How to Condition a Frying Pan

Conditioning Nonstick Frying Pans

• 1

  Wash the frying pan with hot water and dish detergent.

• 2

  Rinse the pan with clear water and dry it with a kitchen towel.

• 3

  Place enough vegetable oil in the pan to cover its bottom. The exact amount necessary depends on the size of the frying pan.

• 4

  Put the pan on a stove burner and turn the heat to medium. Leave it there until the oil begins to bubble. Remove the pan from the heat.

• 5

  Use a paper towel to wipe the oil away after the pan cools. Wash it again in hot soapy water.

Conditioning a Cast-iron Frying Pan

• 6

  Set the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

• 7

  Moisten a paper towel with vegetable oil.

• 8

  Rub the inside of the frying pan with the oil until it is thoroughly coated.

• 9

  Position a baking sheet on the bottom rack of the oven.

• 10

  Place the cast-iron frying pan into the oven upside down, directly above the baking sheet so that the dripping oil doesn't make a mess inside the oven.

• 11

  Allow the pan to bake for 60 minutes. Turn the oven off, but leave the pan in the oven until it is cool enough to touch.

• 12

  Wash the oil away with hot water. Place the pan over high heat on the stove top until the water dries.