The Lodge Cast Iron Pan: To Season Or Not To Season?

Lodge cast iron pans come pre-seasoned and ready to use straight out of the box. However, cast iron pans require a little extra care to maintain their seasoning. Seasoning is a layer of carbonized oil baked onto the pan, which gives cast iron cookware a natural, easy-release finish that improves with use. To maintain the seasoning, it is recommended to wash, dry, and rub the pan with a thin layer of cooking oil after each use. This process builds up layers of baked-on oil, enhancing the natural, easy-release finish. While Lodge cast iron pans are pre-seasoned, they may have slight variations in the seasoning finish, which typically even out with use.

Why seasoning is important

Seasoning is important for several reasons. Firstly, it helps to prevent food from sticking to the pan, which makes cooking and cleaning easier. This is because the seasoned surface is hydrophobic, meaning it repels water, and oleophilic, meaning it attracts oils and fats. This creates a layer that prevents food, which typically contains water, from touching and cooking onto the hydrophilic metallic cooking surface.

Secondly, seasoning helps to protect the pan from corrosion and rust. Cast iron is highly prone to rust, but the layer of carbonized oil created through seasoning acts as a protective barrier, preventing oxygen and moisture in the air from coming into contact with the iron and causing corrosion.

Thirdly, seasoning can enhance the cooking process by improving heat distribution and retention. The layer of oil or fat fills in the microscopic gaps and uneven surfaces of the cast iron, creating a smooth and even cooking surface. This allows for better heat distribution and retention, resulting in more consistent and efficient cooking.

Additionally, seasoning can also add to the aesthetic appeal of the pan, giving it a classic black patina that darkens and improves with age and use.

Finally, seasoning helps to preserve the pan, increasing its longevity. A well-seasoned cast iron pan can last for generations, becoming a cherished heirloom piece.

How to season a Lodge cast iron pan

Lodge cast iron products come pre-seasoned and ready to use straight out of the box. However, to ensure the longevity of your cast iron pan, it is important to maintain the seasoning. This can be done in two ways: by cooking with the pan and by seasoning it in the oven.

Cooking with the Pan

Every time you cook with oil, you are potentially adding another layer to the seasoning. The easiest way to maintain the seasoning is to simply use the pan. However, some activities may remove a bit of seasoning, such as cooking acidic foods, using excessive heat, or scrubbing with abrasive utensils or scouring pads.

Seasoning in the Oven

Seasoning your Lodge cast iron pan in the oven adds a more thorough layer of seasoning to the entire pan, strengthening the bond to the iron. It is beneficial to season your cast iron in the oven a few times a year, especially when restoring a rusty cast iron pan. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season your Lodge cast iron pan in the oven:

• Scrub the pan with warm, soapy water. It is okay to use soap since you are preparing to re-season the cookware. Rinse and hand dry the pan thoroughly.
• Dry the pan by hand, then dry it again in the oven. Place the clean, dry pan in the oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes to ensure all remaining moisture evaporates, allowing the pores in the metal to open up.
• Apply a thin, even layer of cooking oil to the cookware, inside and out. Lodge recommends vegetable oil, melted shortening, or canola oil. If you use too much oil, your cookware may become sticky.
• Place the cookware in the oven upside down. Place a large baking sheet or aluminium foil on the bottom rack to catch any drips. Set the oven temperature higher than the smoke point of the oil you are using (typically 450 degrees Fahrenheit or higher) and bake for one hour. Allow the pan to cool before removing it from the oven.

General Tips

• All cooking oils and fats can be used for seasoning cast iron, but Lodge recommends vegetable oil, melted shortening, or canola oil.
• To maintain the seasoning on your pan, simply wash, dry, and rub with oil after each use.
• Avoid cooking acidic foods or recipes with higher liquid content until the seasoning is well established.

How often to season

Lodge cast iron pans come pre-seasoned and ready to use straight out of the box. However, the seasoning must be maintained for the pan to perform at its best.

The easiest way to maintain the seasoning is to use the pan. Each time you cook with oil, you are potentially adding another layer to the seasoning. However, some activities may remove a bit of seasoning, such as cooking acidic foods, using excessive heat, or scrubbing with abrasive utensils or scouring pads. Therefore, it is recommended to rub oil into the pan after each use to ensure the seasoning remains.

You can also season your cast iron pan in the oven a few times a year. This method adds a more thorough layer of seasoning onto the entire pan, strengthening the bond to the iron.

• Scrub the pan with warm, soapy water. Rinse and hand dry thoroughly.
• Apply a very thin, even layer of cooking oil to the cookware (inside and out). Lodge recommends vegetable oil, melted shortening, or canola oil.
• Place the cookware in the oven upside down on a baking sheet or aluminium foil. Bake at 450-500 degrees F for one hour. Allow to cool.

How often you season your Lodge cast iron pan depends on how often you use it and how well the seasoning is maintained through regular use. If you use your pan frequently and take care to rub oil into it after each use, you may only need to season it in the oven once or twice a year. However, if you use your pan less frequently or the seasoning is not adequately maintained, you may need to season it more often. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide how often to season your pan based on its performance and the quality of the seasoning.

How to clean a seasoned cast iron pan

Lodge cast iron pans come pre-seasoned and ready to use straight out of the box. However, to maintain the seasoning, it is important to clean your cast iron pan properly after each use. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean a seasoned cast iron pan:

Step 1: Wash by Hand

• Wash your cast iron pan by hand using warm or hot water and a sponge, stiff brush, or nylon scrubbing brush.
• Avoid using the dishwasher, as this can remove the seasoning and cause rust.
• If there is stuck-on food, use a pan scraper to remove it. For stubborn residue, simmer a little water for 3-5 minutes, then use the scraper after the pan has cooled.
• A small amount of mild dish soap can be used, but be careful as large amounts can strip the seasoning.

Step 2: Dry Thoroughly

• Dry the pan promptly and thoroughly with a lint-free cloth, paper towel, or on the stove over low heat.
• It is important to ensure the pan is completely dry to prevent rusting.

Step 3: Apply a Light Coat of Oil

• Using a cloth or paper towel, apply a light coat of cooking oil, vegetable oil, or melted shortening to the inside of the pan.
• You can also oil the outside of the pan if desired.
• Buff to remove any excess oil, and ensure there is no oil residue remaining.

Step 4: Store in a Dry Place

Once the pan is clean, dry, and oiled, store it in a dry place until its next use.

By following these steps, you can maintain the seasoning on your cast iron pan and keep it in good condition for years to come.

Best oils for seasoning

Lodge cast iron pans come pre-seasoned and ready to use straight out of the box. However, you may want to season your pan again if you notice any spots or marks that look unfinished or rusty. This is a common occurrence due to the seasoning process, and the pan is still safe to use. With regular care and use, this spot will disappear.

When it comes to choosing the best oil for seasoning cast iron pans, here are some options to consider:

Vegetable Oil or Canola Oil

Vegetable oil and canola oil are affordable, easily accessible, and have high smoke points, making them suitable for seasoning cast iron pans. They are also versatile and can be used for cooking various dishes. Lodge, a reputable cast iron cookware brand, recommends using vegetable oil or canola oil for seasoning. However, some users have reported that these oils may create a mottled surface on the pan, even after wiping off the excess oil.

Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil is another excellent option for seasoning cast iron pans due to its versatility, effectiveness, and affordable price. It has a high smoke point and produces a smooth and nonstick surface. In a test comparing different oils, grapeseed oil resulted in the most impressive seasoning, creating a tough-as-nails coating that protected the metal from rusting.

Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil has gained popularity for seasoning cast iron pans due to its ability to polymerize quickly at a low temperature of 225°F. However, it tends to be more expensive and challenging to find. It also has a strong smell and a low smoke point, which may not be suitable for everyone.

Other Options

Other oils that can be used for seasoning cast iron pans include avocado oil, bacon grease, lard, and coconut oil. While these options have their advantages, they may not be as effective as the previously mentioned oils due to their higher saturated fat content.

It's important to note that the choice of oil depends on personal preference and availability. The key to successful seasoning is to ensure that the oil is heated to its smoke point, allowing the polymerization process to occur and create a durable, nonstick coating.

Frequently asked questions