Solidteknics Aus-Ion Care Instructions

• Aus-ION is steel formed cast iron and is lighter than cast iron but otherwise similar.
• Aus-ion pans come pre-seasoned but not coated in protective oil, beeswax or lacquer like most steel pans. You do not need to strip and clean them before cooking.
• Steel pans take longer to season than cast-iron. The AUS-ION™ Satin surface is easier to season as the surface grips the seasoning better.
• Aus-ION pans develops non-stick coating over time with correct care and maintenance. They will not be particularly non-stick until they are well seasoned.
• The non-stick patina occurs when the oil reacts with heat and becomes polymerised.

• To retain and build on this coating to form a natural non-stick coating, anything that removes oil such as soap and steel wool needs to be avoided.
• If the pan is overwashed and the seasoning inadvertently removed, simply begin from step one and rebuild the nonstick coating.

Pre-Cooking Preparation:

Option 1:

• Cook straight away without further seasoning.
• Follow post-care instructions absolutely after cooking to maintain and build a non synthetic, permanent non-stick coating. 

Option 2: Add more layers of seasoning to reduce maintenance.  Use option 1 if you are unsure of this procedure.  

Equipment

• Flaxseed, soybean, or rice bran oil. These oils are high in iodine and may not be the oil you use to cook with.  
• Cotton, lint free cloth.  Do Not Use: Paper towels that may leave specks of paper or synthetic cloths which may melt.
• Oven.

Directions:

1. Turn oven to 250°C.
2. Drop a small amount of oil in the middle of the pan.  
3. Wipe all over interior and exterior with cloth until all visible oil is gone and just a sheen remains.
4. If there is too much oil wipe again until it is removed and just a very thin polish remains.
5. Place pan upside down in oven at 250°C for 90 minutes.
6. Switch oven off and cool in oven for 30 minutes.
7. Repeat 3 - 6 times.

Common Mistakes: Failing to wipe away all the visible oil causes streaks and spots and can cause smoking.

Post Cooking Care: Cleaning

Equipment

• Brush or nylon scourer
• Paper towels

DO NOT USE: The Dishwasher, Detergent, Soap, Steel Wool.

Directions:

• Rinse under hot water.
• If necessary, scrape out with any scraper (metal is fine) or a brush.
• Dry with a paper towel.
• For newer pans, wipe with oil after cleaning.

Common Mistakes: Brushing too hard will remove the seasoning, as will using soap, and detergent.

Post Cooking Care: Maintenance

Stove top seasoning after cleaning will ensure a reliable build up of the nonstick patina.

Equipment:

• Oil
• Paper towel

Directions:

1. Place pan on element.
2. Add 1 tsp of oil.
3. Heat until smoking.
4. Rub oil over cooking surface with paper towel for 20 seconds.
5. Cool for 1 minute.
6. Repeat until base is black.

Start Again:

If you have overwashed, you can scrub off the seasoning with steel wool and begin the seasoning process again.  Your pan will return to its non-stick state.