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800-748-6251
US Manufacturer
Pizza Expo may be in the rearview mirror, but your new pans are probably working harder than ever! A couple of months ago, you packed their ovens, kitchens and prep lines with new equipment discoveries from the show, including pans built to handle serious volume and consistent baking performance. Now that those pans have officially been through the lunch rushes, weekend spikes and late-night dough runs, proper maintenance matters.
The good news? Taking care of your LloydPans does not require complicated routines or excessive upkeep. With proprietary PRE SEASONED TUFF-KOTE® (PSTK) finishes designed for durability and easy release, a few smart habits can help keep pans performing consistently for years.
Here are five LloydPans-approved ways to keep your pans in top shape long into the future:
1. Skip the Seasoning Ritual
This is the hardest habit for some operators to break. Traditional pans often require repeated seasoning cycles before they’re ready for service. LloydPans with PSTK finishes do not. In fact, over-seasoning or attempting to “build up” the pan can actually hurt performance over time.
Before first use:
- Wash with mild soap and warm water
- Dry thoroughly
- Lightly wipe with a small amount of oil if desired
- Start baking
That’s it. No pre-seasoning marathon required.
2. Hand Wash Only. Seriously.
If there’s one rule every LloydPans owner should remember, this is it. Automatic dishwashers and harsh detergents can damage pan finishes and shorten pan life. LloydPans specifically recommends hand washing only using mild dish soap and non-abrasive cleaning tools.
Best practices include:
- Warm, sudsy water
- Nylon scrubbers or non-scratch sponges
- Thorough drying after cleaning
The good news is that cleanup is typically fast thanks to the easy-release surface. Your dish crew may not throw a pizza party over it, but they’ll probably complain less.
3. Don’t Go Overboard with Scrubbing
Yes, LloydPans are durable. No, that does not mean they should be attacked with every aggressive cleaning tool in the kitchen.
For stubborn buildup:
- Soak pans first
- Use non-abrasive scrubbers
- Use Bar Keepers Friend when necessary, per LloydPans cleaning guidance
- Avoid steel wool and overly harsh abrasives
A little preventative maintenance goes a long way toward preserving consistent release and bake performance.
4. Watch Long Exposure to Acidic Foods
Pizza operators work with acidic ingredients every day, especially tomato sauce. LloydPans notes that prolonged exposure to acidic foods at high temperatures can eventually impact pan surfaces.
A few smart habits can help:
- Don’t store acidic foods in pans for extended periods
- Clean pans promptly after service
- Use a light oil barrier when appropriate
Your pans are built for hard work, but even great equipment appreciates a little respect.
5. Treat Them Like a Long-Term Equipment, Not Disposable Tools
One of the biggest mistakes operators make is treating pans like short-term supplies instead of long-term investments.
LloydPans are engineered for durability and consistent baking performance. Operators regularly report using the same pans for years in high-volume environments.
Simple habits help maximize lifespan:
- Stack carefully
- Avoid unnecessary impacts or warping
- Clean consistently
- Train staff on proper care procedures
The payoff is more consistent bakes, easier release and less frequent replacement costs.
Final Slice
Buying new pans at Pizza Expo (and beyond) is exciting. Replacing neglected pans six months later is not.
A little care goes a long way with LloydPans. Fortunately, maintaining them is less about complicated procedures and more about consistency: hand wash, avoid harsh chemicals, skip unnecessary seasoning and keep them clean between bakes.
Do that, and your pans will be ready for whatever your kitchen throws at them next.
