A brand new nonstick pan can be a great addition to your kitchen. However, in order to get the most out of your new pan and make it last longer, it’s important to properly season it before first use. Seasoning a pan helps fill in any minor surface imperfections, creates a natural nonstick surface, and protects the pan from damage.
While you may be eager to start using your new pan right away, taking the time to season it first is worth the small amount of effort. Read on to learn everything you need to know about seasoning a new nonstick pan and get it ready to deliver perfect cooking results every time.
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Should You Season a Nonstick Pan?
While nonstick cookware is designed to provide an easy-release cooking surface right out of the box, taking the extra step to season it can maximize its performance and lifespan. Here are some key reasons why seasoning a new nonstick pan is recommended:
Enhances Nonstick Properties
Seasoning fills in micro-scratches and imperfections in the nonstick coating to help food release even more easily. This gives you the slickest and most reliable nonstick surface possible.
Prevents Food from Sticking
A seasoned nonstick cooking surface is more resistant to food sticking and staining. Proper seasoning provides an extra layer of protection.
Increases Durability
The seasonining process helps harden and reinforce the nonstick coating. This allows it to better stand up to daily cooking without chipping or flaking off.
Lengthens Lifespan
A well-cared for seasoned pan will last much longer than one you use right out of the packaging. Seasoning helps prevent damage that can degrade the nonstick surface.
Improves Slide & Release
A seasoned pan has an ultra-smooth cooking surface that allows food to glide effortlessly across the pan when tossing or flipping.
Adds Natural Protection
The oil used to season a pan creates a protective barrier that minimizes exposure to moisture, acids, or abrasive utensils/scrubbers.
So while your new nonstick pan may work decently without seasoning, taking this extra step will enhance its performance and longevity. The process is quick, easy, and well worth it!
Choosing an Oil for Seasoning
The oil you choose is important, as you want one that can polymerize and bond to the nonstick surface at high heat. The most common oils used are:
Vegetable Oil
A versatile, flavorless oil that polymerizes well. Common options are canola, grapeseed, corn, peanut, soybean, or safflower oil.
Coconut Oil
Has a high smoke point and leaves a slick, protective coating. Refined coconut oil works best.
Flaxseed Oil
Creates a tough, durable silicone-like coating. Do not heat flaxseed oil above 400°F.
Avoid olive, sesame, sunflower, or extra virgin coconut oil as they have lower smoke points. Also do not use butter or margarine instead of oil.
For most nonstick pans, a refined high-heat vegetable oil is the best choice and will give great results.
Seasoning Steps for a New Nonstick Pan
Follow these simple steps to properly season your new nonstick pan:
Wash Pan
Use hot soapy water to wash your new pan before seasoning to remove any residual manufacturing oils or debris. Rinse and thoroughly dry.
Apply Thin Oil Coating
Use a paper towel or soft lint-free cloth to apply a thin layer of your chosen seasoning oil. Cover the entire cooking surface, but don’t use too much or it will become sticky.
Spread the Oil
Use another clean paper towel to thoroughly spread and wipe off any excess oil. The surface should have just a micro-thin, slick coating of oil.
Heat the Pan
Place pan on the stove over low heat for 1 minute. Gradually increase heat to medium-low for 5 minutes more. This slowly heats the oil to start the seasoning process.
Bake the Pan
Place pan upside down in a 400°F oven for 1 hour. This bakes the oil onto the surface to complete the polymerization process.
Allow Pan to Cool
Turn oven off and let the pan cool down completely inside the oven. This gradual cooling sets the seasoned surface.
Wipe Again
Your pan is now seasoned! Give it one more wipe with a clean paper towel to remove any excess oil. Repeat process 1-2 more times for optimal results.
And that’s all it takes to get your new nonstick pan perfectly prepped and ready to deliver flawless cooking performance!
Tips for Seasoning a Nonstick Pan
Follow these helpful tips to get the best results when seasoning a new nonstick pan:
– Wash pan in hot soapy water first and fully dry to ensure a clean surface for oil to adhere to.
– Use a high smoke point neutral oil like vegetable, grapeseed, or coconut.
– Apply a very thin layer of oil to fully cover surface. Excess oil leads to stickiness.
– Spread oil slowly and wipe off any excess oil with a paper towel.
– Preheat gradually from low to medium-low before baking to allow oil to adhere.
– Bake seasoned pan upside down so any drips fall away from the cooking surface.
– Let pan cool fully before wiping again to reinforce the seasoned finish.
– Repeat seasoning process 1-2 more times for maximum nonstick protection.
– Don’t scrub or use abrasive scouring pads which can damage the seasoning.
How to Maintain a Seasoned Nonstick Pan
A properly seasoned pan provides excellent nonstick performance, but you need to take care to maintain the seasoned surface over time. Here are some tips:
Use Lower Heat Settings
Avoid overheating nonstick pans, which can degrade the nonstick coating and seasoning. Medium heat is ideal in most cases.
Preheat Properly
Allow pans to preheat gradually before adding oil or food. Sudden high heat can damage seasoning.
Avoid Metal Utensils
Use silicone, wood, or plastic utensils to avoid scratching. Never cut foods directly in the pan.
Clean with Care
Gentle handwashing, not harsh scouring, keeps the seasoned surface intact. Avoid abrasive scrubbers.
Dry Thoroughly
Always dry seasoned pans immediately after washing to prevent moisture damage to the coating.
Re-season Occasionally
Every few months, re-season your pan to refresh and reinforce the nonstick surface.
Store Carefully
Hang or nest pans to prevent scratches. Never stack items inside a seasoned nonstick pan.
With the proper care and maintenance, your seasoned nonstick pan will deliver flawless cooking performance for years to come!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Nonstick Pan Really Need Seasoning?
While nonstick pans are designed not to require seasoning, it can still be beneficial. Seasoning fills in micro-imperfections to maximize nonstick performance and provides added protection to extend the lifespan.
Can You Use Olive Oil to Season a Pan?
It’s best to avoid olive oil for seasoning nonstick pans. Due to its low smoke point, olive oil can become sticky or gummy during the high heat seasoning process. Opt for a refined high heat oil instead.
How Often Should I Re-Season a Nonstick Pan?
Plan to re-season your nonstick pan every 3-6 months with typical use. More frequent seasoning may be needed if the pan is used heavily. When food begins sticking more noticeably, it’s time to re-season.
Is Seasoning a Pan Necessary for Stainless Steel or Cast Iron?
Yes, seasoning is highly recommended for stainless steel and especially cast iron pans. It provides necessary protection, nonstick properties, and maintenance for these pan materials. Nonstick coatings are the only types that may not require seasoning.
Can I Use a Nonstick Pan on High Heat After Seasoning?
Avoid cooking on high heat even with a well-seasoned nonstick pan. The protective seasoning helps, but extreme temperatures can still degrade the nonstick coating over time. Use medium heat or lower when possible.
Conclusion
Seasoning a brand new nonstick pan before you cook with it for the first time is highly recommended. While not strictly necessary, it will enhance the pan’s nonstick capabilities, prevent food from sticking, and increase the pan’s durability and lifespan.
Be sure to choose the right oil for seasoning and apply a micro-thin layer across the entire cooking surface. Heat the oiled pan gradually and bake it for an hour upside down. Allow to cool fully before wiping with a clean cloth or paper towel. Repeat 1-2 more times to complete the process.
Seasoning fills in microscopic pores and imperfections in the nonstick coating to provide a perfectly slick and smooth cooking surface. Your food will glide across effortlessly. Maintain the seasoned surface by cooking at lower heats, using only silicone or wood utensils, and avoiding abrasive scouring pads during cleaning.
With proper prep and care, your new seasoned nonstick pan will deliver flawless nonstick cooking performance for years of everyday use!