Curing Gotham Steel Pans: Quick Guide

Gotham Steel pans are made from a combination of titanium and ceramic, with an aluminium base. They are non-stick, lightweight, and durable. While they are marketed as dishwasher-safe, it is important to clean them properly to maintain their quality and extend their life.

To clean a Gotham Steel pan, first ensure it is not too hot. Then, wipe away any mess with a soft sponge and gentle soap. Next, wash the pan with water and dish soap. Finally, pat the pan dry completely before storing it.

For tougher stains, fill the pan with water and 1/4 cup of baking soda. Put the pan on low heat and let the water simmer for ten minutes. Then, wash the pan with water and soap, and dry it completely.

Use a soft sponge and gentle soap

To clean a Gotham Steel pan, you should use a soft sponge and a gentle soap. Avoid using harsh cleaning agents, scouring powders, or scrubbing pads made from steel wool or nylon. You don't need to scrub as this might damage the cooking surface. A soft sponge or cloth and mild soap are enough to clean your pan.

Before cleaning your pan, make sure it's not too hot. If it is, leave the pan out to cool down before washing it. There are unlikely to be any tough stains or burnt food on these pans due to their non-stick capabilities.

With a soft sponge, wipe away any mess with a gentle soap. You can also use a paper towel if you don't have a sponge. Then, run the pan under water and wash it with any dish soap.

It's imperative that you dry your pans thoroughly before storing them. This ensures that there is no mould build-up or rust formation.

Avoid cooking sprays

When it comes to your Gotham Steel pan, it's important to know that cooking sprays are a no-go. While the convenience of a quick spritz may be tempting, it can lead to a sticky situation – literally! Here's why you should avoid cooking sprays with your Gotham Steel pan:

Firstly, let's talk about the residue. Cooking sprays often contain additives and propellants that can leave a stubborn film on your pan's non-stick surface. This residue is difficult to remove with regular soap and water, and it builds up over time. The very thing that is supposed to make your pan non-stick ends up making it sticky and gunky. The residue can also interact with the non-stick coating, compromising its integrity and reducing its effectiveness.

Secondly, temperature matters. Cooking sprays may break down at high temperatures, resulting in the deposition of a sticky residue. This residue can further negatively impact the non-stick coating. So, even if you're tempted to give your pan a quick spritz, remember that the high heat you cook at could cause the spray to break down and damage your pan.

Additionally, the non-stick coating on your Gotham Steel pan is delicate. It needs to be cleaned gently to prevent scratching and flaking. The residue left by cooking sprays can be stubborn and require more elbow grease to remove, increasing the risk of damaging the coating.

Lastly, you want your pan to last, right? Well, using cooking sprays can shorten the lifespan of your pan. The residue buildup can lead to a loss of non-stick properties, meaning your food will start sticking to the pan. This defeats the purpose of having a non-stick pan in the first place!

So, what's the alternative? Well, a little oil goes a long way. Instead of reaching for the cooking spray, pour a small amount of oil into your pan or use butter. This will give you the same non-stick benefits without the risk of damaging your pan. Remember to add the oil or butter before heating up the pan, as heating a dry non-stick surface can also reduce the coating's longevity.

Store pans carefully

Storing your pans carefully is an important step in maintaining your Gotham Steel pan. Here are some tips to ensure proper storage:

• Always ensure your pans are completely dry before storing them. This is crucial to prevent mould build-up or rust formation.
• Avoid stacking your pans on top of each other. Stacking can cause scratches on the surface and damage the non-stick coating. Instead, hang them if possible to minimise contact between the pans.
• If hanging is not an option, separate the pans with paper napkins or dish towels to prevent scratches and protect the coating.
• Store your pans away from anything abrasive, such as silverware, knives, or metal utensils, which could damage the surface.
• Avoid storing food in your pans. Use proper storage containers instead. Storing food in the pans can lead to degradation and a metallic taste in your food.

Avoid sudden temperature changes

To avoid sudden temperature changes, always let your Gotham Steel pan cool down before immersing it in water. If you don't, it might lead to warping and damage the surface of the pan. As a result, the cooking performance and non-stick capabilities will decline.

Gotham Steel pans are made with a combination of titanium and ceramic. They are non-stick and lightweight, which makes cooking with them easy. They are also known to last longer and be more durable than other types of cookware.

However, it's important to note that the non-stick coating can be damaged by high heat, even at the start of cooking. To ensure that the non-stick coating remains effective, always cook on medium or lower heat. You can do the butter test to know when the heat is too high; if the butter begins to burn quickly, it means you need to lower the temperature.

Gotham Steel pans are also sensitive to sudden temperature changes when being cleaned. If the pan is too hot, let it cool down before washing it. This is because, due to their non-stick capabilities, there are likely to be no tough stains or burnt food on these pans, so you don't need to use abrasive brushes made of metal. Instead, just use a soft sponge and gentle soap to wipe away any mess.

Avoid metal utensils

While Gotham Steel pans are advertised as safe for use with metal utensils, it's still best to avoid them. Metal utensils can cause scratches over time and damage the non-stick coating. Even a single scratch can cause food to start burning and sticking to the pan, eventually leading to the entire coating peeling off.

To prevent this, it's recommended to use plastic, silicone-covered, or wooden utensils and spoons. These materials are gentler on the pan's surface and will help extend its life.

In addition to avoiding metal utensils, there are a few other care tips to keep in mind when using and maintaining your Gotham Steel pan. Firstly, always cook on medium or lower heat. High heat can damage the non-stick coating, even at the beginning of cooking. If you're unsure if the heat is too high, try the butter test: if the butter begins to burn quickly, it means the heat is too high, and you need to lower the temperature.

Another tip is to avoid cooking sprays. Instead, use oil directly in your pan. Cooking sprays can be harder to clean off and leave behind a residue that reduces the non-stick effectiveness and leads to rust formation.

Proper storage is also important. Make sure your pans are completely dry before storing them, and avoid stacking them on top of each other to prevent scratches. Hanging them or placing a paper napkin between each pan is a better option.

By following these care instructions, you can help ensure that your Gotham Steel pan remains in good condition and continues to perform well for years to come.

Frequently asked questions