Hexclad Pan Re-Seasoning: Tips For Restoring Your Pan's Glory

HexClad pans are a type of hybrid cookware that combines the best qualities of both stainless steel and non-stick pans. They are made with a tri-ply construction, consisting of an aluminum core sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel. The unique feature of HexClad pans is their patented hexagon design, which creates a series of raised stainless steel and non-stick hexagons on the surface of the pan. This provides both the durability and heat distribution of stainless steel, as well as the non-stick properties for easy cooking and cleaning. Like most fine cookware, HexClad pans should be seasoned before their first use. This process helps to create a fat-based coating that will protect food from burning, prevent residue formation, and stop food from sticking to the pan's surface. This makes the pan easier to clean.

Preheat the pan

Preheating your HexClad pan is the first step in seasoning it. This is important because it opens up the pores of the stainless steel, allowing the pan to absorb the oil more easily. To preheat your pan, follow these steps:

• Place your HexClad pan on the stovetop and turn the heat to medium-high.
• Let the pan heat up for about five minutes. Be careful not to use too much heat, as this can damage the pan.
• Test if the pan is hot enough by sprinkling a few drops of water on the surface. If the water beads up and sizzles, it's ready for the next step.

It's important to note that you should not put an empty HexClad pan over high heat as it can cause warping or discolouration. Always add a small amount of oil or butter before preheating to prevent food from sticking and to help with the seasoning process.

Once your pan is preheated, you can move on to the next step of seasoning, which is adding salt and oil.

Add salt and oil

Sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt over the surface of the pan. Drizzle a tablespoon or two of vegetable oil on top. You can also use canola or grapeseed oil—oils with a high smoke point. Avoid olive oil, butter, and other oils with lower smoke points as they may burn during the seasoning process.

Rub the salt and oil into the pan using a paper towel, ensuring the entire surface is covered. If the salt begins to stick, add a little more oil. You can also add a small amount of oil to the pan first, then rub it with a paper towel before adding the salt to prevent sticking.

Seasoning a pan means creating a fat-based coating to protect food from burning and sticking. This process, called polymerization, fills in tiny pores and imperfections, making the pan smoother and more non-stick. The salt helps the oil work its way into all the nooks and crannies of the pan, forming a protective coating.

Bake in the oven

Place your HexClad pan in the oven and set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep it in the oven for an hour. This will allow the oil and salt to permeate the pan's nooks and crannies, creating a protective coating. Be sure to wear oven mitts when handling hot pans.

You can also use a broiler for this step. Place your pan under the broiler for 10 to 15 minutes, until it gets hot and starts to smoke a little. The smoke is a normal part of the process and will aid in the seasoning. Keep a close eye on the pan during this step to prevent burning.

After an hour in the oven, let the pan cool down before proceeding to the next step. It should be allowed to cool for at least 30 minutes. The pan may appear darker after seasoning, but this is normal and will not affect its performance. It is also typical for the pan to have some oil residue or discolouration after seasoning, which will improve with subsequent use and cleaning.

Wipe away excess oil and salt

After you've seasoned your HexClad pan and allowed it to cool, it's important to wipe away any excess oil and salt. You can do this with a paper towel, making sure to cover the entire surface area of the pan. If there is any stubborn residue, you can use a damp paper towel with some mild dish soap to remove it. Alternatively, you can use a gentle scrub brush to lightly scrub the surface of the pan. Just be careful not to use anything too abrasive, as this can damage the seasoning.

It's important to ensure that there is no residue left on the pan, as this can affect how your food cooks. The excess oil and salt can cause your food to stick or burn when you use the pan. By wiping away the excess, you help ensure that your food cooks properly and takes advantage of the non-stick properties of the seasoned pan.

This step is crucial in the process of seasoning your HexClad pan and will help you get the most out of your cooking experience. It ensures that your pan is ready for use and will perform optimally.

Remember, after you've wiped away the excess oil and salt, you can proceed to reheat the pan to seal the seasoning layer further. But always let the pan cool down for a few minutes before handling it with oven mitts or a kitchen towel.

Reheat the pan

Reheating the pan is an important step in the seasoning process, as it helps to seal the seasoning layer. After you have wiped away any excess oil and salt residue from the pan, you will need to place it back in the oven or on the stovetop for a short period.

If using an oven, set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and put the pan back in for 10 minutes. Be careful not to use too much heat, as this can damage the pan. Let the pan cool down for another 10 minutes before handling it with oven mitts or a kitchen towel.

If using a stovetop, turn the heat to low and heat the pan for 10 minutes. The goal is to get the oil to fully penetrate the surface of the pan and create a slick, non-stick layer.

Once the pan has been reheated, use a paper towel to wipe away any remaining oil residue from the pan’s surface. This will ensure that your food cooks properly without sticking or burning.

You can also add a small amount of oil to a paper towel and rub it over the surface of the pan before using it for cooking. This will help maintain the non-stick layer and prevent food from sticking.

Frequently asked questions