Restore Your Ceramic Pan's Non-Stick Coating

Ceramic pans are a popular alternative to traditional non-stick pans, known for their sleek design, lightweight feel, and non-stick coating. However, one common issue with ceramic pans is their inability to achieve a good char or browning on food items. While the non-stick coating prevents food from sticking, it also seems to hinder the formation of a desirable crust or caramelisation on meats and other ingredients. This has left many cooks frustrated, wondering if they are using the wrong pan for their desired results.

So, is it possible to get a good char in a ceramic pan? The answer is yes, but it requires some extra effort and a few tricks up your sleeve. Firstly, it is essential to preheat the pan over medium heat and add a small amount of oil or butter before adding your ingredients. This helps to create a non-stick surface and prevents food from sticking. When cooking meats, like pork, sear the meat in batches to ensure even cooking and browning.

Additionally, deglazing the pan with a small amount of liquid, such as wine or stock, can help to loosen any browned bits stuck to the pan, adding flavour to your dish. If you're looking for a deeper char, you may need to finish your food under a broiler or in the oven, as ceramic pans have limitations when it comes to achieving a dark crust.

While ceramic pans offer a healthy and non-toxic alternative to traditional non-stick pans, they do present some challenges when trying to achieve a good char. With the right techniques and a bit of patience, you can still create delicious, caramelised dishes in your ceramic cookware.

Use wooden or silicone utensils to avoid scratching the pan's surface

When cooking with a ceramic pan, it's important to remember that metal utensils are not suitable as they can scratch and damage the delicate non-stick coating. Instead, opt for wooden or silicone utensils to avoid scratching the pan's surface.

Wooden utensils have been a popular choice for millennia and are widely used for various kitchen tools. Wood is rigid enough to break up chunks of meat or scrape up fond from the bottom of a pan, yet malleable enough to prevent scratches. To maintain wooden utensils, avoid putting them in the dishwasher, and be sure to oil them occasionally to prevent cracking.

Silicone utensils are extremely durable, heat-safe, and dishwasher-friendly. They offer a delicate touch and mould to the shape of your pan. When choosing silicone utensils, look for those that are heat-safe above 500°F (260°C) and have a stainless steel core for better rigidity.

By using wooden or silicone utensils, you can effectively avoid scratching your ceramic pan's surface, ensuring its longevity and maintaining its non-stick properties.

Avoid high heat to preserve the non-stick coating

To get the best out of your ceramic pan, it's important to avoid high heat. Here's why:

The Non-Stick Coating Can Break Down

Ceramic pans are prized for their non-stick properties, but high heat can cause the coating to break down. This is because the coating is sensitive to temperature. When the pan is heated above 500°F, the coating will begin to break down, and you will lose the non-stick quality of your pan.

Potential for Toxic Fumes

As a result of the coating breaking down at high temperatures, there is a risk of toxic fumes being emitted. This is a health hazard that should be avoided.

Food Will Stick More

High heat can cause food to stick to the pan. This is due to a reaction called thermocapillary convection, where focused heat makes the oil in the centre of the pan move outward, causing food to stick.

Cracks, Warpage, and Discolouration

Overexposure to high heat can cause cracks in the surface of the pan, warping, and discolouration. Not only is this unappealing, but it will also reduce the lifespan of your pan.

Degraded Coating

Even if the heat is not excessive, dry heating or leaving your pan on an active stovetop without oil or fat can still gradually degrade the coating. Always ensure your pan is lubricated before cooking.

Tips for Preserving the Non-Stick Coating

To preserve the non-stick coating on your ceramic pan, use low to medium heat. The coating conducts and distributes heat well, so higher temperatures are not necessary. Always add a small amount of oil or butter before cooking, and allow the pan to cool completely before rinsing to avoid thermal shock, which can also damage the coating.

Avoid harsh cleaning products and always hand wash

To get a good char in a ceramic pan, it's important to avoid harsh cleaning products and always hand wash the pan. Here's why:

Ceramic pans have a non-stick coating that can be easily damaged by harsh cleaning products. The coating is sensitive and can be stripped away by strong detergents, so it's important to use mild, non-abrasive cleansers. Hand washing with warm water and a mild dish soap is the best way to clean a ceramic pan. Fill your sink with warm water and add a few squirts of mild dish soap. Then, use a soft sponge or dishcloth to gently clean the pan. Avoid using steel wool, abrasive nylon pads, or metal scrubbers as these can scratch the coating. Always allow the pan to cool completely before washing to avoid thermal shock, which can also damage the coating.

Harsh cleaning products, such as those used in dishwashers, can damage the non-stick coating and cause it to peel. The coating may also be damaged by the other items in the dishwasher, such as forks, spoons, and knives, which can scratch the surface. Hand washing helps to protect the coating and ensures a longer lifespan for your ceramic pan.

Additionally, when cleaning a ceramic pan, avoid using abrasive cleansers or scrubbers as they can cause scratches. These scratches can reduce the non-stick quality of the pan and impact its cooking performance. To remove burnt-on food, soak the pan in warm, soapy water and use a soft sponge or dishcloth to gently scrub the surface. For stubborn stains, a paste of baking soda and water can be used. Always dry your ceramic pan with a soft cloth to prevent scratches and maintain the coating.

By avoiding harsh cleaning products and always hand washing, you can maintain the integrity of the non-stick coating and ensure your ceramic pan remains in good condition for longer.

Use a small amount of oil or butter when cooking

When cooking with a ceramic pan, it's important to remember that a little oil goes a long way. Ceramic pans are non-stick, so you'll need less oil or butter than you would with other cookware. Using a small amount of oil or butter—around a tablespoon—will be sufficient to get a good char on your food.

When choosing an oil, opt for one with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, avocado, canola, peanut, or grapeseed oil. These oils can handle higher temperatures without smoking, which is important because ceramic pans are sensitive to heat. Oils with lower smoke points may burn at the temperatures needed for a good char, so be sure to choose an oil with a smoke point above 400°F.

If you're cooking something delicate like an egg, you may want to use a smaller amount of butter or oil. On the other hand, if you're stir-frying vegetables or frying meat, you'll need a bit more oil to coat the pan and prevent sticking.

When adding oil or butter to your ceramic pan, start with a cold pan. Pour in a small amount of oil or add a pat of butter, then turn on the heat. This will give the oil or butter time to heat up gradually along with the pan, reducing the risk of overheating and damaging the non-stick coating.

Once the pan is heated, add your food. Ceramic pans conduct and distribute heat efficiently, so you won't need to use high temperatures. Stick to low to medium heat to protect the non-stick coating and prevent your food from sticking.

If you're looking for a good char, keep an eye on your food and adjust the heat as needed. You may need to experiment with different temperatures and cooking times to find the perfect balance for a delicious char without burning.

Remember, ceramic pans are sensitive to temperature changes, so avoid adding cold food to a hot pan. Let your pan cool down before adding more oil or butter and starting your next batch.

Soak pans in warm, soapy water to remove burnt-on food

Soaking pans in warm, soapy water is an effective way to remove burnt-on food and restore your ceramic cookware. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Fill the Sink with Warm Water and Dish Soap

Start by filling your sink or a large dishpan with warm water. Add a few squirts of mild dish soap and mix it gently to form suds. You can also use liquid dishwasher soap if you prefer. Avoid using harsh detergents or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the ceramic coating.

Step 2: Submerge the Pan

Fully submerge the ceramic pan in the warm, soapy water. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This will help loosen any burnt-on food and make it easier to remove. If the pan is too large to submerge completely, fill it with warm, soapy water and let it soak in the sink.

Step 3: Scrub the Pan

After soaking, remove the pan from the sink and scrub it gently with a non-abrasive sponge or a soft dishcloth. Focus on the burned areas and stained spots. You can also use a damp sponge dipped in baking soda for extra scrubbing power. Avoid using metal pads, steel wool, or abrasive cleaning pads, as these can scratch the ceramic coating.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

Once you've finished scrubbing, rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining soap residue. Dry the pan with a soft dish towel or allow it to air dry on a dish rack. Ensure that the pan is completely dry before storing it away.

Additional Tips:

• For very stubborn burnt-on food, you can create a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water. Apply this paste to the affected areas and let it sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing.
• If you're dealing with tough stains, you can also use white vinegar as a natural cleaning agent. Combine equal parts vinegar and warm water in the pan and place it on the stove over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil for a few minutes, then allow it to cool to room temperature. The vinegar will help loosen the burnt-on food, making it easier to wipe away.
• Always allow your ceramic pan to cool down completely before washing it. Ceramic coatings don't respond well to quick, drastic changes in temperature.
• To maintain the non-stick properties of your ceramic pan, avoid using metal utensils while cooking. Silicon utensils are recommended to prevent scratching the delicate coating.
• Proper storage is essential for extending the lifespan of your ceramic pan. Ensure the pan is completely dry before storing and avoid stacking pans on top of each other to prevent scratches and marks.

Frequently asked questions