Last Updated on November 10, 2026
A new ceramic pan usually needs a wash before you cook with it. Some ceramic-coated pans also call for a light wipe of cooking oil before first use. Check the care instructions that came with your ceramic pots and pans before you reach for the oil. The right preparation depends on the surface and the model.
Do you need to season ceramic cookware?
A ceramic-coated nonstick pan has a metal body and a factory-applied ceramic nonstick cooking surface. Some makers ask you to condition that surface with oil once before you cook. Others, such as Caraway, skip a separate seasoning step. Wash and dry the pan, then add a little oil when cooking if your recipe and care guide call for it.
Solid ceramic cookware has a fired ceramic body. Xtrema, for example, says its solid ceramic cookware needs no seasoning. You may still use oil or butter when cooking to help food release.
Bare cast iron works differently. Its seasoning is a layer of oil hardened onto the iron by heat. Ceramic-coated cookware already has a cooking surface applied at the factory. Baking oil onto it can leave sticky residue instead of improving food release.
| Cookware | Before first use |
|---|---|
| Ceramic-coated nonstick | Wash and dry. Condition with oil only if the model’s instructions call for it. |
| Solid ceramic | Follow the maker’s first-wash instructions. Xtrema solid ceramic needs no seasoning. |
| Bare cast iron | Many pans come preseasoned. If yours needs seasoning, follow the cast iron maker’s directions. |
How to condition a ceramic-coated pan before first use
If the care guide calls for a simple oil wipe, set out a soft sponge or cloth, a paper towel and the cooking oil the maker recommends. Kyocera’s ceramic-coated fry pan is one example of a pan that calls for oil conditioning before first use.
- Wash and dry the pan. As with the seasoning process for stainless steel, start with a clean surface. Kyocera calls for a warm-water wash followed by thorough towel drying. Use mild dish soap if your pan’s instructions call for it.
- Wipe on a thin film of oil. For a wipe-on method like Kyocera’s, work with the clean, cool pan off the heat. Rub a little cooking oil over the inside surface with a soft cloth or paper towel.
- Wipe off the excess. Use a clean paper towel to lift any extra oil. The surface should have a light sheen, with no oil pooling at the edges.
Kyocera’s initial oil-wipe directions call for no heating. If your own manual specifies a stovetop step, use the heat setting and timing for that exact model. An oven-safe label tells you how you can cook with the pan. It gives no universal seasoning temperature. Keep metal-bodied pans out of the microwave and avoid heating oil until it smokes.
When can you skip conditioning?
If the manual calls for a wash and dry only, the pan is ready after that first wash. Follow the maker’s instructions for any later conditioning. There’s no six-month schedule that applies to every ceramic pan.
If eggs or pancakes start sticking, let the pan cool and check for cooked-on oil. A sticky patch often needs cleaning. If the surface is peeling or the pan is cracked, stop using it and contact the maker about replacement. Oil cannot rebuild a worn coating. For a sticky film or burnt food, see how to clean stains and burn marks from a ceramic pan.
How can I take care of my ceramic cookware?
- Let the pan cool before washing. Handwashing with a soft sponge is a good default for ceramic nonstick. Some cookware brands allow a dishwasher for certain models. Check your manual and use the wash method it recommends.
- Use gentle utensils and cleaners. Wood and silicone are practical choices. Utensils made of stainless steel or aluminum can scratch some coatings, especially if they have sharp edges. Skip steel wool and abrasive cleaners on coated surfaces.
- Use the recommended heat and oil. Many ceramic nonstick pans cook best over low to medium heat. Pick a fat that suits the recipe and heat level. If the maker advises against cooking sprays, use a little poured oil instead to reduce buildup.
Earlier seasoning illustrations
These older images show a generic heating method, including a pan over a flame. For a ceramic pan, use the first-use instructions for your model. Skip the heating steps in these illustrations unless your manufacturer explicitly calls for a controlled stovetop step. Never use smoke or fumes as a signal that conditioning is done.
