Making ceramic pans nonstick again - FamilyGuideCentral.com
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How to Make Ceramic Pans Non-Stick Again (Saving Money or a Waste of Time?)

To my surprise, I purchased these brand new non-stick ceramic pans less than a year ago and I noticed a couple days ago that there were some scratches.

But hey, it was hammered in my mind that “ceramic is supposed to be very hard to scratch.” However, I still managed to scratch mine somehow. Needless to say, I was a little annoyed since these pants can cost anywhere from $75 to over $100 each.

So my natural tendency was to just get on Google and search for how to fix it. This is what I found.

How to make ceramic pans non-stick again

Ceramic pans can lose their non-stick capabilities with use and age. Taking the time to follow these steps can help you make your pan non-stick again so you can use it for your food.

1. Use vinegar and baking soda.

This is one method that can help to clean the surface of your ceramic pan and really make it non-stick again. Add one cup of water and half a cup of vinegar mixed with two tablespoons of baking soda. You should then allow the pan to heat up for about 10 minutes until it starts to boil. Let it cool down entirely, then wash it by hand and season with a thin layer of vegetable oil.

2. You can also use coconut oil to season your pan.

First, preheat the pan either on the stove top or in the oven. Apply a thin layer of coconut oil while the pan is still hot and allow the pan to heat for two hours in the oven. The coconut oil is going to fill the pores of the pan and help to make it non-stick again. Allow the pan to cool and dry overnight.

3. Peanut oil is another option as well.

After you have cleaned your pan with warm soapy water, add peanut oil to the surface and then allow it to heat up for a couple of minutes. Then, wipe the oil off the surface.

4. Apply another layer of oil.

You can also heat these pans in the oven and put a thin layer of oil over the surface to help ensure that it is clean and that it allows the oil to seep into the pores of the pan.

Why do Ceramic Pans Lose their Coating?

1. High temperatures can weaken the coating

High temperatures do break down the coating and make it chip and crack. This can cause the pan to lose its non-stick coating and can make foods stick and cook very unevenly. This is something that only happens when you repeatedly use a very high heat. If you use a ceramic coated pan once or twice in the pan, it is not going to damage it. If you consistently use it with very high heat, you are going to damage your pan.

2. Using sharp utensils can damage the coating

Sharp utensils are another huge issue with ceramic-coated pans. With this type of pan, you are going to need to use wood or rubber utensils that are going to be gentle on the surface of the pan. This is going to help prevent chipping and will also prevent damage to the surface of the pan. With a ceramic coating or any coated pan, you want to use a utensil that is not going to cause damage and that is not going to chip or make any chips that are there any larger.

3. Dishwashing your non-stick pans can damage your coating

Still, another issue you might be dealing with is washing your pan in the dishwasher. The main problem with this is that these pans are meant to be handwashed. The dishwasher gets very hot. There are chemicals in the dishwasher soap that can also cause damage to the coating and make it chip and become damaged.

4. Not cleaning your non-stick pans can damage the coating over time

The last issue you might be dealing with is not cleaning your pan often enough. If you allow dirt and grime to build up on the surface of your pan, you can end up with damage to the surface of the pan and damage to the ceramic coating.

How long does ceramic non-stick last?

Ceramic non-stick cookware is a popular option because it doesn’t release harmful fumes like Teflon. However, this type of cookware generally has a shorter lifespan than other materials like stainless steel or aluminum.

The average lifespan of ceramic-coated pans is about 2 to 3 years. After that time, the coating will start to wear off and food will begin to stick to the pan’s surface.

Newer nonstick pans made with PTFE or Teflon can last 8 to 10 years if well maintained. Nonstick cookware can get damaged if food is cooked at very high temperatures or with metal cookware.

One way to extend the life of your ceramic non-stick cookware is by seasoning it every six months. The added benefit of cooking with oil is that it takes at least a few months for the coating to build up enough for food not to stick to it.

Seasoning is a process where you apply a layer of oil or fat over the entire cooking surface and then heat it until it smokes. This will help form a protective barrier that will keep your food from sticking.

Can you get non-stick ceramic pans re-coated?

It is not ideal to recoat a ceramic pan as it is going to lead to a ceramic coating that is not even and that is not really going to work well. You can re-season your pan and help to get your pan back to being non-stick.

How do you get burn marks and oil stains off of a ceramic pan?

One of the best ways to remove the non-stick coating from a ceramic pan is to make sure you clean it properly. You can use two tablespoons of baking soda, a cup of water, and a cup of vinegar to make a mixture. Add the mixture to the pan and allow it to heat up and gently boil. You then need to allow it to cool and then hand wash the pan. This is going to help loosen up the stains and make it easier to gently remove them.

Tips on how to care for your ceramic non-stick cookware

The best thing you can do for a ceramic pan is to make sure you are washing it by hand and that you are being gentle with it. You want to avoid harsh chemicals, avoid scrubbing with harsh scrubbers that are going to damage the coating, and make sure you store them in a dry place. Avoid using metal utensils with this type of pan and pay attention to how high the heat is when you are using them.

Is it safe to use scratched non-stick ceramic pans?

There is some debate over whether or not it’s safe to use scratched non-stick ceramic pans. Some people say that the scratches create a place for food and bacteria to accumulate, while others argue that as long as the pan is properly cleaned, there is no risk.

In general, it’s probably best not to use a pan with any visible scratches, but if you’re careful to clean it well after each use and don’t have any major scratches, then it should be okay.

How often should you season your non-stick ceramic pan?

It is important to note when food starts sticking and to determine if it’s time for another seasoning session, especially as the pan begins looking rugged and uneven! You may need a regular seasoning session if it looks rough rather than glossy and shiny. You should be seasoning your pan every 6 months.

Keeping your ceramic pan seasoned is up to you. Extra virgin olive oil is not recommended because it might leave a thin carbonized layer on the pan due to its inability to withstand high temperatures. Instead, use regular vegetable or canola oil because of their high smoke points. It’s always a good idea to season non-stick ceramic pans before using them.

It takes less than 5 minutes to season a pan, but it ensures the cookware’s longevity. Seasoning your pan with vegetable oil is best because it doesn’t leave any harmful residue on the cookware that might harm you or your food in the long run

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