How to Season & Care For Your Solidteknics AUS-ION Pan

What is seasoning, exactly?

Seasoning is the process of building up thin layers of oil on your pan by baking them on at high heat. This triggers a chemical reaction called polymerisation, which transforms the oil into a hard, protective coating. Over time, these layers create a natural, non-toxic surface that makes your pan increasingly non-stick — and more enjoyable to cook with.

This “build-your-own” seasoning is the key to achieving a long-lasting, healthy, non-stick finish — without synthetic coatings. With continued use and care, your pan will darken to a deep black, which is the sign of great seasoning. It may look a little patchy along the way, and that’s perfectly normal.

There are two types to seasoning:

1. Stovetop – You’ll begin building up your non-stick surface on the inside bottom of the pan.
2. Oven – This step gives your pan full-body protection against corrosion and builds up the non-stick surface.

A newly purchased Solidteknics AUS-ION pan has already been seasoned with rice bran oil in an oven, for a natural, low-stick surface that will evolve with use.

Stovetop Seasoning

A little stovetop seasoning is great for refreshing the non-stick surface on the inside of your pan. Here is how to do it:

1. Preheat your pan gradually over medium heat. (AUS-ION heats quickly — no need for high temperatures.)
   Add 1 teaspoon of rice bran oil*, then wipe the bottom inside surface using a paper towel and tongs for safety.
2. Continue wiping the oil around the pan as it begins to smoke. Once smoking, wipe for another 20 seconds. You want a very thin, even coat — no puddles or streaks. You may want to switch on the exhaust fan to help with any smoke.
3. Remove from heat and let cool for at least 1 minute.
4. Repeat steps 1–3 over 10–15 minutes (in one or more sessions), until the base looks dark, glossy, and repels oil — or until you're happy with the non-stick performance.

Oven Seasoning

Oven seasoning is the essential first step to protect your AUS-ION Solidteknic pan from corrosion and set the foundation for a long-lasting, natural non-stick surface. Here's how to do it:

1. Preheat Your Pan
   Place your clean, dry pan in a cold oven and heat it to 90°C for 15 minutes. This warms the metal and opens its pores. Carefully remove the pan (it’ll be hot!) and place it on a heat-resistant surface.
2. Apply a Thin Layer of Oil
   Using a lint-free cloth or sturdy paper towel (avoid microfibre — it’s plastic-based), wipe a very thin layer of rice bran oil* over the entire pan — inside, outside, and handle.
   Tip - Less is more: after applying, wipe off excess oil until the surface looks dry. A thin layer is key — too much oil can lead to sticky, uneven seasoning.
3. Bake at High Heat
   Increase the oven temperature to 250°C. Place the pan upside down in the oven (to prevent pooling) and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours. When the time is up, turn the oven off and leave the pan inside to cool — ideally overnight.
   Tip - A BBQ is also great for this step, especially to keep any smoke outdoors. If you're seasoning your pan indoors, using the exhaust fan or opening some windows can help reduce any smoke.
4. Repeat for a Stronger Base
   For best results, repeat this seasoning process three or more times. With each round, your pan will deepen in colour — a good sign that the seasoning is building up properly.

*Solidteknics recommends using rice bran oil for seasoning for best results as it has a high-smoke-point. Other good high-smoke-point oils or fats which can be used instead include: grape-seed, canola, flaxseed oil, or lard. Avoid olive oil for seasoning — its low smoke point makes it unsuitable. For cooking, you can use any oils or fats you like.

Tips to Reduce Sticking on AUS-ION Pans

Achieving a naturally non-stick surface on your iron pan comes down to proper heat and oil or fat management. Here are some tips below to reduce sticking on your pan:

• Lower the heat: Iron pans are excellent heat conductors. What you’re used to as “high” heat is often too much—medium is the new high.
• Use generous amounts of oil or fat: Especially when you're still getting to know your pan.
• Preheat slowly: Begin preheating your pan on low heat while you prep your ingredients. Always preheat an empty pan before adding food.
• Keep the surface smooth: After each use, gently scrub off any stuck-on food to maintain a slick, even cooking surface.
• Be patient: Let food cook undisturbed until a crust forms. This helps the food naturally release from the pan.

How to Clean Your AUS-ION Pan

1. Assess your pan: Before washing, ask yourself—does it actually need cleaning, or is it just a little oily? Often, with well-seasoned iron cookware, a simple wipe-down after use is all that’s needed, depending on what was cooked.

2. Remove food residue promptly: Use a wooden or steel scraper to loosen and remove any stuck-on bits while the pan is still warm. This only takes a few seconds and is much easier than trying to clean once the pan has cooled.

3. Wash gently when needed: When a deeper clean is necessary, rinse your pan under hot (not boiling) running water, ideally while it’s still warm. Avoid soaking the pan or using the dishwasher—both can damage the seasoning and cause rust.

4. Protect your seasoning: To preserve your seasoning, especially in the early stages, avoid using soap or detergent. If needed, use a brush to scrub gently—just enough to remove food without stripping the surface. The goal is to keep the cooking surface smooth and free of bumps. Good scrubbing and heat will clean your pan, but if you're concerned, a small amount of mild soap is fine—especially once your pan is well seasoned.

5. Dry immediately: After washing, dry the pan right away. Consider keeping a designated tea towel on hand just for this purpose—something you don’t mind getting a bit stained.

6. Finish with heat: Place the pan on a warm stovetop (or turn it to low heat) to fully dry and prevent rust. While it's still warm, this is also a great time to do a quick stovetop seasoning, especially if your pan is new or could use a touch-up.

Important Note:  Never put your iron pan in the dishwasher and never soak your pan. If this happens, don’t worry—your pan can be restored through seasoning.