Cook, Learn, and Share to Fight Hunger.
 
Kitchen Guide

How to Season Pans & Pots

While most stainless steel, aluminum, or cast-iron pots and pans (cookware) usually come seasoned from the manufacturer, the seasoned layer eventually wears down. It will need to be re-seasoned to prevent sticking during cooking. Non-stick pans never have to be seasoned, but they cannot reach high temperatures and usually wear down faster.

Tom the Chef Tom the Chef Founder
Published:
October 14, 2024

What Is Seasoning?

Seasoning is the process of filling the surface pores of the pan or pot with seasoning oil, creating a protective barrier that prevents sticking and burning. It sounds complicated, but it really isn’t.

What Needs To Be Seasoned?

All stainless steel, aluminum, or cast-iron cookware needs to be seasoned if food sticks to the surface during cooking. Sticking is very irritating, especially on a fry pan, sauté pan, or stir-fry pan. It can also cause trouble with sauce pans, pots, and even cast iron crepe makers.

Seasoning Oil

Any oil with a high smoking point is a great choice. Read more here

Food & Ingredients

Oil

When you select an oil that is great for your cooking and food preparation, it is important to consider the nutrients, the health benefits, but most importantly the smoke point.

Read More
Tom the Chef Tom the Chef Founder

Safety Precaution

Always monitor the seasoning process, as any oil can catch fire quickly.

Seasoning Techniques

There are many seasoning techniques, but here are two of my favorites:

Seasoning on Burners

  1. Pour seasoning oil into the cookware (about 1/8 inch layer).
  2. Place the cookware on medium heat and let it season for about 5-10 minutes or until it starts to smoke—whichever comes first.
  3. Let it cool completely and then wipe with a paper towel (do not wash).
  4. You may have to repeat this process a few times if you start with a heavily under-seasoned pan.

Seasoning in an Oven

Note: It can be used only with oven-proof cookware (no plastic handles).

  1. Before you start, ensure the handle is oven-proof to 300°F. If it is not, do not use this technique.
  2. Pour seasoning oil into the cookware (about 1/4 inch).
  3. Place in an oven preheated to 300°F for 15 minutes.
  4. Let it cool completely and then wipe with a paper towel (do not wash).

How Often Do I Need To Season My Cookware?

There is no set recommendation. Season your cookware when it starts sticking.

How To Clean Seasoned Cookware:

  • Never put it in the dishwasher—this will remove the seasoned layer.
  • Use very hot water and try not to use dish soap, as it will shorten the life of the seasoned layer.
  • Use a scrubbing brush or sponge.

How To prevent Sticking In General

To prevent sticking, always place food in a preheated pan (unless the recipe states otherwise). This is especially important for pans that need to be seasoned.

About the Author:
Tom the ChefFounder
# 1
  • Published Recipes: 269
  • Av. Recipe Evaluation:
  • Location: Iowa, USA
  • Member since: 2023-02-02
Profile & Recipes

Disclaimer

  1. General Information Content on this page above, including the content provided on www.CookingHub.com, including all recipes, articles, and other materials, is for general informational purposes only. This content reflects the personal opinions and experiences of its authors and is not intended to provide professional dietary, medical, legal, or political advice. Please consult a qualified professional before making any decisions based on the information presented here.
  2. Content Ownership and Use Content on this page above, including content published on CookingHub.com is owned by the individual authors who created it. Only the authors can access, modify, or delete their content from the platform. Our content may be embedded on third-party websites and blogs without modification. No reimbursement will be provided for this use. If an author removes content from CookingHub.com, it will no longer be available through any embedded links.
  3. Limitation of Liability Neither www.CookingHub.com (operated by the CookingHub Foundation) nor content authors are responsible for any outcome or consequence resulting from the use of information on this site. This includes, but is not limited to:
    • Food Safety: Any health risk related to food handling, food quality, or failure to follow USDA recommendations (including minimum safe cooking temperatures).
    • Preparation Safety: The proper and safe handling of cooking equipment or its suitability for any given task.
    • Recipe Outcomes: The final look, taste, or success of following a recipe.
    • Ingredients and Equipment: The sourcing of ingredients, tools, equipment, or anything else related to the preparation and consumption of food.
    • Nutritional and Dietary Information: The accuracy of nutritional data. This information is provided as a courtesy and should not replace advice from a medical provider. You are responsible for verifying that a diet is suitable for your personal health needs.
    • Errors and Omissions: Any potential errors, typos, or unclear directions in articles and recipes.
  4. User Responsibility All readers, visitors, and users of embedded content are solely responsible for evaluating recipes and articles. You must make your own decisions about whether to follow the steps and recommendations provided. It is your responsibility to ensure that ingredients and preparation methods are safe and appropriate for your personal dietary restrictions and health conditions.