How To Season A Stainless Steel Pan
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How to Season a Stainless Steel Pan
- Wash and dry the pan. Use a gentle dish soap and warm water to thoroughly wash your stainless steel frying pan. Afterwards, rinse and dry your pan completely.
- Oil your pan. Once the pan is completely dry, heat it up on your stovetop. Then add a little bit of oil. You will want to use an oil with a high smoking point. Some examples include: sesame, vegetable, peanut, and soybean oil. Once you have added oil over medium heat, use a wad of paper towel to distribute the oil around the pan’s surface.
- Cool the pan. Once you have a hot pan, and it starts to smoke, remove it from the stovetop and let it cool. When your pan is cool, use another paper towel to remove the oil. (The environmentally friendly option is to substitute a clean, dry cloth for the paper towel).
- Repeat the process when necessary. When you find that food is once again sticking to your stainless steel pan, return to these steps and re-season it.
Avalon Series 12" Sauté Frying Pan
You have finally decided to put aside your cast iron skillet and move on to a stainless steel pan. You know that stainless steel, not carbon steel, cookware meets your personal style and culinary needs. Now, you will want to know how to properly season and care for your fresh stainless steel pan. Well, you have come to the right place.
Stainless steel cookware is both elegant, durable and functional. It’s a fantastic choice for your kitchen arsenal. Now, let’s discuss how to properly take care of it.
1. Should you Season stainless steel pans?
This is your decision.
Unlike cast iron and carbon steel, it is not required to season your stainless steel cookware. However, many professional chefs and home cooks choose to do so.
The argument for seasoning your stainless steel pots and pans is that the oil will help seal in the pores in the metal, and therefore give your stainless steel pan more of a nonstick surface. This nonstick surface will lead to no-hassle cooking and easy cleanup.
While some may debate the benefits for seasoning your stainless steel cookware set, there really is no downside to the seasoning process for stainless steel. So, if you want a more slippery surface, go ahead and season.
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2. How do you season a new stainless steel frying pan?
12" Skillet Frying Pan - Hammered Finish - Silver - The Avalon Series
Seasoning your new stainless steel frying pan might seem daunting at first, but actually it is quite simple. Just follow these easy steps:
1) Wash and dry the pan. Use a gentle dish soap and warm water to thoroughly wash your stainless steel frying pan. Afterwards, rinse and dry your pan completely.
2) Oil your pan. Once the pan is completely dry, heat it up on your stovetop. Then add a little bit of oil. You will want to use an oil with a high smoking points. Some examples include: sesame, vegetable, peanut, and soybean oil. Once you have added oil over medium heat, use a wad of paper towel to distribute the oil around the pan’s surface.
3) Cool the pan. Once you have a hot pan, and it starts to smoke, remove it from the stovetop and let it cool. When your pan is cool, use another paper towel to remove the oil. (The environmentally friendly option is to substitute a clean, dry cloth for the paper towel).
4) Repeat the process when necessary. When you find that food is once again sticking to your stainless steel pan, return to these steps and re-season it.
3. How do you keep stainless steel pans from sticking?
3 Quart Stock Pot | Silver | Oberon Series | Dalstrong ©
The seasoning process ought to give your stainless steel pans a nonstick coating. Once seasoned, you can use a towel to wipe the pan down after cooking. If you find that food is sticking, use salt and oil to loosen it up. Baking soda works on stubborn build up.
Though you will want to avoid steel wool when scrubbing, as it can damage your cooking surface. If you must use dish soap, repeat the seasoning process afterward to reinforce the nonstick surface.
4. What is the best oil to season a stainless steel pan?
12" Aluminum Frying Pan & Skillet - The Oberon Series
The best oil to season your stainless steel cookware is one with a high heat smoke point. Some of the best oils for seasoning are peanut oil, vegetable oil, and grapeseed oil. You will want to avoid oils which smoke quickly when put on high heat, such as coconut oil, canola oil, and olive oil.
5. Highly recommended Stainless Steel Cookware
1. 3 Quart Stock Pot | Silver | Oberon Series | Dalstrong ©
This stainless steel stock pot will last you a lifetime. This cookware features impeccable conductivity to evenly heat and cook a wide range of culinary delights. Its 18/10 stainless steel excels at browning and braising foods, while looking great in the process. This stock pot works on your stovetop and inside your oven. It looks great and is low-maintenance.
Pros
- True heavy gauge cookware - ultra strong 2.5mm thickness that will never dent or warp under prolonged heat, for consistent cooking results every time.
- Freezer, dishwasher, and refrigerator safe
- Easily transitions from cooking on the stovetop to finishing in the oven.
- Boasts non-toxic, non-hypoallergenic materials that are PFOA and PTFE free
Cons:
- If in the market for a large stock pot or heavy-duty dutch oven, this pot might be a bit on the small size
- Does not feature a nonstick coating like the Avalon model
2. 12" Skillet Frying Pan - Hammered Finish - Silver - The Avalon Series
Stunning design and high performance make this stainless steel skillet frying pan an ideal addition to any chef’s cookware set. Unrivalled conductivity allows this saute pan to handle a wide-range of culinary delights. It features 18/10 stainless steel and premium aluminum for enhanced heat retention and to preserve the nutritional qualities, taste and color of foods.
Pros:
- Premium conductivity that heats 5X better than iron pans and 20X better than basic stainless steel
- True heavy gauge cookware - ultra strong 2.5mm thickness that will never dent or warp under prolonged heat, for consistent cooking results every time
- Included is a stainless steel lid that will last a lifetime, while still maintaining a perfect sea
- The vented hole on the lid serves as a pressure release to prevent rattling and food from boiling over.
` Cons:
- This top of the line skillet might exceed some budgets
- 5-Ply Copper Forged Foundation might make for a more heavy-duty frying pan than some are looking for.
3. 12- Piece Cookware Set | Silver | Oberon Series | Dalstrong ©
Oberon - A mythical king and sorcerer of great power, is Dalstrong’s inspiration for the NEW premium, Oberon Series 3-ply Aluminum-core cookware, designed to help you create magic in the kitchen. This high performing, medium-weight and ultra functional cookware is built to last a lifetime.
This stunning 3-ply aluminum cladded cookware boasts impeccable conductivity to quickly heat up and evenly cook a full range of culinary delights from thick proteins to delicate omelettes. Unlike other aluminum cookware, the Dalstrong Oberon Series uses cladding technology to fuse additional thick gauge layers of nonreactive 18/10 stainless steel that excels at browning and braising foods and dramatically prolongs the life of the pan, making it extremely durable. This is cookware that can last generations.
Pros:
- Additional interior layers of smudge/free aluminum & 18/10 stainless steel above and below the Copper Forged Foundation provides maximum heat conductivity and retention.
- Exceptional responsiveness to precise changes in temperature when increasing or decreasing heat for the perfect control required to preserve the nutritional qualities, taste, and color of foods.
- Securely and carefully fastened to the body of the pan with aluminum, non-stick covered rivets that will never loosen, break or rust, you can be confident in cookware that will last a lifetime.
- Allows you to enjoy healthy cooking with non-toxic, non-hypoallergenic materials that are PFOA and PTFE free.
Cons:
- This top of the line cookware set features a price tag that might scare off those on a budget.
- More novice cooks might want to buy their pots and pans individually.
Some final thoughts:
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When you decide to purchase cookware, you have a choice in materials. Carbon steel and cast iron are still popular ways to go. Nevertheless, you really can’t beat a stainless steel cookware set. It’s elegant look, heat conductivity, and practicality make it an excellent choice for all your cooking and culinary needs. When you are handling a stainless steel skillet, saute pan or stock pot, you will look like-- and feel like-- a professional chef. And when your family and friends sit down at your table to eat, they will notice the difference in quality and taste.
If you are new to stainless steel cookware, you might be worried about the seasoning process and proper upkeep. However, as has been previously stated, you only need to follow some straightforward steps, and your cookware will be ready to go and easy to maintain. Once you get the hang of stainless steel, you won’t want to go back to using anything else.
Just keep in mind that as with all cookware and kitchen tools, quality does matter. Make sure that you are investing in a reliable, high-quality brand, like Dalstrong, which uses safe, durable, non-toxic materials. With Dalstrong, you will rest assured that your stainless steel will keep the taste and nutrition inside your food. You will know that you have a durable product that, when properly maintained, is going to last you a lifetime.
You will take your cooking to the next level, when you cook with stainless steel cookware featuring the Dalstrong insignia.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you keep food from sticking to stainless steel?
To prevent food from sticking to stainless steel cookware, ensure the pan is preheated over medium heat before adding oil or food. Use an adequate amount of oil with a high smoke point to create a non-stick barrier. Allow the food to sear for a moment before trying to move or flip it. Properly prepped stainless steel, whether on an induction cooktop or not, helps food release from the pan more easily.
Is there a trick to cooking with stainless steel?
Yes, cooking with stainless steel requires some techniques. Preheat the pan over medium heat before adding oil and food. Listen for a sizzle when food touches the pan, indicating it's ready. Don't overcrowd the pan, as it can lower the temperature. Learn to deglaze by adding a liquid to release browned bits. Avoid adding cold water to a hot pan, and choose induction-compatible stainless steel cookware. Allow the pan to cool before cleaning.
How do you start cooking with stainless steel?
To start cooking with stainless steel, first, wash your stainless steel pots and pans with warm soapy water to remove any residues. Season them by heating a bit of oil until it shimmers, then wiping it around the cooking surface using a paper towel. Avoid using steel wool or harsh abrasives, as they can damage the cooking surface. Now you're ready to cook with stainless steel!
Do you use oil when cooking with stainless steel?
Yes, using oil when cooking with stainless steel is recommended to create a non-stick surface and enhance the cooking process. Preheat the pan over medium heat, then add a small amount of oil with a high smoke point. Swirl the oil to coat the cooking surface evenly before adding food. This helps prevent sticking and promotes even cooking and browning.
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You can also check in with our Expert Knife Finder Quiz and get specific recommendations based on your needs.
Written by Jonathan ScolnickBorn in Philadelphia and living in Argentina, Jonathan loves learning about culture through the food and conversation at the dinner table.
