How to season a ceramic pan- 5 Easy Steps

Ceramic pans are a great option for those who want an alternative to traditional metal cookware. They are non-stick, durable and easy to clean.

However, seasoning a Ceramic pan is Pretty easy and straightforward. You just need to clean the pan, apply some oil to the surface, and heat it for some time. Let it cool then wipe it.

But do you know NOT every ceramic pan requires seasoning.

I spent some time researching the topic and also emailed a few ceramic cookware manufacturing brands and found out that:

• All-Ceramic or Pure Ceramic and Ceramic non-stick pans are completely different.
• Pure Ceramic pans with glaze do not need seasoning.
• Some Ceramic coated or Ceramic non-stick pans need seasoning others do not.

In this guide, I will teach you how to season a ceramic pan

But first, it is important to know that…

Do you Really Need to Season your Ceramic Pan?

Maybe yes, Maybe No. All you need to do is check your pan’s manufacturer instructions on the packaging, user manual, or website. 

Green Pan, CARAWAY, and Calphalon ceramic coated pans and 100% ceramic pans like Xtrema do not require seasoning. However, Xtrema recommends using some oil in cooking.

Some brands of nonstick pans need to be seasoned e.g orGREENic ceramic nonstick pans should be seasoned before use.

But What Do You Need To Season your Ceramic Pan?

• Ceramic pan
• Dishwashing soap
• Paper Towel
• 1 tablespoon oil with high smoke point (  Grapeseed oil, Avocado oil, Sunflower oil, Canola oil, or Vegetable oil )

How to Season a Ceramic Pan? Step-By-Step  

Step 1: Clean The Ceramic Pan

Use some soapy water and a soft sponge to clean the surface of the ceramic pan, rinse and dry it using a paper towel

Step 2: Oil the Interior Surface of the Pan

Add 1 tablespoon ( 1 teaspoon if the pan is small ) of oil to the pan and rub with tissue paper to spread it evenly on the entire surface of the pan. Avoid butter, Extra Virgin olive oil, or other oils with a low smoke point as they carbonize quickly. This will result in burned stains on the pan.

Step 3: Heat Up the Pan

Once the oiling is done you need to heat up the pan slowly. Here are two ways you can do this

• Stovetop Method
• Place the Ceramic cookware on the stovetop and turn it on. Heat the pan on moderate heat for around 15 to 20 mins. Remove from the burner.
• Oven Method
• If your ceramic coated pan is oven safe then you can heat it in the oven for 15 to 20 mins at 300 degrees F

Step 4: Let the Pan Cool

After heating the pan Allow the pan to cool at room temperature. 

Step 5: Wipe Away Excess Oil Using Paper Towel

After the pan has cooled down, use a paper towel to wipe it clean.

So What is Seasoning and Why is It good to Season a Ceramic Pan?

Seasoning a ceramic nonstick pan means coating the cooking surface with a little layer of oil to cover small pores in the coating and prevent food from sticking.

Seasoning will improve the nonstick properties of the pan, maintain the slick and enhance your cooking experience. You might be able to save some bucks by seasoning your pan instead of replacing it.

But Why Do Ceramic Pans Lose Their Non-Stick Properties?

Ceramic pans are a popular option for those looking for a non-stick surface, but they often lose their non-stick properties over time.

One reason this may happen is that the ceramic coating can be damaged due to high heat, which then allows food to stick.

Another possibility is that the metal utensils used to cook with can scratch the ceramic coating. Using silicone or wooden utensils is a safer option if you want to preserve the non-stick properties of your ceramic pan.

So How Often Should You Re-Season the Ceramic Pan?

Generally, it’s a good idea to re-season the ceramic pan a couple of times a year. With time the characteristics of the ceramic coating of your pan will fade but you can revitalize its performance by simply re-seasoning your ceramic pots and pan 

How to Take Care of Seasoned Ceramic Pans so that they Last Longer? – Expert Tips 

Here are some tips from cookware experts to prolong the life of your ceramic non-stick pans 

 Wash Your Ceramic Pans Properly

Soaking your ceramic cookware in hot soapy water and hand washing it thoroughly will remove any residue from the previous cooking.

Avoid Dishwasher

Cooking can leave stains on the pans that are difficult to remove. These stains might be so tough that you may be tempted to use the dishwasher to remove the built-up food residue. While this may appear to be a good alternative because it requires less work to clean the pan, it is more likely to harm it.

Dishwashing detergents often contain abrasive ingredients that are more aggressive than conventional soaps. Phthalates and sulphate are two examples of abrasive chemicals. They can surely remove stubborn stains, but they can also harm cookware.

Read More: Can you put nonstick pans in dishwasher?

Don’t Use Metal Utensils

Use Wooden, Plastic, Nylon, or Silicone Utensils Only to avoid scratching and damaging the ceramic coating of the pan.

Avoid High Heat

Keep the Heat Low or Moderate. Extreme temperatures may harm a pan, especially if it is exposed to heat for a lengthy period of time.

If you want to preheat your pan, choose a medium or low heat setting. Cooking at low temperatures protects the pan while also ensuring that your food cooks evenly.

Do NOT Use Aerosol Oil Sprays

A chemical propellant in these cooking sprays is likely to cause a sticky buildup on the pan’s surface. These sprays are difficult to wash or burn off, and they will ultimately start to smoke. Instead, use an oil mister with vegetable oil or olive oil etc.

Add a Small Amount of Butter/ Oil while cooking

Although oil lubricates and strengthens the pan, don’t use too much. That is the most common mistake people make because ceramic pans require a modest bit of oil to keep food from sticking. Using little amounts of oil extends the life of the pan coating.

Avoid Drastic Changes in Temperature

To cool the hot pan faster, don’t put it in the fridge or under cold water. Let it cool on its own. A quick temperature fluctuation destroys the surface of the ceramic pan, reducing its non-stick capability.

Store Your Pan Safely

Don’t Stack Ceramic Nonstick Cookware because the friction between the pans can damage the nonstick surface. You can stack them by placing a soft layer like a paper towel between each piece of cookware. My Ceramic pan has a hole in the handle so I hang it from my hanging rack. 

Do not Drop Ceramic Pan on the Floor

Do not drop or bang the ceramic pans on the floor, as this may damage the ceramic coating, causing the non-stick capabilities to be lost.

White Ceramic Pan turned Brown? Deep Cleaning Tips for Ceramic Pans and Pots

Have your lovely white ceramic pan turned brown after a few uses?

It’s depressing! And why does it happen in the first place?

Most probably, this is due to food being cooked at an excessively high temperature, causing it to burn. But don’t worry, you’ll be able to get your white pans back!

Continue reading to find out how.

Read the Manufacturer’s Instructions

Care for your ceramic-coated cookware according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Ceramic cookware has a very sleek and smooth surface, making cleanup a breeze.

How to Clean with Vinegar?

There isn’t much that cleans as well as vinegar. In a sticky pan, dilute around 1/2 cup vinegar with 1/2 cup water.

Add 2 heaping tablespoons of baking soda to the mixture. Bring the water to a boil on the stovetop. Then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the surface. When you feel that nothing is sticking to the bottom drain the liquid and allow the pan to cool before washing with soap, rinsing, and drying.

Use Gentle dishwashing soap

Abrasives like vim cream, Cif, and barkeeper’s friend are not recommended on ceramic nonstick pans. These can be used on pure ceramic pans.

Cleaning with Baking Soda or salt

The carbonization causes the food to stick on the ceramic pan. It is a light film on top of the ceramic coating. The carbonization can be removed from the white ceramic coating by rubbing baking soda or salt with a damp paper towel. You might have to rub for a while depending upon how tough the stain is.

Apply Hydrogen Peroxide to Treat Discoloration

All you need to restore your white ceramic coating is 3 percent hydrogen peroxide from the grocery store. Hydrogen peroxide has a mild bleaching effect.

Pour just enough to cover the bottom of the pan. Allow it to rest for at least 30 minutes before rinsing.

Some Ceramic Nonstick Cookware brands

Some famous ceramic coated cookware brands available in the market are:

• Always Pans
• Green Pan
• Calphalon
• Cuisinart Advantage Ceramica
• T-Fal Initiatives Ceramic Nonstick

Some 100% Ceramic Cookware brand

Some famous pure ceramic cookware manufacturers are

• Xtrema
• Romertopf
• Miriam’s Earthen cookware (unglazed – require seasoning and submerging in water)

The Bottom Line

Seasoning isn’t always essential, like incase of pure ceramic pans but if you are using ceramic nonstick cookware and your manufacturer recommends it then it’s a good idea. So you should know how to season a ceramic pan?

If your non-stick coating isn’t up to par and causes you trouble in the kitchen, there’s no harm in giving re-seasoning a shot. It’s certainly worth a chance before you commit to spending your hard-earned kitchen cash on a new set of pots and pans. Nothing lasts forever but you can definitely make your ceramic pan last longer by properly taking care of it.

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