Cleaning Burnt Sugar From A Broiler Pan: Effective Methods

Burnt sugar can be a nightmare to clean off a pan. The most common mistake people make is to soak the pan in water, which usually does not work. Other people opt to use steel wool and start scrubbing the stuck burnt sugar from the pan. Removing burnt sugar from the pan using steel wool can end up scouring the pan and be rough on your hands as well. However, there are several methods to remove burnt sugar from a pan without damaging the pan or your hands.

How to Remove Burnt Sugar from Broiler Pan

Baking soda and vinegar

Burnt sugar can be a challenge to remove from your pots and pans. It is important to act quickly before the stains have set. A solution of baking soda, water, and vinegar can help remove light to moderate caramelized sugar stains from your cookware. Here is a detailed guide on how to use this method:

Step 1: Fill the Pan with Baking Soda, Water, and Vinegar

Fill the pan with water and vinegar, ensuring it covers the burnt sugar bits. Gradually add in a cup or two of baking soda, stirring the mixture as you do so. The mixture should bubble slightly—this reaction is important for lifting the stains from your cookware. If you have heavy stains, you can simmer the vinegar for better results, but this is optional.

Step 2: Let it Sit Overnight

Allow the solution to sit in your pan overnight. The vinegar will work to soften the sugar, while the baking soda will lift out the stains left by the burnt sugar. By the next day, the water should have turned amber-brown from the caramelized sugar.

Step 3: Drain and Scrub

Drain the solution from the pan, but do not rinse it. Use a sponge to gently scrub away any remaining burnt sugar bits. Be cautious when scrubbing non-stick pans, as you may accidentally remove the non-stick coating.

Step 4: Wash as Normal

Rinse out your pan and wash it as you normally would with dish soap and warm water. Use a new sponge if your previous one was stained with burnt sugar. Remember to wash the outside of the pan as well.

Step 5: Rinse and Repeat

Rinse the pan and repeat the process if there are any remaining stains. For heavy stains, create a thick paste from vinegar and baking soda to spot clean. For lighter stains, the baking soda, water, and vinegar method should be sufficient.

Hydrogen peroxide

To use hydrogen peroxide to clean burnt sugar from a pan, mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the burnt sugar and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, use a scrub brush or sponge to gently scrub the burnt sugar away. Rinse the pan with water and dry it thoroughly.

It is important to wear gloves and protective eyewear when handling hydrogen peroxide, as it can be irritating to the skin and eyes. Additionally, make sure to properly dilute the hydrogen peroxide and avoid mixing it with other cleaning products, as this can create dangerous chemical reactions.

Bar Keeper's Friend

If you want to use BKF to clean your broiler pan, follow these steps:

• Sprinkle the BKF powder on the pan and set it aside for 2 to 3 minutes.
• Take a wet cleaning sponge and use circular motions to loosen the burnt pieces.
• You won't have to scrub because the cleaner should help to loosen things quickly.
• If you're dealing with a particularly tough stain, add some water and turn the BKF powder into a paste.
• Leave the paste on the spot for 2 to 3 minutes before using the cleaning sponge on it.
• Once all the burnt pieces are removed, wash the pan thoroughly with warm soapy water and rinse well. Make sure no residue from the cleaner is left behind.

For tougher stains, make a paste of the cleanser with water, let it sit for a minute, wash, rinse, and dry. You only have to do it once.

Dish soap

Baking Soda and Vinegar Method

This method is a great, safe way to remove light to moderate caramelized sugar stains from your broiler pan without using any harsh chemical cleaners. It may, however, require a bit of elbow grease. Here's what you'll need to do:

• Fill the pan with water and vinegar just enough to cover the burnt sugar bits.
• Gradually add in a cup or two of baking soda and stir to combine. The mixture should bubble slightly—this reaction is important for lifting stains. For heavier stains, you can simmer the vinegar instead of just adding it to the water.
• Let the solution sit overnight. The vinegar will soften the sugar, while the baking soda will lift out the stains left by the burnt sugar.
• Drain the solution but don't rinse the pan. Use a cleaning sponge to gently scrub away any remaining burnt sugar bits. Be careful when scrubbing non-stick pans as you may end up removing the non-stick coating.
• Rinse out your pan and wash it as you normally would with some dish soap and warm water. Make sure to use a new cleaning sponge if the previous one was stained with burnt sugar.

Bar Keeper's Friend

Bar Keeper's Friend, or BKF, is a surface cleanser and polisher that can be used on broiler pans made of ceramic, stainless steel, chrome, fiberglass, porcelain, tile, and other similar materials. It is a great way to remove burnt food from your pan. Here's how to use it:

• Sprinkle the BKF powder on the pan and leave it for 2 to 3 minutes.
• Take a wet cleaning sponge and use circular motions to remove the burnt pieces. You shouldn't have to scrub too hard as the cleaner should help to loosen things up quickly. If you're dealing with a particularly tough stain, add some water and turn the BKF powder into a paste before applying it to the pan.
• Once all the burnt pieces are removed, wash the pan thoroughly with warm soapy water and rinse well. Make sure no cleaner residue is left behind.

Boiling Method

The boiling method is the quickest way to clean burnt sugar from your broiler pan and requires less effort than scrubbing. It is also the best way to clean non-stick pans as it doesn't use any harsh cleaners or intensive scrubbing. Here's what you'll need to do:

• Fill the pan with water up to the point where the cookware is stained with burnt sugar. For particularly tough stains, add a cup of vinegar to the water.
• Place the pan on the stove and bring the water to a boil. Then, immediately lower the heat and let the pan simmer for 5-10 minutes. As the hot water boils, it will melt the sugar, making it easier to remove.
• Stir the water to dissolve the burnt sugar bits. Carefully use a silicone spatula or wooden spoon to scrape away any stuck-on burnt sugar, dipping the tool in hot water to dissolve the sugar more easily.
• Remove the pan from the stove and let the water cool. Stir the cooled water to dissolve any remaining sugar, then drain the water.
• Wash the pot as you normally would with some dish soap, or rinse and repeat the process if there are any remaining burnt sugar bits.

Carbonated soft drinks

Removing burnt sugar from a broiler pan can be a challenging task, but there are several effective methods to achieve this. One popular method is to use carbonated soft drinks, such as Coca-Cola, which can surprisingly help to remove burnt sugar. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to remove burnt sugar from a broiler pan using carbonated soft drinks:

Step 1: Choose a Carbonated Soft Drink

Select a carbonated soft drink of your choice. Common options include Coca-Cola, Pepsi, or any other carbonated cola beverage. Ensure that the drink is at room temperature or slightly chilled, as extremely cold drinks may not work as effectively.

Step 2: Prepare the Broiler Pan

Take your broiler pan and inspect the extent of the burnt sugar. If there are large chunks of burnt sugar, you can use a wooden spoon or a spatula to gently scrape off as much as possible without scratching the pan's surface.

Step 3: Soak the Pan

Pour the carbonated soft drink into the broiler pan, ensuring that it completely covers the burnt sugar. You may need to adjust the amount depending on the size of your pan and the severity of the burnt sugar. Let the pan soak for several hours or even overnight. The longer it soaks, the more effective it will be in loosening the burnt residue.

Step 4: Scrub the Pan

After soaking, use a sponge or a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the pan. The carbonated soft drink will have helped to loosen the burnt sugar, making it easier to remove. If needed, you can add a little more of the soft drink while scrubbing to further aid the process. Continue scrubbing until all the burnt sugar has been removed.

Step 5: Rinse and Wash

Once you have removed all the burnt sugar, thoroughly rinse the pan with warm water to remove any remaining residue. Then, wash the pan as you normally would, using dish soap and warm water. Ensure that you dry the pan completely after washing to prevent water spots or rusting.

Additional Tips:

• If you prefer a more natural approach, you can use vinegar instead of carbonated soft drinks. White vinegar or apple cider vinegar will work well. Simply follow the same steps as above, substituting the soft drink with vinegar.
• For heavily burnt sugar, you may need to repeat the process or let the pan soak for a longer period.
• Always exercise caution when handling burnt sugar, as it can be extremely hot. Allow the pan to cool down before attempting to remove the burnt residue.
• Remember to wear protective gloves when handling harsh chemicals or cleaning products.

Frequently asked questions