How to "Age" Pots and Pans?

[rodriguezpoultry]

My fiance and I just received some awesome pots and pans from his parents.

Here is the product:
http://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/product.jsp?productId=prod1700176&navAction=

How does one age it? Do I need to age it? I'm assuming plastic and wooden utensils only right?

I can't wait to try these puppies out!!!

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

By wanting to "age" them, I assume you mean season them as one does with cast iron? I do not think they need it, but if they do, instructions should be included.

Congrats, and happy cooking! What time do I show up for dinner?

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

haha! Don't know yet...haven't even made breakfast!

Yes, I'm sorry "season" would be the right term. I've always heard of "aging" the cookware. I think of "seasoning" with those non-stick/ cast iron skillets.


(Is scared to open the box...because then I know I will have to get rid of my knick-knack "Dollar-Tree" pots and pans...)

 

[Baymule]

Hmmm....... to "age" pots and pans.........give 'em to a 2 year old with a hammer.

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

lol! Nice! Whelp, I'm not waiting 2 years to have the 2 year old...but I did open the box and found out:

1. You can only use the pots/pans on medium or low heat. Anything above will discolor and void the warranty.
2. Use warm soapy water, dry with a cloth and then use a small amount of oil on medium heat. Once cool, wash the pot/pan in warm soapy water again and allow to dry.

Ta-da...seasoned!

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

They don't need seasoned, or aged, when they have a non- stick coating.

 

[rubyrogue]

yea we just got some really nice pans too. and even on medium they convert heat so well that medium is too high. i just clean them and wipe them down with a paper towel and a little olive oil. never use the dishwasher it makes them look funny and will also void the warranty. we handwash all of our good pans. I have had to adjust my cooking times and heats so much with these new pans its crazy. but they are sooooooo nice.

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

Yep, zero dishwashing for these puppies! They won't be anywhere near the dishwasher, which is hard for me...I do like my magic machine.

birdaholic, that's what I thought, but without doing it, it'll void the warranty. Plus, his mom will know if I don't...they are the same ones that she has and she's had hers for 5 years so far, look brand new!

 

[rubyrogue]

Oh and P.S. I followed your other post but never got a chance to say it but congrats and I am loving your avitar.

 

[Mak]

Hard anodized cookware does not need seasoning like cast iron does. the non stick coating is part of the pan. They make nice cookware- heavy enough without being hard to lift.

They can take some occasional metal utensils- for example, gently using a fish spatula for delicate fish or eggs, but mostly you should use plastic or wood. Most manufacturers will say metal is ok, and to some extent it is, since the newer non stick coatings are far superior to the older ones, but they can still scratch. No dishwasher! Again, some will say it's ok, but constant exposure to the strong detergents is not going to do them any good. Short preheating on high heat will not harm them, but they do conduct heat so well, you probably won't need to cook on more than medium. Also, never heat a dry non stick on high. They can (at extremely high temps that most home stoves don't hit, but you never know) give off toxic fumes. Always put a little oil or butter or liquid of some sort in the bottom. Preheat only for brief periods. Take care of them and they should serve you well!

(Just as a side note- I worked over 10 years at a JC Penney Home Store, did bridal registry and all that. Learned a lot about cookware, housewares, bedding, etc. Enjoy your new cook ware!)