Every kitchen has some items that are essential for it and ceramic pans are one of them. Ceramic pots and pans are considered extremely reliable and durable cookware comparing to other non-stick cookware and the best pans for cooking steak. Ceramic pans are made of hard-anodized aluminum and usually have a non-stick coating on the surface. This coating is made from elements like oxygen and silicon. This non-stick coating helps in making the food brown without sticking at the bottom of the ceramic pan. Sometimes, it happens that the ceramic pan may start to lose its non-stick abilities. It can leave you with a ceramic pan that is extremely frustrating to use. So, is it possible to make a ceramic pan non-stick again? If so, how to make a ceramic pan nonstick again?
Here, we are going to present you how to make a ceramic pan non-stick again, but first, let’s discuss why ceramic pans lose their non-stick coating first. Let’s have a look…
Why do Ceramic Pans Lose their NonStick Coating?
Non-stick coatings on a ceramic pan are tough, but sometimes they can be damaged due to different reasons. Here are some reasons due to which the ceramic pans lose their nonstick coating.
1. Aerosol Cooking Sprays
Aerosol cooking sprays burn at lower temperatures and tend to burn the coating as well. So often, it damages the non-stick coating and imparts a rusty look to the ceramic pan. It is better to use some oils like olive and coconut oil rather than aerosol cooking sprays.
2. High Temperatures
The non-stick coating of a ceramic pan can be damaged when you use it beyond its upper limit. High heat isn’t advised at all in the case of non-stick pans. They are to be used within the mentioned temperature limit for best results. Don’t use the ceramic pan in the oven when you are planning to operate the oven at a high temperature.
3. Wrong Cleaning Techniques
A non-stick ceramic pan should always be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft sponge after every use. This way you can preserve the stickiness of the pan and can use it for a long time. Failure to follow this cleaning method will damage the non-stick coating of the pan.
4. Using Sharp Utensils
One of the biggest reasons for a ceramic pan losing its coating is the use of sharp metal utensils. Sharp utensils can form small scratches on the surface that become bigger with time.
You can’t repair the damage done already but you can make the ceramic pans non-stick again.
How to Make a Ceramic Pan Non-Stick Again?
The best way to make a ceramic pan non-stick again is by seasoning it. Seasoning is normally applied to cast iron cookware but it can be applied to almost anything. In seasoning, you create a barrier between the pan and the food. This barrier is created by oil and works the same as non-stick coating once it is applied. This barrier also allows you to deep fry in a nonstick ceramic pan. The seasoning of the pan should be done from time to time to keep it non-stick. Here’s how you season a ceramic pan and make it non-stick again.
[acf field=”how_to”]Step 1: Washing the Ceramic Pan
To start the seasoning process, the first thing is to have a clean ceramic pan. You can clean the ceramic pan using hot water and soap depending on its condition. If it can’t be cleaned with soapy water, you can use white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda as well. You just need to have a cup of cold water, half a cup of vinegar, and two tablespoons of bicarb. Put all these things into the pan and heat it for 10 minutes. After that, wash the pan and let it dry.
Step 2: Applying Oil
When you are done with pan cleaning, add several drops of oil into the pan. Spread the oil evenly throughout the pan using a paper towel or a sponge. You can use a little more oil if the poured oil isn’t enough to spread evenly throughout the ceramic pan.
Step 3: Heating the Pan
Heat your ceramic pan with oil in it over medium heat. When you see some smoke coming out of the pan, stop the heating. This thing can take a while depending on the type of oil you have used. The oil needs some time to soak in so, that’s why medium heating is required.
Step 4: Cooling the Pan
When the pan is heated as required, remove the pan from the hob and let it cool down. When the pan has reached room temperature naturally, remove the excess oil from it. Though, it is recommended to let the excess oil be in the pan a little longer. You don’t need to worry if your pan feels a bit greasy as it is natural. The greasiness is proof that the seasoning has worked.
Step 5: Repeat the Seasoning Process
You need to repeat this seasoning process after every few months. All it will be required again is topping up the seasoning, not seasoning it again. If your food is easily gliding around the pan, the seasoning is complete. If the food is sticking, re-seasoning is needed. This method works for any non-stick coating and any pan let alone the ceramic pan.
Wrapping Up
Making a ceramic pan non-stick again is just like bringing life back to the pan. Before making the ceramic pan nonstick again, you need to find out the reasons behind its losing stickiness. Some appropriate reasons are also mentioned above. To know how to make a ceramic pan nonstick again, just follow the above-mentioned procedure. It will do well for you, hopefully, it is worth it.
