Heavy-duty baking trays are the workhorses of your operation, handling everything from golden roasted vegetables to delicate pastries. These baking trays may lose their natural non-stick qualities over time or get stubborn residue that ruins the quality of your food.
In this article, you will understand how to correctly season and clean your commercial baking trays so they last longer and work better.
Why Seasoning Your Trays Matters for Cooking
Buying baking trays needs to be seasoned to create a protective layer that will help to prevent food from sticking and protect the metal from rusting.
Following this method is to bake a thin layer of oil onto the surface, filling the microscopic pores of the metal and building up a slick finish. If you don’t have this coating, food is likely to stick to the hot surface, leading to uneven cooking and messy cleanups.
The Best Way to Season New Baking Trays
Always remember to dry them with a clean cloth; any water left will prevent the oil from bonding properly to the metal. You want a high smoke point oil, like grapeseed or canola, and you want to use a paper towel to put a thin layer over the whole surface. Place the trays upside down in the preheated oven at a high temperature for an hour or so to cool down inside the oven before removing them.
Daily Cleaning Techniques to Protect the Surface
Avoid scourers and steel wool, as these will scratch the protective layer, exposing the raw metal underneath. Instead, use a soft cloth with a little mild soapy water to gently wipe away grease and crumbs.
If food sticks on, soak the tray in warm water for a few minutes, then wipe clean. Never put good commercial trays in the dishwasher, because the chemicals will destroy the finish.
Removing Tough Stains Without Damaging Metal
If you’ve got stubborn stains, you need to carefully make a paste of baking soda with a bit of water. Apply a mixture of this over the affected area and leave for a few minutes to loosen the charred remains.
Scrape the debris off with a plastic scraper, taking care not to scratch the finish on the tray. Keep in mind that it is far healthier for your equipment than scraping it with metal knives or pads.
Storage Habits to Prevent Rust and Warping
Always make sure that your trays are completely dry before you put them away in your pantry or on your storage rack. Moisture trapped between two stacked trays causes rust spots that are very difficult to repair. If you can, keep them in a vertical stack rather than a heavy pile so they don’t get squished. Keep your storage space clean and dry so your trays are ready for the next time you need them.
Signs That Your Tray Needs Re-seasoning
If you see the food starting to stick to the sides of the baking trays, it’s time to add more seasoning. The surface may also appear dull, or you may see light grey patches where the oil has worn away.
Re-seasoning is a quick fix – just repeat the original process to restore the slick finish. And remember, it is the small changes that you notice that prevent the larger problems from happening later.
Choosing the Right Tools for Your Kitchen
Use heat-resistant silicone spatulas or wooden utensils to shuffle food around your trays at all times. Metal utensils will gouge the surface and ruin all the hard work you put into cleaning and seasoning your cookware.
Investing in a set of gentle tools is worth it to keep your expensive trays in working order. The quality of the dishes you serve on a daily basis will depend on your commitment to proper handling.
Maintaining Your Equipment for Consistent Success
The key to a professional kitchen working smoothly, producing high-quality food and avoiding frustration is consistent maintenance.
Following these simple yet essential cleaning and seasoning habits will protect your investment and save you time when it’s time to clean up. Every step you take, avoiding nasty chemicals and using the right storage methods, adds value to your operation.
