I have a problem when I make candy. When I am heating the sugar to whatever temperature (238, 280, 300), I always seem to end up with my pot having burnt sugar on the side. This takes forever to clean and slows me down in having to stop and clean the pots every couple of runs. Usually steel wool won't even take it off, and I just end up getting the most off I can and just reusing it as is. Can anyone tell me if this is normal. If it is, is there any easier way to clean the pots? If it isn't, can anyone give me suggestions? The only thing i can think of is that I am not using a heavy saucepan, but probably a medium one. Also, I don't think there is any special lining on the pots I am using, but I am really not sure (kinda new to this whole thing).
A heavy saucepan is a good idea. You could also try dipping a pastry brush (pure bristle type, not plastic - check before proceeding) in water and brushing gently down the sides of the saucepan to get rid of the excess sugar/drops of syrup that gather on the sides of your pan. If you soak the pan in hot water right up to the level of the burnt bits, often it will soak away the sugar. Sometimes I bring the water to the boil to help this along. Just be careful with the hot heavy pan!
I have a problem when I make candy. When I am heating the sugar to whatever temperature (238, 280, 300), I always seem to end up with my pot having burnt sugar on the side. This takes forever to clean and slows me down in having to stop and clean the pots every couple of runs. Usually steel wool won't even take it off, and I just end up getting the most off I can and just reusing it as is. Can anyone tell me if this is normal. If it is, is there any easier way to clean the pots? If it isn't, can anyone give me suggestions? The only thing i can think of is that I am not using a heavy saucepan, but probably a medium one. Also, I don't think there is any special lining on the pots I am using, but I am really not sure (kinda new to this whole thing).
To me, it looks like there is already a layer of burnt sugar on the pot that is traping sugar crystals making the problem worse. You might want to start with a fresh pot. I use stainless steel. One trick is to lightly butter the sides of your pot. Use a bit lower heat so it takes longer for the candy to come to temp. Use a heavy pot. Once your candy has been poured, soak the pot in hot water then clean as normal.
whatever temperature (238, 280, 300), I always seem to end up with my pot having burnt sugar on the side. This takes forever to clean and
Quoted message said:
pots? If it isn't, can anyone give me suggestions? The only thing i can think of is that I am not using a heavy saucepan, but probably a medium
Personally, I use a silicon spatula to keep the sides of the pan clean. Oft-recommended to prevent sugar on the side of the pan is to put a lid on for a couple minutes so that contained steam will dissolve any sugar on the side.
I don't know how much the pan weight has to do with it.