US-ION™ Baking Tray Seasoning Instructions
Please note, our baking trays are for OVEN USE ONLY. DO NOT STOVETOP SEASON, or use on a stovetop.
Seasoning is simply layers of oil that are baked onto the tray through a process called polymerization. Over time, this builds to form a natural, easy-release cooking surface that continues to get better with use. This ‘build-your-own’ seasoning is the only way to achieve a natural, non-toxic, non-stick surface that is forever renewable.
Our Quenched™ US-ION Baking Trays have been dipped in a natural layer of seasoning that can easily be replenished or renewed. For our seasoning, we use non-GMO rice bran oil that is free of contaminants, and contains no PTFEs, PFOAs, PFAs, EDCs, toxins, heavy metals or carcinogens. Good for you, your family and the planet! Remember, this is not a synthetic coating - this is real, natural seasoning that will continue to change and improve as you cook/bake.
We recommend greasing the tray before use as this will continue to improve your seasoning foundation. If at any time you wish to re-season your tray, simply follow these steps:
Preheat your tray(s) in the oven at 195°F/90°C for 15 minutes. Carefully remove from the oven (take care, they’ll be HOT!), and place on a heat-resistant surface.
With a lint free cloth or tough paper towel, wipe a very thin layer of oil over the entire tray. We recommend rice bran oil, though any cooking oil or fat with a high smoke point can be used for seasoning. You only want the lightest layer possible - wipe on, then wipe off. The tray should look dry, like there is no oil left on the surface. Too much oil is one of the most common causes of weak, flaking, sticky or problematic seasoning.
Increase the oven temperature to 480°F/250°C. Place the tray upside down in the oven for 1.5 - 2 hours. Switch the oven off and without opening the door, leave the pan to cool in the oven for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight.
Repeat the oven seasoning process 1-3 times to establish a strong seasoning foundation for corrosion resistance. You will notice your tray start to darken in color.
Start baking!
A well-seasoned pan will be dark brown-black in color, though often patchy in reality. Looks aren’t important - our products are built for performance! Seasoning will change over time, and will continue to get better the more you cook.
After baking, we recommend cleaning your tray under hot running water and drying thoroughly, preferably in a warm oven. For any tough, stuck-on bits, lightly scrub with a brush, steel wool or scraper. To maintain your seasoning, avoid using detergents.
Why is my Baking Tray patchy?
Our Quenched™ seasoning is real, natural seasoning - not a synthetic coating. It will change and evolve depending on what/how you cook. The beauty of seasoned iron is that it's forever renewable! What's important is how it cooks, not how it looks!
Why is my food sticking?
There are many variables and factors at play when it comes to cooking: temperature, cooking time, whether you greased your tray, the texture/wetness of your food, your seasoning, etc. Our iron trays are extremely conductive and don't have a synthetic, non stick coating, so it may take some adjusting and tweaks to find what works best for your cooking needs.
We recommend greasing your tray prior to use, especially while you're getting familiar with your tray, and while your seasoning is young. Seasoning will continue to improve with cooking/baking.
As our trays are very conductive, there is no need to preheat prior to use (though you may wish to for extra crispy pizza bases!) and things may cook faster than what you're used to, so keep an eye on your cooking times.
If you have cooked something acidic and it has stripped your seasoning, simply re-season as per the instructions above.
Cleaning your Quenched™ baking tray
Proper washing is the key to seasoning success: The biggest error with seasoned iron is leaving carbonized food particles stuck to your seasoning. Remove any food residue with a wooden scraper, steel wool or chain mail, but leave the black seasoning behind. If you can feel any lumps, that’s food, not seasoning, and we suggest you smooth them down so they don’t act like hooks for your food next time around!
After cooking, run the tray under hot water.
Never place in a dishwasher - these trays are for hand-washing only.
Use a wooden or steel scraper to carefully remove food residue. No soap is needed! Use a soft nylon brush, if necessary, taking care to retain the beautiful black seasoning you have achieved.
Wipe with a towel or paper cloth to dry while the tray is still warm.
Place your tray back in the oven and turn the heat on low for a final dry, if needed.