Ceramic pans have many advantages. They heat up well, resist scuffs and scratches, and are brilliant examples of non-stick cookware. Seasoning your ceramic pan can help make the most out of its properties and make it last longer.
If you haven’t heard of seasoning before, this process treats your cookware with fat or non-stick oil. This improves the pan’s non-stick abilities to avoid rust and decay from occurring.
Any type of pan can be seasoned, but it’s important to season all new pans before using them. You should also continue to season your pan frequently during the first couple of months.
You’ll learn how to season a ceramic pan in this article, as well as how to make your seasoned ceramic cookware last as long as possible.
Keep reading to learn more about seasoning ceramic pans!
How To Season A Ceramic Frying Pan
Seasoning involves burning a light oil layer on your pan to produce a non-stick coating. The original ceramic pan won’t be equipped with this layer, while older ceramic cookware will lose its non-stick ability. If you notice this happening, you can season your older pans to reinstate their non-stick qualities.
Follow these steps to season your ceramic pan:
Step 1: Cleaning
Before you can start seasoning, you need to ensure that your pan is clean. The pan, whether it is old or new, should be completely free from food, dirt, or grease.
Don’t use abrasive tools to clean your pan, as this can damage them beyond repair. Instead, use a soft sponge, warm water, and light dish soap to clean your pan.
If you notice any stubborn food stains, use hot water and baking soda to tackle these spots.
Step 2: Apply Oil
Now that your pan is clean, you can begin applying your oil layer. It’s best to use oils with a higher smoking point. These include vegetables, sunflower, and avocado oil.
Don’t use oils with a low smoking point, especially coconut oil, olive oil, and butter. These will leave a noticeable smell behind which can affect the food you make later.
After you’ve selected your oil, pour a tablespoon of the oil into the pan, then spread it around to make an even layer. Add a little more oil until the pan’s entire surface is fully coated. You can use a clean paper towel or a soft cloth to ensure the layer is even.
Step 3: Heating The Pan
Now you need to let the oil heat up. This can be done in two different ways, with an oven or on a stove. Both methods work just as well as each other, so the method you choose is entirely down to you.
On The Stove
If you’re using a stove, place the pan on a medium heat setting, allowing the oil to heat up gradually. Don’t use a higher heat level, as this will make the oil burn too quickly.
You can take the pan off from the heat once you notice smoke coming out of it. This process can take over half an hour to do, so plan accordingly.
In The Oven
If you’d prefer to use the oven, make sure that your ceramic pan is oven-safe beforehand.
Begin by turning the top and bottom heating portions in the oven on, then set it to a medium heat level. This will be around 300°F/150°C. Put your pan on the center rack.
Remember that this process will only work for traditional and convection ovens. Steamers, toasters, and microwave ovens will not work, so if you don’t have the right oven available, you’ll need to season your pan on the stove.
Step 4: Let it Cool
After you’ve heated the oil, you’ll need to leave the pan to cool fully. This is also necessary for the pan to soak up the oil coating, which can take some time.
You may be tempted to speed up the cooling process, but don’t do this. Placing the pan in the fridge or rinsing it with cold water will only cause the oil to separate from the pan, leaving you with a greasy mess.
This is also a safety risk, as hot oil and cold water can lead to burns. Instead, wait until the oil has cooled completely.
Step 5: Clean Any Excess Grease
If your ceramic pan has cooled down completely, use a clean cloth or a paper towel to wipe any residual oil away.
If you notice any areas that haven’t got an oil coating, you can repeat the seasoning method to go over these spots.
Increasing The Lifespan Of Your Seasoned Ceramic Pans
Seasoning your ceramic pans is a great way to maximize their non-stick properties. This means that cleaning will be easier and that you’ll use less oil during cooking.
Here are some ways to make your seasoned ceramic cookware last longer:
Clean Your Pans
One of the best ways to keep your seasoned ceramic pans around for longer is by cleaning them properly. Don’t use abrasive brushes or steel wool, as this can lead to scratches and damage.
Use a sponge and light dish soap instead, and try to avoid getting food particles stuck between the grooves.
Never Use Metal Tools
Most metal tools will have rough sides that can damage your pan’s ceramic layer. These utensils can shave the coating away so it loses its non-stick ability.
It’s best to use wooden or silicone tools as these are less likely to damage ceramic. Use this tip even if your pan is advertised as ‘scratch-resistant’. Your ceramic material might resist damage well, but this may not apply to the non-stick layer.
Avoid Stacking
Don’t stack your ceramic pans on top of each other. It might be easier to store in this way, but the friction against the pans can scrape the non-stick coating away. It’s best to hang your pans on a pan-rack.
If you don’t have enough room in your kitchen, stack your pans with dishcloths, paper towels, or napkins between them. The material will act as a barrier to prevent scratches, chips, and grazes.
Conclusion
Now you understand how to season a ceramic pan! Make sure that you clean your pan thoroughly beforehand, and be sure to avoid abrasive materials that may scratch against the non-stick layers.
Also remember to avoid low-smoking point oils like coconut or olive oil, as these can leave a distinct smell behind. Oils with less fat are the best option, such as sunflower oil or generic cooking oil.
Seasoning your pans may take a little bit of effort, but it can help you save a lot of time cooking and cleaning later on.
There’s no right or wrong amount to season your pans, but if you notice that your pans aren’t looking as shiny, you can repeat this seasoning process to restore their non-stick properties.
