable oil or a similar substance. This step may require a few minutes of scrubbing. It is recommended to use an abrasive surface like a copper wire pad to effectively remove the coating without scratching the pan's surface. Steel wool may scratch the pan, so it is not recommended. If the coating is difficult to remove, try soaking the pan in hot, soapy water for about ten minutes before scrubbing again.

After removing the protective coating, dry the pan thoroughly with a clean cloth or paper towel. It is important to ensure that all moisture is removed from the pan before moving on to the next step.

Finally, to maintain and protect your Matfer pan, it is essential to season it properly. Seasoning creates a protective and non-stick surface. There are different methods for seasoning, such as using oil, potato, and salt, or the oven method. For detailed instructions on seasoning your Matfer pan, refer to the manufacturer's recommendations or online guides.

How to clean a Matfer pan with steel wool

To clean a Matfer pan with steel wool, follow these steps:

Firstly, it is important to note that steel wool is an abrasive material and should only be used on your Matfer pan as a last resort. If you do decide to use steel wool, be aware that it may scratch the surface of your pan, which could affect the seasoning results. With that in mind, here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean a Matfer pan with steel wool:

• Start by rinsing your pan with warm water.
• If your pan has any burnt-on food or residue, you can add a small amount of neutral dish soap to the warm water to help loosen the debris. Use a soft sponge or bristle brush to gently scrub the pan and remove any stuck-on food.
• Rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap residue.
• If your pan is still not clean, you can try using a mild abrasive cleaner, such as Bar Keepers Friend, to scrub the pan. Alternatively, you can make a paste with baking soda and water and use a soft sponge to gently scrub the pan.
• Rinse the pan again with warm water to remove any cleaner or baking soda residue.
• Once you have removed all the food and debris, it is time to turn to the steel wool. Gently rub the steel wool over the surface of the pan, focusing on any stubborn areas that still need cleaning. Be careful not to press too hard, as you do not want to damage the pan's surface.
• Rinse the pan with warm water to remove any steel wool debris.
• Finally, it is important to reseason your pan after using steel wool, as it may have removed some of the existing seasoning. To reseason, simply rub a thin layer of neutral oil, such as canola or grapeseed oil, onto the surface of the pan using a paper towel or clean kitchen cloth. Heat the pan over medium heat for a few minutes, then remove from the heat and allow it to cool.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean your Matfer pan with steel wool while minimising any potential damage to the pan's surface.

How to dry a Matfer pan to prevent rusting

To dry a Matfer pan and prevent rusting, follow these steps:

• After washing your pan, use a paper towel, lint-free towel, or cloth to wipe away excess water.
• Place the pan on a stovetop burner or in the oven at a low temperature to evaporate any residual moisture. Ensure the pan is bone-dry before putting it away.
• Once the pan is dry, lightly coat the inside with a high smoke-point oil, such as canola, grapeseed, or avocado oil, to form a thin layer. You can also use a seasoning spray for this step.
• Remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool.
• Wipe away any excess oil with a clean paper towel or cloth before storing the pan.

By ensuring your Matfer pan is thoroughly dry and coated with a thin layer of oil, you can help prevent rust from forming and maintain the pan's non-stick properties.

Frequently asked questions