How To Season Cast Iron Cookware 🍳

Welcome to the ultimate guide on How to Season Cast Iron. Whether you've purchased a new skillet, inherited an old one, or want to revitalize your current one, proper seasoning is crucial to ensure its longevity.

cast iron skillet sitting on a blue background

We've collaborated with Stargazer Cast Iron, a leading cast iron skillet company, to bring you these valuable insights.

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What does "seasoning the cast iron" mean?
🍳 Why is it important to season your cast iron?
How to season a cast iron skillet: step-by-step guide
How to take proper care of cast iron skillet?
Proper storage and care
Frequently asked questions

What does "seasoning the cast iron" mean?

Seasoning a cast iron skillet or pan means applying a thin layer of oil or fat to the cooking surface and heating it to create a protective, non-stick coating. This process helps prevent rusting, improves the skillet's cooking performance, and gives it a smooth, black finish. It's a crucial step in maintaining and using cast iron cookware effectively.

🍳 Why is it important to season your cast iron?

Non-stick surface: The liquid oil applied to the skillet undergoes a chemical change called polymerization, forming a hard, slick layer. This nonstick surface makes cooking and cleaning very convenient.
Prevents rusting: Seasoning cast iron skillet prevents rusting. It creates protective layers on its surface that shield it from direct contact with water.
Improves flavors: Seasoning a cast iron skillet improves flavors over time by developing a unique patina (a unique layer of polymerized oils that enhances the flavors of the food you cook), which enhances the taste of your dishes with subtle richness and depth.
Longevity: Seasoned cast iron cookware can endure for many generations. The seasoning is a durable shield that protects the iron from wear and tear and prolongs the skillet's life.
Health benefits: Unlike non-stick coatings that may contain harmful chemicals, properly seasoned cast iron pans are non-toxic and safe to use at high temperatures.
Versatility: A well-seasoned cast iron pan can be used for various cooking tasks, including searing, frying, baking, and more. Its versatility makes it a favorite tool for many chefs and home cooks.
Cost-effective: Seasoning cast iron cookware is cost-effective, as it can maintain its performance and appearance over time. With proper care, a seasoned skillet can outperform many other types of cookware.

How to season a cast iron skillet: step-by-step guide

Check if you have a brand-new cast-iron skillet or an older one needing re-seasoning. New skillets usually come pre-seasoned, so washing with warm, soapy water is the only time to use soap.
For older skillets or ones that haven't been used in a while, scrub away any rust or stuck-on food. Use steel wool or an abrasive pad to remove stubborn residues.
Preheat your oven to 200°F (90°C) to prepare for the seasoning process. Make sure your skillet is completely dry before proceeding with the seasoning method.
Put the dry skillet in the preheated oven and let it sit for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, raise the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) to initiate the seasoning process.
Take the skillet out of the oven and apply a thin layer of oil all over the surface with a clean rag or paper towel. Flaxseed oil is the best oil for seasoning cast iron, but any heat-stable cooking oil will work.
Allow the oil to soak into the iron for a few moments, then wipe away any excess. This step prevents excessive smoke in your kitchen during the seasoning process.
Place the skillet upside down in the 450°F (230°C) oven for an hour. This high heat helps the oil to polymerize, forming a durable protective coating.
After an hour, carefully remove the skillet from the oven.
Allow it to cool for a few minutes on a heat-safe surface.
Repeat the seasoning process 2-3 more times for optimal results.

How to take proper care of cast iron skillet?

Caring for your cast iron skillet is essential to maintain its performance and longevity. Follow these steps to ensure your cast iron remains in top-notch condition for years to come:

Clean after use: After usage, clean immediately to prevent rust formation. Avoid soaking or leaving it in water, as this can lead to rust and ruin the pan.
Remove rust: Use a carborundum rust eraser to rub off the stains gently. This handy tool can be found at hardware stores, bike shops, or woodworking shops. After removing the rust, make sure to re-season the pan.
Scrub with water: While the cast iron cookware is still warm, use a stiff brush or plastic scrubber to clean it under running water. Avoid using dish soap, as it can strip the pan's seasoning.
Tackle baked-on stains: For stubborn baked-on stains, use kosher salt as a scrubbing agent. Avoid using soap at all costs, as it can compromise the pan's seasoning.
Thoroughly dry: After cleaning, always ensure your cast iron skillet is thoroughly dry. Use a towel to dry it completely or place it over low heat to evaporate any remaining water.

Proper storage and care

Caring for your cast iron skillet doesn't end with cleaning and seasoning. Follow these essential tips for proper storage and care to ensure it remains in pristine condition:

Thorough drying: After cleaning, dry the skillet completely with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Avoid leaving water on the surface to prevent rust.
Air dry vs. stovetop dry: Choose between air drying on a dish rack or stovetop drying over low heat to remove moisture.
Prevent rust: Keep your skillet away from damp environments. If rust forms, gently remove it with a rust eraser before re-seasoning.
Prepare for storage: Apply a thin layer of vegetable oil all over the skillet's surface using a paper towel or cloth to prevent rust and maintain seasoning.
Choose the right storage spot: Store your skillet in a dry place with good air circulation, away from damp areas.
Stack with care: If you need to stack skillets, place a paper towel or cloth between them to prevent scratching.
Occasional re-seasoning: Consider re-seasoning the skillet every few months or as needed to maintain its non-stick properties.

Looking for delicious keto recipes that uses a cast iron skillet? Check out these:

Frequently asked questions

Avoiding soap is best, as it can strip away the seasoning. Instead, use water and a stiff brush or plastic scrubber to clean it after each use.

Add coarse kosher salt to water and gently scrub the skillet with a sponge. This method helps to release the stuck-on debris without compromising the seasoning.

No, soaking cast iron in water can lead to rust formation and damage the skillet. Always clean it immediately after use to avoid any staining issues.

For seasoning, use a variety of heat-stable cooking oils such as vegetable oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil, or flaxseed oil. Each of these oils will help form a protective, non-stick layer.

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) to season cast iron. This high heat helps the oil to polymerize, creating a durable, non-stick layer on the skillet's surface.

To season a new cast iron skillet, wash and dry it. Apply a thin layer of heat-stable oil, then bake it upside down at 450°F (232°C) for an hour. Repeat 2-3 times for best results.

Comments

Jan Coleman says

September 27, 2018 at 6:43 pm

I was always told to simply wipe out my skillet between us and not to use water or soap? Thoughts?

- Alex Lester says
  
  September 27, 2018 at 6:56 pm
  
  Definitely no soap after the initial seasoning, after that just water and a stiff brush if needed.
  
Sharon K. Connell says

September 27, 2018 at 7:15 pm

That was the way my mother taught me to season cast iron pans and pots. We also always dried them in the oven after washing each time it was used, and reseasoned the pan inside occasionally. Love cast iron.

Kelly says

September 27, 2018 at 11:04 pm

When I dry my skillet with a towe, the towel turns black. Is this supposed to happen?

[object Object] says

October 03, 2018 at 1:51 am

What size skillet are you using for these recipes?

- Alex Lester says
  
  October 04, 2018 at 11:12 pm
  
  Most recipes list what size skillet, mostly 10.5" but for desserts it's an 8" or 6"
  
Maria says

November 09, 2018 at 1:10 pm

Such a great article !!! Does a cast iron need to be cleaned like that this every time it’s being used ? I make dinner around 6pm and I definitely would like to make if there’s a quicker way to clean the pan

- Alex Lester says
  
  November 10, 2018 at 11:12 am
  
  After use you'll just want to rinse off the food and add a bit of oil if the skillet seems dry. Hope this helps!
  
Eva Lovasco says

May 26, 2019 at 6:45 pm

I love your site!
I impulse-purchased a mini cast iron skillet and pot (Dutch oven style I think?) from Bed Bath and Beyond, then realized I had no idea how to care for it! Yikes! Your site has been great! 🙂
Quick question though, when I clean the skillet afterwards (I've made steaks 3 times! Yum 🙂 ), I've noticed the inside corners seem slightly less black than the rest of the skillet. Am I scrubbing too hard with my sponge? Do I need to put extra oil there? Am I cooking wrong?

- Alex Lester says
  
  May 28, 2019 at 2:30 pm
  
  Hi Eva! It can take awhile for a new skillet to "break-in" per se. I would wipe it down with a very thin layer of flax oil a few times, wiping off the excess with a clean dish towel then baking at 450° F upside down for 1 hour. After a few times those edges should be just as seasoned as the rest of the skillet. Hope this helps!