The Best Way To Season Your T-Fal Pan

T-fal is a well-known brand of non-stick cookware that is used in kitchens worldwide. The brand is known for its durability and performance. If you've recently purchased a T-fal pan, it is important to season its cooking surface before using it. Seasoning a non-stick pan helps increase its lifespan and enhances its non-stick coating. In this article, we will discuss how to season a T-fal non-stick pan with plastic handles.

Wash the pan with warm, soapy water and dry it completely

To season a T-fal non-stick pan with plastic handles, you'll first need to wash the pan with warm, soapy water and dry it completely. This step is crucial as it ensures that any dirt, residue, or packaging materials are removed from the pan before seasoning. The pan should be thoroughly sanitised and rinsed, and then dried with a paper towel, soft cloth, or dishcloth. Make sure to remove any plastic wrapping or protective pieces attached to the handle, and check for any remnants of cling film around the rivets or where the body of the pan meets the handle.

Washing the pan with warm, soapy water not only removes any impurities but also prepares the surface for the seasoning process. This step is especially important if the pan has been previously used and needs to be re-seasoned. Over time, non-stick pans can start to show signs of wear, and washing them with warm, soapy water is often the first step in restoring their non-stick properties. It is recommended to hand-wash T-fal pans and ensure they are completely cool before cleaning. While most T-fal pans are dishwasher-safe, hand-washing with a sponge or cloth is generally recommended to avoid potential discolouration or dullness caused by abrasive dishwasher detergents.

After washing the pan, it is important to dry it completely before proceeding to the next step. This can be done using a clean, lint-free dishcloth or paper towels. Ensuring that the pan is thoroughly dried helps create an optimal surface for the seasoning to adhere properly. Once the pan is dried, it is ready for the next step in the seasoning process, which typically involves heating the pan and applying a thin layer of cooking oil.

Preheat the oven to 300-400°F

Preheating your oven is the first step in seasoning your T-fal non-stick pan. Preheat your oven to 300-400°F, depending on the material of your pan. For T-fal pans, the recommended temperature is 300-350°F. This is an important step as it ensures the pan is evenly heated, which is necessary for good seasoning.

Once your oven has preheated, you can then begin preparing your pan. Wash your pan with warm, soapy water to remove any dirt or residue from the packaging. Be sure to scrub all the surfaces of the pan, including the sides and bottom. After washing, thoroughly rinse the pan and dry it completely with a paper towel or soft cloth.

The next step is to add oil to the pan. You can use a variety of oils, such as peanut, canola, grapeseed, or vegetable oil. Avoid using olive oil or other oils with a low smoke point as they can break down at high temperatures and start to smoke. Spread about a teaspoon of oil over the entire inside of the pan, including the rim, using a paper towel.

Now that your pan is prepared and your oven is preheated, you can place the pan in the oven. Place a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil on the bottom rack of the oven to catch any drippings. Place the pan on the middle rack of the oven. You may choose to place the pan upside down to allow excess oil to drip off during the seasoning process.

Leave the pan in the oven for about an hour. This will allow the oil to polymerize and form a protective layer on the pan's surface, creating a non-stick coating.

After an hour, turn off the oven and let the pan cool completely. This gradual cooling process helps to create a durable non-stick coating. Once the pan has cooled, remove it from the oven and wipe away any excess oil with a clean cloth or paper towel.

Your T-fal non-stick pan is now seasoned and ready to use!

Apply a thin layer of cooking oil

Applying a thin layer of cooking oil to a T-fal non-stick pan with plastic handles

The first step to seasoning a T-fal non-stick pan is to wash it with warm, soapy water. This will remove any dirt or residue from packaging or manufacturing. After washing the pan, it is important to dry it thoroughly with a paper towel or soft cloth.

The next step is to heat the pan over a low setting for 30 seconds. This will ensure that the pan is completely dry and ready for the oil. Remove the pan from the heat and add a tablespoon of vegetable oil, or a teaspoon of peanut or canola oil, to the pan. Using a paper towel, rub the oil over the entire inside of the pan, including the sides, to ensure that the oil is evenly distributed.

It is important to note that you should only use a thin layer of oil. If you use too much oil, your pan may become sticky. The oil should be heated until it starts to smoke slightly, which indicates that the oil is polymerizing and creating a protective layer on the pan's surface.

Once the oil is heated, turn off the heat and allow the pan to cool down completely. This gradual cooling process helps the oil to polymerize and create a durable non-stick coating. After the pan has cooled, wipe off any excess oil with a clean paper towel.

Your T-fal non-stick pan with plastic handles is now seasoned and ready to be used!

Sprinkle salt over the surface of the oil

After you've rubbed cooking oil all over the surface of your T-fal pan, the next step in the seasoning process is to sprinkle salt over the oiled surface. This is done to ensure that all surfaces of the pan are covered, and it fills in any pores or tiny pits on the surface of the pan.

Sprinkling salt over the surface of the oil is a crucial step in the seasoning process as it helps to create a protective layer against oxidation and prevents rust. This process can also extend the life of your pan and ensure that any food cooked on it doesn't stick.

It's important to note that the type of salt used doesn't seem to be crucial, as various sources mention using regular table salt or kosher salt. The amount of salt used should be enough to cover the entire surface of the pan, and it should be distributed as evenly as possible.

Once the salt has been sprinkled, the pan is ready to be placed in the oven and baked, which will help ensure that the seasoning is evenly applied.

Bake the pan for 30 minutes to an hour

After you've washed, dried, and oiled your T-fal pan, it's time to bake it in the oven. This step is crucial for creating a non-stick surface that will enhance the cooking performance and extend the lifespan of your pan.

Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature, typically between 300 and 500 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the material of your pan. For most T-fal pans, a temperature of 300 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit is sufficient.

Once the oven is preheated, place the pan inside. It's important to ensure that the pan is placed upside down on a baking sheet to allow excess oil to drip off during the baking process.

The baking time will depend on the material of your pan. For T-fal pans, baking for 30 minutes to an hour at the recommended temperature is usually sufficient. However, you can repeat the baking process up to three times for better seasoning.

After the designated time has passed, turn off the oven but leave the pan inside. Allowing the pan to cool gradually helps the oil to polymerize and form a durable non-stick coating. This gradual cooling process is an important step that should not be rushed.

Once the pan has cooled down completely, remove it from the oven and wipe it with a clean cloth to remove any excess oil residue. Your T-fal pan is now seasoned and ready for cooking!

Frequently asked questions