Care and Maintenance of Stainless Steel Frying Pans
Talking about a stainless steel frying pan is talking about three top qualities in any kitchen: durability, resilience, and style. And while it’s true these pans are pretty much indestructible, they do need a bit of TLC if you want them to keep shining and performing just like they did when you first took them out of the box.
Today, our experts will guide you through everything you need to know from how to clean a stainless steel pan, to seasoning it properly, and even how to stop your food from sticking (which, let’s be honest, is what every home chef wants to know at some point).
Why Go For Stainless Steel Pans?
Before we dive into the nuts and bolts of caring for your pan, let’s remind ourselves why stainless steel is such a winner for your cookware collection. Quite simply, it’s a solid bet for any hob: it won’t rust easily, shrugs off high temperatures, and doesn’t release any nasties into your food. In short it’s safe, healthy, and built to last. That’s the triple S we all love to hear.
But that’s not all. Stainless steel is brilliant at spreading heat evenly, which means you can brown food perfectly without spoiling its flavour. Convinced? All that’s left is to browse the full Arcos stainless steel range and find the one that suits you best.
How to Clean a Stainless Steel Pan
Now, down to business! Knowing how to clean your stainless steel pan properly is the key to keeping it looking spotless and free from grime. Here are a few tried and true tips:
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Always let your pan cool down before you wash it. Drastic temperature changes can cause warping, so resist the temptation to dunk it in cold water straight after cooking.
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Use hot water, a mild washing-up liquid and a soft sponge to remove grease this’ll clean things up without scratching the surface.
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For stubborn stains or burnt-on bits, don’t give yourself a headache. Just make a paste with bicarbonate of soda and hot water works like a charm.
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Steer clear of classic metal scourers. Honestly, they’ll do more harm than good.
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After washing, make sure you dry your pan thoroughly before putting it away.
One more pro tip if you notice rainbow-coloured or whitish marks appearing, just rub them away with a splash of diluted white vinegar and rinse well. You’ll have your pan gleaming again in no time. Trust us!
How to Season a Stainless Steel Pan
Unlike non-stick models, stainless steel pans benefit from a bit of seasoning before first use to boost their performance. This quick step helps create a natural, almost non-stick layer that’ll keep your food from sticking.
Here’s what you do:
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Give your pan a wash with hot soapy water before the first use.
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Dry it off completely.
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Add a dash of vegetable or olive oil and heat the pan on a medium flame for about 2–3 minutes.
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Pour away any excess oil with a bit of kitchen roll and let the pan cool.
See? Easy as anything. Repeat this every so often to keep your pan in top condition.
How to Stop Food Sticking to Stainless Steel
It’s one of those cooking myths, isn’t it? But yes you absolutely can stop things from sticking to your stainless steel pan. It all comes down to the right temperature and technique. Always heat your pan properly before adding the oil. Once the oil’s hot, slowly introduce your ingredients. Don’t move them about too soon or you’ll miss out on that perfect golden crust. And always use the right utensils tongs, wooden spoons or silicone spatulas are ideal for protecting your pan’s surface.
Looking After Your Stainless Steel Pan
The icing on the cake: maintenance. This bit’s a doddle, really. Avoid popping your pans in the dishwasher if you can. Give non-stick sprays a miss. Cook on a medium heat, and store your pans with a paper towel or cloth between them.
With these simple habits, your pan will truly last a lifetime.
Take a look at the full Arcos collection and start enjoying proper cooking with professional grade kit today.

