Hexclad Cookware: Seasoning For Longevity

Hexclad pans are a type of hybrid cookware that combines the qualities of stainless steel and non-stick pans. They are made with a tri-ply construction, consisting of an aluminium core sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel. The unique hexagon design creates a series of raised hexagons on the surface, providing durability, even heat distribution, and non-stick properties. Seasoning a Hexclad pan is essential to enhance its non-stick features and improve the flavour of your food. This process involves creating a layer of polymerised oil on the pan's surface, filling in any tiny pores and creating a smoother finish.

Preheat the pan

Preheating your Hexclad pan is the first step in the seasoning process. It is important to preheat your pan correctly to ensure the best results.

Start by placing your pan on the stove over medium-high heat. You will want to heat the pan for around five minutes. This will help to open up the pores of the stainless steel, allowing it to absorb the oil more easily. Be careful not to use too much heat, as this can damage the pan. It is also important to note that you should not put an empty pan over high heat, as this can cause warping or discolouration. To test if your pan is hot enough, sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface. If the water beads up and sizzles, then your pan is ready for the next step.

Once your pan is preheated, you can add a pinch of kosher salt and a tablespoon or two of vegetable oil. You can rub this in with a paper towel, ensuring the entire surface is covered. If the salt begins to stick, simply add a little more oil. If you are using a gas stove, you can add the salt and oil directly to the pan on low heat and rub it in. You can also add a small amount of oil to the pan first, and then rub with a paper towel before adding salt to prevent sticking.

Now your pan is preheated and ready for the next steps in the seasoning process!

Add salt and oil

Seasoning a Hexclad pan is essential to ensure your dishes come out with the right amount of flavour and texture. Hexclad pans are a type of hybrid cookware that combines the qualities of stainless steel and non-stick pans. The process of seasoning creates a layer of polymerized oil on the pan's surface, filling in any tiny pores and imperfections, making the pan smoother and more non-stick.

Now, let's dive into the "Add salt and oil" step of seasoning your Hexclad pan:

After preheating your pan, it's time to add salt and oil. Sprinkle a generous pinch of kosher salt over the surface of the pan. Kosher salt is recommended due to its coarse texture, which can help create a more even layer. Next, drizzle one to two tablespoons of vegetable oil onto the pan. You can use other types of oil, such as canola or grapeseed oil, but avoid using butter or olive oil as they have lower smoke points and may burn during the seasoning process.

Using a paper towel or a clean cloth, rub the salt and oil mixture into the pan, ensuring that you cover the entire surface. If the salt begins to stick and you notice some areas becoming dry, simply add a bit more oil to maintain a moist, well-coated surface. You can also heat your pan over low heat on a gas stove and add the salt and oil, creating a more viscous mixture that can be easily rubbed in. Alternatively, you can add a small amount of oil to the pan first, then sprinkle the salt to prevent sticking. This method works well, especially if you're using a stove instead of an oven for seasoning.

Once you've applied the salt and oil mixture, it's time to move on to the next step of baking the pan in the oven, as detailed in the following paragraphs.

Remember, seasoning your Hexclad pan is an important step to enhance your cooking experience and ensure your dishes come out tasting great!

Bake in the oven

Hexclad pans are a type of hybrid cookware that combines the qualities of stainless steel and non-stick pans. Seasoning a hexclad pan is important to improve its non-stick properties and enhance the flavour of your food. To season a hexclad pan, follow these steps:

Place your pan in the oven and heat it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for an hour. This process allows the oil and salt to penetrate the nooks and crannies of the pan, creating a protective coating. Remember to use oven mitts when handling hot pans! You can also use a broiler for this step, placing the pan under the broiler for 10-15 minutes. The smoke is normal and will aid in the seasoning process. Keep a close eye on the pan during this step to prevent burning. Allow the pan to cool down for at least 30 minutes before proceeding to the next step. The pan may appear darker, which is a normal part of the seasoning process and will not affect its performance.

Wipe away excess oil and salt

After seasoning your Hexclad pan, it is important to wipe away any excess oil and salt that may be left in the pan. This step is crucial as any leftover residue can affect how your food cooks. To do this, take a paper towel and wipe away any excess oil or salt. Make sure to cover the entire surface area of the pan to ensure that no residue is left behind.

If there is any stubborn residue that does not come off easily, you can try using a damp paper towel with some mild dish soap to help 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 is worth noting that it is normal for the pan to have some oil residue or discoloration after seasoning. This is due to the process of filling in any tiny pores or imperfections in the pan. However, this will improve with subsequent use and cleaning.

By thoroughly wiping away the excess oil and salt, you can ensure that your Hexclad pan is ready for use and will provide the desired flavor and texture to your dishes.

Reheat the pan

After seasoning your Hexclad pan, it's important to reheat it to seal the seasoning layer. You can do this by placing the pan in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can use a stovetop and heat the pan over low heat for the same duration. This step is crucial in ensuring that the oil fully penetrates the pan's surface, creating a slick, non-stick layer.

Be cautious not to use excessive heat when reheating, as it can damage the pan. Once the pan has been in the oven or on the stovetop for 10 minutes, let it cool down for another 10 minutes. You can then handle it with oven mitts or a kitchen towel.

This process of reheating and cooling helps to enhance the non-stick properties of the pan, making it easier to cook and clean. It's important to follow the recommended guidelines to ensure the longevity and performance of your Hexclad pan.

After the pan has cooled down, you can wipe away any remaining oil residue from the surface using a paper towel. This step ensures that your food cooks properly and doesn't stick or burn when you use the pan.

Frequently asked questions