Care and Maintenance


Getting started

When opening the box, you will notice that our pans and paellas will be covered with a thin layer of linseed oil which when is exposed to oxygen can take on a brown hue as seen in the image below. This coating is applied in the factory and performs a very important function: prevent that the product does not oxidize while they are stocked in our store.


We recommend washing the item with hot water and soap. In case some drops of oil are reluctant to come off, wipe them thoroughly off with a metal sponge. With the cleaned pan in your hands, you are all set to start cooking.

You may also find some marks over its surface and on the sides. These are a consequence of the rusticity of the manufacturing process that the carbon steel goes through and do not affect the functionality of the product. These imperfections will be covered with seasoning and use over time.

 

Seasoning your DARTO

The best seasoning method will always be just cooking. If you want to speed up the process, we recommend you to follow the following steps:

  • Wash the pan with a sponge and detergent to remove the layer of linseed oil.
  • Let it dry.
  • Put a few drops of sunflower or olive oil on a kitchen paper.
  • Spread the oil over the entire pan, both on the cooking surface and on the base that will be exposed to the heat. The handle does not need to be seasoned.
  • Place at maximum heat on a stove or oven. It is important to notice that even though our pans and paellas are designed to handle high temperatures, we recommend being careful with maximum heat when using induction or electric cooktops since the cooking surface could be affected.
  • Once it starts to smoke, leave for 5 minutes at maximum heat.
  • Remove from heat and wait for the temperature of the pan to drop. Be very careful, the pan will be very hot.
  • Repeat the previous steps between three and four times without washing the pan between each cycle, always smearing a new layer of oil.

If you want the handle also to be black, follow this same process with it. In case you have a barbecue or similar, just oil the pan and put it over the wood or charcoal. This will be a very fast way to season it. Remember always to be very (very) careful while manipulating the pan because it will be extremely hot.

 

Cleaning recommendations

The most important tip we always give is to dry the pan after cleaning it. You can use a towel, or heating it over the kitchen stove to make sure any moisture rests are gone.
 
Keeping your DARTO dry prevents rust. If by any chance it shows up, you can scrape it off with some metal sponge or similar and with the help of acidic agents such as lemon juice or vinegar. Then spread a thin oil film over the surface you just cleaned from rust.
 
A well-seasoned pan will obtain a great non-stick finish and protects iron from water corrosion.

Cutting in the pan using metal objects such as spoon or forks while handling the food

You can cut over the pan cooking surface using sharp tools. You will probably scratch the cooking surface but this won't affect the product performance. Any mark will be superficial and continuous use and seasoning will always make it disappear.