How to Clean and Season Pampered Chef Stoneware

Learn how to clean and season Pampered Chef stoneware so each piece will last for many years of cooking and baking.

Cooking on Pampered Chef stoneware has been a staple in my kitchen for many years. I rely on them for a natural, no-fuss way to make the best pizza for one-dish meals, homemade banana bread, desserts, and snacks.

Why Use Pampered Chef Stoneware

Toxic Free: There are several reasons that I choose to use stoneware. First and foremost, it is toxic-free as long as it is made with lead-free clay. It can be used at high temperatures without concern about what could be leached into the food that is being prepared.

When purchasing, I only buy from reputable companies that test and meet or exceed all regulations and are food-contact safe. I will list several options below for where to find quality pieces.

Heats Evenly: Stoneware heats evenly and then retains the heat, resulting in even baking. The superior heat retention makes it perfect for oven-to-table serving, keeping food warm for meals.

Durable and Long Lasting: Much like cast iron skillets, stoneware is meant to last for many years. When cared for correctly, these pieces can be handed down through generations.

How to Season Pampered Chef Stoneware

If you have purchased a brand new stoneware piece, rinse in warm water, then towel dry. Then, give it a light coat of either coconut oil or lard. Both are high fat that remains stable at high temperatures, and this is why I choose to use them to season my stoneware.

Never use nonstick aerosol spray. Once a nonstick spray is used, it creates a sticky buildup that can not be removed.

Much like cast iron skillets, the best way to season stoneware is to begin using it by baking higher fat recipes. The fat will help develop the layer of seasoning that is needed to prevent food from sticking.

As stoneware is used, it will develop a naturally nonstick surface. The color will also change, which is a good thing. The dark color is a sign of a very well seasoned piece of stoneware.

How to Clean and Season Pampered Chef Stoneware

When it is time to clean and care for stoneware, the number one thing to remember is to not use soap. It may seem odd, but the soap will strip away the non-stick finish, much like it can on cast iron skillets.

After the stone has cooled from being used, it should not be placed into the dishwasher to be cleaned. All stoneware should be washed by hand using warm water. If food is stuck, the nylon pan scrapers are the best little tool to scrape it off.

How to Deep Clean Any Stoneware in 4 Easy Steps

If you have food buildup on your stone, you can deep clean it using the following method.  (Source)

1. Allow the stone to cool to room temperature.
2. Scrape off dried-on food with a nylon scraper or a kitchen brush.
3. Prepare a baking soda paste by mixing ½ cup baking soda with 3 tbsp water, spread on the stoneware, and let stand for 10–15 minutes.
4. Scrape off any paste, rinse in warm water, and dry before storing.
5. If this process strips away the seasoning of the stoneware, go through the steps to re-season it.

How to Prevent Breaking Stoneware

• Never put hot stoneware in water or pour water into or onto it. Always allow the stoneware to cool before cleaning.
• Avoid stacking stoneware pieces if possible. Mine are stored on top of each other, but I am extremely cautious in handling each piece.
• Stoneware is heat resistant to 450 degrees. Therefore, using at higher temperatures could result in a piece breaking.
• Do not use chipped or damaged stoneware.

Where to Purchase Stoneware Bakeware

Stoneware and bakeware are worth the investment for its durability and quality as well as the benefits of being non toxic. Over time, I have slowly built up the collection I have to include the muffin tin, large bar pan, round pizza pan, bread loaf pan, and the rectangle stone.

• Amazon: While not all stoneware options are available on Amazon, several options are available.
• Pampered Chef: You can find the entire selection online and have it shipped directly to your home.
• Thrifted: I have seen several pieces at thrift shops and even yard sales. The only issue with purchasing used is that you don’t know how it may have been cared for by the previous owners. I recommend that you look it over carefully for possible cracks or a sticky feeling.
• eBay: This is an excellent source for finding some of the older stoneware pieces that are no longer sold, like the muffin/cupcake pan.

Pampered Chef Stoneware Recipes

• Simple Healthy Banana Bread Recipe

I love using quality stoneware heirloom pieces in our kitchen that will last for generations. They are beautiful to use, and while they may be a bit of an investment, I look forward to making them an heirloom to pass on to the next generation.

Thank you for sharing!