The Perfect Ceramic Pan Seasoning Guide

Seasoning a ceramic pan is important to prevent corrosion and rust and to improve its non-stick properties and longevity. However, some sources advise against seasoning ceramic pans, stating that the ceramic coating is non-stick and that seasoning can damage the pan.

If you choose to season your ceramic pan, the process involves washing the pan, coating it with oil, heating it, allowing it to cool, and wiping away any excess oil. This process can be done using a stovetop burner or an oven, and it should be repeated every few months. It is important to use oils with a high smoking point, such as vegetable, peanut, grapeseed, or canola oil, and to avoid oils with a low smoking point, such as olive oil, coconut oil, and butter.

How to Season a Ceramic Pan

Wash the pan with soap and water

When it comes to washing a ceramic pan, it's important to be thorough yet gentle. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning your ceramic pan with soap and water:

Step 1: Allow the Pan to Cool

Before you begin cleaning, always let your ceramic pan cool down completely. This is crucial because ceramic coatings do not respond well to quick, drastic changes in temperature. Placing a hot pan directly under cold water can cause thermal shock and potentially damage the pan. Therefore, it's best to let the pan sit on a countertop or a placemat for about 10 to 15 minutes until it reaches room temperature.

Step 2: Fill the Sink with Warm Soapy Water

Fill your sink or a large dishpan with warm water and add a few squirts of mild dish soap. Avoid using hot water as it can be too harsh and damage the ceramic coating. You want the water to be comfortably warm, not scalding.

Step 3: Submerge and Clean the Pan

Once you have your warm soapy water ready, it's time to clean your ceramic pan. Submerge the pan in the water and use a non-abrasive sponge or a soft dishcloth to gently clean all surfaces. Avoid using steel wool, abrasive nylon pads, metal scrubbers, or abrasive cleaners as they can scratch the ceramic coating. Gently wipe down the pan, paying special attention to any food residue or stuck-on bits.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry the Pan

After you've cleaned the pan, thoroughly rinse it with warm water to remove any soap residue. You can then dry the pan with a soft dish towel or simply let it air dry on a dish rack. Make sure to dry the pan completely before storing it away.

Tips for Removing Stubborn Residue:

If you're dealing with burnt-on food or stubborn residue, there are a few additional steps you can take:

• Soak the Pan: Fill your pan with warm soapy water and let it soak for at least 30 minutes before attempting to scrub it. The warm water will help loosen the stuck-on food, making it easier to remove.
• Use Baking Soda: Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help break down tough residue. Sprinkle baking soda directly onto the stained areas of the pan or create a paste by mixing it with a little water. Let it sit for a few minutes, then use a damp, non-abrasive sponge to scrub the stains in a circular motion. Rinse and dry the pan as usual.
• White Vinegar: For tough, burnt-on food, you can also use white vinegar. Fill your pan with a mixture of 2 cups of water and 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Let the pan soak overnight, or place it on the stove and bring the mixture to a boil for a few minutes to loosen the stains. Allow the pan to cool before scrubbing and rinsing.

Remember to always treat your ceramic pan with care. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools, as they can damage the ceramic coating and reduce its non-stick properties. With proper care and regular cleaning, your ceramic pan will last longer and maintain its non-stick qualities.

Dry the pan

Drying your pan is an important step in the seasoning process. Seasoning is the process of coating the surface of cookware with fat, which is heated to produce a corrosion-resistant layer of polymerised fat. This layer helps to prevent food from sticking to the pan and protects the pan from rust.

To dry your pan, you should first wash it with warm, soapy water. This will remove any old seasoning, manufacturing residues, or protective coatings that may be on the pan. After washing, dry the pan thoroughly with a clean towel. Even after towel-drying, some surface moisture may remain, so it is recommended to place the pan on a stovetop flame for a minute or two to drive off any lingering water. It is important to ensure that the pan is completely dry before proceeding to the next step of the seasoning process.

Once the pan is dry, you can begin the seasoning process by rubbing it with oil and heating it in the oven or on the stovetop.

Add a thin layer of oil with a high smoke point

When seasoning a ceramic pan, it is important to use an oil with a high smoke point. Oils with a high smoke point include:

• Avocado oil (refined)
• Safflower oil
• Canola oil
• Sunflower oil (refined)
• Peanut oil (refined)
• Coconut oil (refined)
• Grapeseed oil
• Sesame oil (refined)
• Macadamia oil
• Vegetable oil
• Unrefined coconut oil
• Unrefined sesame oil
• Unrefined sunflower oil
• Unrefined peanut oil
• Hemp seed oil

Oils with a low smoke point, such as olive oil, coconut oil, and butter, should be avoided as they can leave an unpleasant smell and flavour.

To season a ceramic pan, first wash and dry the pan. Then, add a thin layer of oil to the surface of the pan. Turn the heat to medium and let the oil heat slowly. Once smoke starts to come out of the pan, turn off the heat and let the pan cool completely. Finally, wipe away any excess oil with a clean paper towel or soft cloth.

Heat the pan on a stove or in an oven

Heating your ceramic pan is a crucial step in the seasoning process. You can heat your pan on the stove or in the oven. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Heating the Pan on a Stove

Place your oiled ceramic pan on the stovetop burner and turn it on to medium heat. It is important to let the oil heat up slowly, so avoid the temptation to turn up the heat. Medium heat settings ensure the oil heats gradually, allowing it to get thoroughly soaked into the pan's surface. Depending on your stove, this process can take up to thirty minutes or more. Be patient and wait until you see smoke coming out of the pan before turning off the heat. Remember to turn the pan periodically to prevent oil pooling.

Heating the Pan in an Oven

If you prefer to use your oven, preheat it to 300°F (or 150°C) or the \"medium heat\" setting if your oven has one. Place the oiled ceramic pan on the middle rack. Keep in mind that this method is suitable for conventional and convection ovens, but not for steamer ovens, microwave ovens, or toaster ovens. As with the stovetop method, let the pan heat in the oven until you see smoke. Then, remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool.

Important Considerations

Regardless of the method you choose, it is crucial not to rush the heating process by turning up the heat too high. Doing so will not achieve the desired results. Additionally, be mindful of the type of oil you use. Oils with high smoking points, such as vegetable oil, peanut oil, grapeseed oil, or canola oil, are recommended. Avoid oils with low smoking points like olive oil, coconut oil, and butter, as they can leave an unpleasant smell and flavour.

Let the pan cool

Allowing your ceramic pan to cool is an important step in the seasoning process. Not only is a hot pan with a hot handle difficult to handle, but letting the pan cool down also helps the pan soak in the non-stick coating. This process takes time, so be patient and avoid rushing the cooling process by putting the pan in the fridge or pouring cold water on it.

Ceramic coatings do not respond well to quick, drastic changes in temperature. A sudden change in temperature can cause your ceramic pan to warp. Therefore, it is important to always let your ceramic pan cool down completely before attempting to wash it. This will also help to prevent leftover food build-up and brown stains.

After heating your pan, let it cool down to room temperature. This will ensure that the non-stick coating has had enough time to bond to the pan's surface. Once the pan has cooled, you can wipe away any excess oil with a paper towel or soft cloth.

It is also important to note that you should avoid stacking your ceramic pans while they are still hot. The heat from the bottom pan can cause the top pan to warp. Always allow your ceramic pans to cool completely before stacking or storing them.

Frequently asked questions