Do You Season Your Nonstick Pans?

published Apr 18, 2013
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Post Image
(Image credit: Emma Christensen)

I found a surprising note on the new nonstick pan I purchased. While the instructions noted that the pan had been fully seasoned and was ready for use, it suggested seasoning the pan twice a year to maintain its finish. Hold on a minute, we’re supposed to season nonstick pans?  

I had never considered such an idea. It makes sense, as nonstick coatings

wear off with time

Similar to seasoning a cast iron pan, seasoning will help fill in any pits or inconsistencies that have developed in the finish. The instructions I found go like this: add a thin layer of oil to the pan and heat in a 300°F oven for an hour. Let cool and wipe off excess oil with paper towels. 

Do you season your nonstick pans? Or does the idea of putting a nonstick pan in the oven turn you off?