How To Season Cast Iron Skillets and Pans

Seasoning cast iron will make your cookware last longer and food taste better. Read on to learn how to season cast iron skillets and cookware.

Buying cast iron cookware is an investment. While cast iron skillets and Dutch ovens can be a bit more expensive, they also provide superior cooking quality and flavor for your meals.

There’s a reason that cast iron cookware is an iconic staple in kitchens around the world.

Seasoning cast iron will not only lead to better flavor, but it will also protect your cookware.

The process of cast iron seasoning doesn’t have to be a pain.

Blain’s Farm & Fleet is here to walk you through seasoning any cast iron pan.

How seasoning cast iron works

Most cast iron cookware comes from the factory pre-seasoned. Any seasoning inconsistencies on your cast iron are normal and won’t hinder cooking performance.

Seasoning cast iron cookware is an essential process if you want your cookware to last. Oil is baked into the pores of the iron to prevent rusting and to eventually provide a natural, non-stick cooking surface.

It’s important to re-season your cast iron cookware by applying a thin layer of vegetable oil before you cook and after each cleaning. You can also use cast iron seasoning spray to treat your cast iron.

Seasoning cast iron is an ongoing process and the more you use your cast iron, the more the seasoning is improved. Unlike other types of cookware, cast iron only gets better with each use.

What if there’s rust on my cast iron?

Don’t worry if you notice a seasoning bubble, flaking or rusty color on your pan. The rusty color is the first layer of seasoning. Rub oil into this area to improve appearance and seasoning. Flash rusting is normal and can easily be remedied by briskly rubbing vegetable oil with a cloth on the rusting area.

Profile rusting can be seen and felt on the cookware. Remove the rust by scrubbing with a soap pad. Once raw cast iron is revealed, re-season the area immediately.

In severe cases, rust can cover the majority of your cast iron. No amount of scrubbing can remove the rust. To remove the rust,  you’ll have to sandblast it until it returns to the raw cast iron. Re-season the raw cast iron right away.

Seasoning cast iron

While maintaining the seasoning should keep your cast iron in good condition, at some point you may need to repeat the seasoning process. If food starts to stick to the surface, or if you notice a dull, gray color or rust, it’s time to re-season.

Start by washing the cookware with hot, soapy water and a stiff brush.

Soap is normally not recommended for washing cast iron unless you are about to re-season. Soap breaks down the oil you are trying to build. After you wash the cast iron, rinse and dry completely.

For the next step, you’ll need some type of food-grade fat or oil. Melted vegetable shortening, vegetable oil, or canola oil are the best options. Technically, any food-safe oil or fat will work, but its generally best to pick the most affordable option with the highest smoke point.

Steer clear of unrefined sunflower and flaxseed oils, as they can be fairly expensive and can smoke a bit when used for seasoning cast iron pans.

For convenience and piece of mind, you can use a seasoned cast iron care kit to remove the guesswork.

Apply a thin coating of your chosen fat or oil both outside and inside the cookware.

Place aluminum foil on the bottom rack of your oven and place the cookware upside down on the top rack.

Bake the cookware for at least an hour at high heat, 450-500 degrees F. After an hour, turn the oven off and let the cast iron cook in the oven.

Caring for your cast iron cookware

Remember to apply oil before you cook. Only use wooden or silicone cooking tools to avoid scratching the surface of the cast iron. If you are having trouble removing stuck on food, boil some water in the pan to loosen residue.

Always hand-wash cast iron. Don’t put it in the dishwasher. Rinse only with hot water. Scrub with a stiff nylon brush to avoid stripping the seasoning oils from the cookware.

Be careful to not put hot cookware in cold water to avoid thermal shock to the cast iron.

Never let the cast iron air dry. Letting the cast iron air dry can cause it to rust. Always towel dry and apply a light coating of oil while the cast iron is still warm.

Store cast iron in a cool, dry place. The oven is a great place to store cast iron.