Baking Gotham Steel Pan: Olive Oil Method

Gotham Steel pans are a type of non-stick pan made from titanium and ceramic. They are known for their non-stick coating without toxic chemicals. The pans are oven-safe and can withstand temperatures of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. While Gotham Steel pans are dishwasher-safe, it is not recommended to use the dishwasher to clean them regularly as it can lead to damage.

Gotham Steel pans are entirely safe to use and are free from toxic chemicals such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The pans are made with materials that have natural properties and are non-toxic.

One of the benefits of using Gotham Steel pans is their stick-free properties due to the qualities of the materials they are made of. You can cook delicate foods such as vegetables and cakes without the food sticking to the pan. The pans also have excellent heat conductivity and distribution, ensuring that all parts of the food are adequately cooked.

When it comes to caring for Gotham Steel pans, it is recommended to avoid using harsh cleaning agents, cooking on high heat, and using cooking sprays. It is also important to season the pans regularly with oil to maintain their condition and maximize their lifespan.

While olive oil is excellent for cooking, it is not a suitable choice for seasoning Gotham Steel pans. Olive oil has a low smoking point and can degrade when heated beyond this point, leading to build-ups that are difficult to remove. Therefore, it is recommended to use other types of oil, such as groundnut or canola oil, for seasoning Gotham Steel pans.

Olive oil's low smoke point

Olive oil is a popular cooking oil, but there are some misconceptions about its smoke point. The smoke point of an oil is the temperature at which it starts to smoke and break down, potentially releasing harmful compounds. It is often claimed that olive oil, especially extra virgin olive oil, has a low smoke point, making it unsuitable for high-heat cooking methods such as frying. However, this is not entirely accurate.

Firstly, it is important to understand that not all olive oils have the same smoke point. Extra virgin olive oil, which is the least processed form, typically has a smoke point between 374-410°F (190-210°C). On the other hand, refined olive oils, such as pure olive oil or light olive oil, have higher smoke points due to the removal of impurities during processing. These refined olive oils can safely be used at higher temperatures without the risk of smoking.

Secondly, the idea that olive oil becomes harmful when heated past its smoke point is not supported by scientific research. High-quality extra virgin olive oil is highly stable when heated and does not break down into harmful compounds like other oils. In fact, studies have shown that extra virgin olive oil is the most stable oil when heated and produces the least amount of polar compounds (harmful by-products) compared to other vegetable oils.

Additionally, olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, which provide protection from degradation even at high temperatures. Studies have shown that even when heated to temperatures above 350°F for extended periods, extra virgin olive oil maintains its nutritional properties and exhibits impressive stability against oxidation.

In conclusion, while it is true that extra virgin olive oil has a lower smoke point than some other oils, it is still suitable for a wide range of cooking applications, including stir-frying and sautéing. When used within its smoke point, olive oil is a healthy and stable option for cooking. However, for deep-frying or other high-heat applications, it is advisable to use refined olive oils with higher smoke points to avoid smoking and potential degradation of the oil.

Gotham Steel's non-stick coating

Gotham Steel is a popular brand of non-stick ceramic cookware that is free of many toxic chemicals. Its non-stick coating is made by combining ceramic with titanium, creating a super-slick and durable surface. This coating is PTFE and PFOA-free, making it a healthier option for cooking.

The non-stick coating on Gotham Steel pans is designed to be ultra-durable and scratch-resistant. It can withstand the use of metal utensils without scratching, a feature that is showcased in their infomercials. The coating is also dishwasher-safe and oven-safe up to temperatures of 500°F.

However, despite the claims of the manufacturer, some reviews suggest that the non-stick coating may not last very long. Some users have reported that the non-stick properties of the pan diminished within a few months to a year of use, with food starting to stick to the surface.

It is important to note that while the Gotham Steel pans are marketed as not requiring any oil or butter, some users have found that using a small amount of fat can improve the non-stick performance and prevent food from sticking.

Overall, while the Gotham Steel non-stick coating offers a slick and durable surface, the longevity of the coating may vary, and using a small amount of oil or butter during cooking can help maintain the non-stick properties.

Pans are thin and don't heat evenly

Gotham Steel pans are thin and, as a result, do not heat evenly. This means that when cooking, some parts of the food will be burned while other parts are barely cooked. This is because thin pans with high conductivity metals such as aluminium or copper will heat up very quickly but are more likely to create hot spots.

Gotham Steel pans are made of aluminium with a non-stick ceramic coating. The aluminium body heats quickly and fairly evenly, but because it is a little on the thin side, there may be some scorching. Overall, the heating properties are okay but not great.

Thicker pans are better at distributing heat evenly. A thicker layer of aluminium allows the heat in the pan to distribute itself more evenly, creating a cooking surface with little to no heat differential.

Thicker pans are also better for heat retention. Gotham Steel pans are very light, so while they seem surprisingly durable in testing, it's hard to say how long they'll last with everyday use.

Pans are dishwasher-safe

Yes, Gotham Steel pans are dishwasher-safe. However, it is recommended that you wash them by hand to extend their lifespan. The non-stick coating is known to degrade over time, and the dishwasher's abrasive particles can accelerate this process.

The dishwasher-safe claim is also mentioned in the product description of Gotham Steel pans on Amazon and the Gotham Steel website.

Olive oil is not suitable for seasoning

Olive oil is not a suitable option for seasoning. Firstly, it has a low smoke point, which means that it can only withstand heat up to a certain degree before it starts to burn and turn to smoke. This will not only add an unwanted, strong smell to your pan but will also release carcinogenic fumes into the air. Secondly, olive oil is costly, and using it for seasoning is unnecessary and wasteful. Finally, olive oil has a strong flavour that will be left in the pan, which is undesirable as the pan will be used to cook a variety of different foods.

Frequently asked questions