Seasoned frying pan?!?!?

[ROYGBIVain]

I need to get a new frying pan. Why are there so many options? I’m lost. What’s the healthiest material for it to be made of? And what on earth is seasoning a pan? Do you buy it seasoned? Do you have to season it? Before use, after use? How often? How do you KNOW when it needs to be seasoned? How do you actually season for that matter? What are the principles for seasoning??? I just want to be able to cook a steak without it burning etc and I’m shocked that pans can cost so much and seem to have so much faff. Any advice or recommendations? Thank you!

Your best bet is a cast iron pan. It will be expensive, but it's a one and done thing; you'll never need another one. There are lots of complicated instructions for seasoning your pan but basically you just wipe oil on it and stick it in a hot oven, let cool and wipe. The more you use it, the better it will get. Only slight word of warning is that acidic sauces (tomato) will (very mildly) damage the seasoning, but you can just re-season it; it won't be ruined.

There are special ridged pans for steak, but I prefer a plain cast iron frying pan, as it's easier make a sauce with the jus from the meat.

I've had mine about 25 years, use it all the time, love it.

Just thinking, my Mum must've had hers for over 60 years now...

Thanks Oodiks, any ideas of brands/price? Should I be expecting to pay a certain amount? If I buy an expensive one is there the possibility that I’ll ruin it somehow (knowing me)

Hexclad are probably the best pans, unfortunately they come with a hefty price tag.

I wouldn’t go for Hexclad or any other non stick, unless you are willling to replace- the coating doesn’t last. Yes it’s a pain to season them initially, but it pays off and you don’t even have to really clean them after that, quick rinse and wipe.

Agreed, avoid non-stick like the plague!

I can have a look at mine when I get home this evening and see if I can find out the maker. Otherwise, I'd trust John Lewis! You're looking for a basic cast iron pan with no bells and whistles (no non-stick, enamel, wooden handles, etc), John Lewis has a La Creusut (sp?) version that looks good. It's not cheap, but you will never need another one! They have an own brand version, much cheaper, but obviously out of stock!

You could always go le cruset but 2nd hand, plenty of people sell because of colour not use.

I say this as I've just sold all the orange pans we inherited from my grandads!