July 16, 2025

Should you season a stainless steel pan? (And how do you prepare it before the first use?)

July 16, 2025

Have you just bought a beautiful stainless steel pan, ready for healthy cooking without chemical coating?
A question that often comes up is: do you need to season a stainless steel pan, like you do with cast iron?

👉 Spoiler: no.

But before you start cooking for the first time, there are a few good practices to know to properly prepare your stainless steel pan.
We'll explain everything to you step by step.

🔍 What exactly does it mean to "season" a pan?

Seasoning is a technique used with cast iron or raw steel pans.
It consists of:

heating oil to a high temperature,
to create a thin protective layer (an “oily film”),
which makes the surface non-stick and protects against rust.

👉 But stainless steel does not rust and does not need a greasy film.
It is a stable metal, which is not affected by water, soap, or air.

💡 Summary:

❌ No need to season a stainless steel pan.
✅ A simple initial cleaning is sufficient before the first cooking.

To understand the difference between stainless steel and cast iron, also consult our complete guide to properly using a stainless steel pan .

🧼 What you need to do before first use

Even if you don't need to season it, a stainless steel pan deserves a little "starting ritual" .
Here are the 3 steps to follow to prepare it properly 👇

1️⃣ Wash it well

Before the first cooking:

Wash it in hot water with a little dish soap.
This washing process removes manufacturing residues and storage dust .

🧴 Result: a clean surface, ready to heat evenly.

2️⃣ Perform a degreasing bath

Optional but recommended:

Pour a little water into the base with 2 tablespoons of white vinegar .
Boil for 5 minutes, rinse and dry.

This eliminates metallic traces and optimizes future heating .
This is an excellent practice for new pans, especially before cooking delicate foods (eggs, fish, etc.).

💡 If your food then sticks, check out this article on the causes of sticking to stainless steel .

3️⃣ 🔥 Perform the water drop test

This is the key to learning how to master your stainless steel pan .

Heat your empty pan over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes.
Place a small drop of water.

If she:

evaporates immediately → too hot,
bounces like a ball → perfect temperature ✅

👉 This test is the basis for perfect stainless steel cooking , without catching.

🧈 And then what? Do you need to grease the stainless steel pan regularly?

No, it's useless!
You can cook with or without fat depending on the recipe.

For delicate foods (eggs, fish, pancakes…), a thin film of oil or butter is enough to create a protective barrier.
But unlike cast iron:

no need to avoid soap,
no special maintenance required,
no layer to maintain or regenerate.

💡 To learn more, discover our tips for cooking without fat using stainless steel .

🔧 SAINE stainless steel pans: ready to perform from day one

At SAINE , our pans are made of professional-grade 18/10 stainless steel, with a triple-layer base for even heating:

fast,
homogeneous,
and compatible with all hobs (including induction).

No complex preparation required:
They are ready to use , durable and guaranteed for life.

👉 Discover the complete collection of SAINE stainless steel pans — and find the perfect model for your kitchen.
You can also explore our stainless steel cookware sets to equip your entire kitchen with the same level of quality.

❓ Quick FAQ

Can I still season my stainless steel pan?
You can try, but it has no lasting effect : stainless steel does not retain the coating like cast iron.

Why does my egg still stick?
Probably because the pan wasn't hot enough . Review the water droplet test before cooking.

Can I scrape it off if it's stuck?
Yes, but avoid metal sponges.
Preferably use a wooden spatula and a little baking soda or vinegar.

To master the right everyday techniques, also check out our 3 mistakes to avoid when using a stainless steel pan .