The Best Way To Clean Your Misen Pans

Misen cookware is known for its exceptional quality and durability, and proper care is essential to maintaining its performance and longevity. The cleaning process for Misen pans may vary depending on the material, such as stainless steel, carbon steel, or non-stick surfaces. For stainless steel pans, hand washing with warm soapy water or using a dishwasher is recommended. To prevent sticking, it is crucial to preheat the pan before adding food and oil. For carbon steel pans, seasoning is key, creating a natural non-stick coating and protecting the pan from moisture. Cleaning carbon steel pans involves warm water and a non-metallic brush, avoiding soap and the dishwasher. Non-stick pans are generally easy to clean, requiring a simple scrub with mild soap and a non-abrasive pad.

How to clean stainless steel Misen pans

Misen's stainless steel pans are easy to clean and maintain. They are dishwasher-safe, but if you prefer to wash them by hand, that's simple too.

For everyday cleaning, hand-wash your Misen stainless steel pan with soap and warm water, and dry it immediately afterwards. It's best not to leave your pan soaking or submerged in water for too long, as although stainless steel is corrosion-resistant, keeping your cookware dry will help to avoid stains.

If you have food stuck to your pan, try a mildly abrasive cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend. You can also try boiling water in the pan over medium heat to help loosen up the leftover bits.

To avoid food sticking to your pan, preheat it before adding oil or food. Place your empty pan on medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes, then add a drop of water. If the water bubbles away, your pan isn't hot enough. When a splash of water forms round balls that bounce around the surface of the pan, it's ready.

Another way to prevent food from sticking is to use oil. You don't need to wait until the pan is hot before adding it. Adding oil to the meat itself rather than the pan can prevent excess oil from smoking when searing steak or another very high-heat dish.

How to clean carbon steel Misen pans

Misen's carbon steel pans are a great addition to your kitchen, offering excellent performance and durability. To maintain their performance and prolong their lifespan, it's crucial to clean and care for them properly. Here's a detailed guide on how to clean your Misen carbon steel pans:

Initial Cleaning and Seasoning:

Before using your Misen carbon steel pan for the first time, there are a few important steps to take:

• Remove Protective Wax: Misen pans are coated in beeswax to protect them during shipping. To remove the wax, place the pan in an empty sink and run very hot water over it, including the bottom. Use a non-metallic brush or scrubber to scrub away the wax, ensuring you clean the entire pan.
• Dry the Pan: After removing the wax, dry the pan thoroughly. You can use a towel to absorb most of the water, and then place the pan on a stovetop burner to evaporate any remaining moisture.
• Seasoning Your Pan: Seasoning creates a natural non-stick coating and protects the pan from rust. Here's how to season your Misen carbon steel pan:

• Place the pan on a stovetop and apply a thin layer of cooking oil or seasoning wax (about 1/4 teaspoon of wax or 4-5 drops of oil). You can use neutral oils like soybean, corn, sunflower, vegetable, or canola oil. Spread the oil or wax evenly across the bottom and sides of the pan with a paper towel, ensuring there's no visible residue.
• Heat the pan on medium-high heat and keep rubbing it with the paper towel as it warms up. Once the pan starts smoking, lower the heat to medium. Light smoking is preferable to heavy smoking.
• Continue wiping up any excess wax or oil that appears on the surface. Allow the pan to smoke gently for a few moments, then move it over your heat source to ensure even browning. You may see some dark residue on the paper towel, which is normal.
• Once the pan is browned and the smoking has stopped, remove it from the heat and wipe it down once more to ensure no oil remains. Allow the pan to cool, then repeat this seasoning process 3-4 more times until it starts to develop a colour.

Daily Cleaning and Maintenance:

After each use, it's important to clean and maintain your Misen carbon steel pan properly:

• Wipe It Out: Always start by wiping out your pan with a paper towel, kitchen towel, or microfiber cloth once it has cooled. This step helps preserve your seasoning and is often sufficient for light messes.
• Coarse Salt and Oil: If there are stubborn residues or fried bits stuck to your pan, use neutral oil (such as grapeseed or canola) and coarse salt. Add 2 tablespoons each of salt and oil to the pan and rub it all over the inside with a towel. The salt acts as a gentle abrasive, helping to remove burnt-on food. Once you've removed the residue, thoroughly wipe your pan to get rid of the oil, salt, and food remnants.
• Boiled Water for Stubborn Residues: For extremely stubborn residues, add just enough water to cover the bottom of your pan and bring it to a boil. Gently scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden or rubber spatula to loosen any burnt-on food. Continue scraping and boiling until you've removed as much residue as possible. Then, dump out the water, wipe the pan clean, and place it back on the burner to dry thoroughly.
• Re-seasoning After Cleaning: After your pan is clean and dry, add a thin layer of neutral oil to the surface to re-season it before storing.

Troubleshooting:

If you encounter common issues like rust or a sticky/rough pan surface, don't panic! Here's what to do:

• Rust: Use a little steel wool to buff out the rusty spots. Then, re-season the pan to rebuild its protective coating.
• Sticky or Rough Pan Surface: You may have used too much oil or seasoning wax. To fix this, scrub the pan well under hot water to remove the excess seasoning. Dry the pan thoroughly, then heat it until it's almost smoking. Apply a few drops of oil and rub it into the surface with a towel to repair the seasoning. Remember, carbon steel pans require very little oil and should have a matte sheen.

General Tips:

• Always avoid using soap or putting your Misen carbon steel pan in the dishwasher, as this can strip away the seasoning.
• Always dry your pan thoroughly after washing to prevent rust.
• Preheat your pan before adding food to prevent sticking.
• Use the right type of cooking fats and oils to maintain the seasoning.
• Season your pan regularly to maintain its performance.

How to remove burnt bits from Misen pans

Burnt pans are a common occurrence in all kitchens and can be cleaned with just a few simple items. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to remove burnt bits from Misen pans:

Step 1: Don't leave the pan on the flame

The first step to preventing burnt bits is to avoid leaving the pan on the flame and forgetting about it. Set a timer if you think you might get distracted.

Step 2: Preheat the pan

Preheat the pan before adding food. When proteins in food are cooked in contact with a metal surface, they tend to cling tightly to it. If the pan is hot when the food goes in, the water in the food will instantly boil and form a tiny vapor barrier between the food and the pan, preventing those adhesions from forming.

Step 3: Don't overcrowd the pan

Dropping a lot of cold food into a hot pan causes the pan’s temperature to drop, and it takes a moment to heat back up. During that interval, proteins can cling and burn.

Step 4: Use oil to prevent sticking

Use oil to prevent sticking. It is not necessary to wait until the pan is hot before adding oil. Watching the oil as it heats can be a good indicator of when the pan is ready to cook.

Step 5: Don't over-preheat

When stainless steel gets very hot, its surface—which naturally has a thin protective layer of metal oxide—develops more of this layer, which will look like a bluish-purple rainbow discoloration on the surface. It doesn’t affect the food or the cooking process, but if you prefer bright silver cookware, it’s irritating. Fortunately, it’s easily removed.

Step 6: Remove the pan from the stove before cleaning

A little-known rule of cleaning is that you shouldn’t actually remove your pan from the stove until it’s already clean. After cooking, most people leave their pans to cool with all the burnt food bits and drippings in place. So what was once soft and liquidy ends up as a dark, gunky chunk.

Step 7: Use the deglazing method

The same deglazing method used to turn the fond (the browned bits left behind from cooking) into a savory sauce can also dissolve it for easy cleanup. With the stove turned on high and the cooking surface hot, pour in enough water to completely cover the surface. You can also add some dish soap if you’d like. Once the fond starts to loosen, use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to gently pick at and scrape it from the bottom of the pan. Be careful not to be hit by any hot steam or splatter as you work. Continue scraping and adding warm water as needed until most of the surface is clean. When done, turn off the heat, drain the pan, and throw out any charred remains. Wash as normal.

Step 8: Soak or deglaze for really burnt bits

For the next level of burnt-on bits, try an overnight soak or a quick deglaze. For the deglazing method, swap the water for white vinegar and baking soda. Bring to a boil and use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to scrape away as much of the stuck-on fond as possible. Remove the pan from the stove and pour out all the liquid. Then, with the pan on a stable work surface, add a tablespoon of baking soda to the burnt area. You can also make a paste by mixing in a little bit of warm water. Use a sponge or non-scratch scouring pad to gently scrub the baking soda onto the surface. This will help lift any remaining stains. Keep working on any specific spots, rinsing and repeating until the surface is nice and clean.

Step 9: Repeat as needed

Sometimes, a burnt pan will need more than a few hours. In these cases, add some boiling water and a few drops of dish soap, and let the pan soak overnight (except for uncoated cast iron). The next day, drain out the soapy water and proceed with any of the above methods. Keep in mind that you may have to repeat the cleaning process a few times for particularly stubborn debris.

How to hand wash Misen pans

Misen cookware is made from different materials, including stainless steel, carbon steel, and non-stick surfaces. Each type of pan requires specific care techniques. Here is a guide on how to hand wash Misen pans:

Stainless Steel Pans

Misen's stainless steel pans are dishwasher-safe, but they can also be hand-washed. To hand wash, use warm soapy water and a sponge. Dry the pan immediately after washing. If there is stuck-on food, use a soft sponge or cloth and a cleaner such as Bar Keeper's Friend or baking soda.

Non-Stick Pans

Misen's non-stick pans are also dishwasher-safe, but hand-washing is recommended for optimal results and to maintain the non-stick surface. Hand-wash with warm soapy water and a sponge, and dry before storing. Metal utensils are okay to use, but silicone or wood is better for the pan's longevity.

Carbon Steel Pans

Carbon steel pans should not be washed with soap or put in the dishwasher. Instead, clean with warm water and a non-metallic brush or scrubber. Towel dry the pan thoroughly, then rub a few drops of oil into the interior and wipe away the excess before storing. If rust appears, use steel wool to buff it out, then reseason the pan.

General Tips

To prevent food from sticking to Misen pans, preheat the pan before adding oil or food. Use oil to prevent sticking, and avoid overcrowding the pan with cold food, as this can cause the temperature to drop and proteins to cling.

How to dry Misen pans

Misen offers a variety of cookware, from stainless steel to non-stick and carbon steel pans, each requiring specific care techniques. Here is a detailed guide on how to dry Misen pans:

Stainless Steel Pans

Misen's stainless steel pans are dishwasher-safe, making cleaning a breeze. However, if you prefer hand washing, follow these steps:

• Wash the pan by hand with warm soapy water and a sponge.
• Dry the pan immediately after washing. Use a soft cloth or towel to ensure no water spots are left on the surface.
• Ensure the pan is thoroughly dried before storing it away.

Non-Stick Pans

Misen's non-stick pans are designed for easy cleaning. While they are dishwasher-safe, it is recommended to avoid the dishwasher to maintain the non-stick surface. Instead, follow these steps:

• Hand wash the pan with mild soap and a non-abrasive pad or sponge.
• Dry the pan with a soft cloth or towel. Ensure that the pan is completely dry before storing it.

Carbon Steel Pans

Misen's carbon steel pans require special care to maintain their natural non-stick coating. Here's how to dry them properly:

• After washing the pan with warm water and a non-metallic brush or scrubber, dry it thoroughly with a towel.
• Place the pan on the stove and heat it until it's hot.
• Rub a few drops of oil into the interior of the pan. This step helps to protect the pan from moisture and build its natural non-stick coating.
• Wipe away any excess oil with a clean cloth or paper towel. Ensure the pan is not shiny, greasy, or wet.
• Allow the pan to cool completely before storing it away.

Frequently asked questions