Curing Cast Iron: A Beginner's Guide

Cast iron cookware is highly versatile and can be used for baking, roasting, searing, and frying. However, it requires proper maintenance to keep it in good condition. This includes curing or seasoning the cookware before use and regular cleaning and oiling after use.

Curing cast iron cookware involves coating it with vegetable oil or grease and oven-cooking it to create a natural, non-stick coating. This process fills the cast iron pores and protects the cookware from rust. It is essential for new, uncoated, or non-seasoned cast iron and old pans with worn coatings.

To cure cast iron, start by cleaning the cookware with hot soapy water, ensuring it is free from food residue, grime, and rust. Dry it completely, then apply a thin layer of cooking oil or grease to the inside, outside, lid, and handle. Preheat the oven to 350-500°F (176-260°C) and place the cookware upside down on a foil-covered baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for about 20 minutes, then drain off any excess grease. Return the cookware to the oven, this time upside down, for 1-3 hours. Turn off the oven and let the cookware cool down before removing it.

After curing, it is important to maintain the seasoning by rinsing or washing the cookware with mild soapy water after each use and drying it thoroughly. Avoid using too much water or scrubbing too hard, as this can remove or wear down the curing. Regularly apply a thin layer of cooking oil and heat the cookware on the stovetop or in the oven to maintain the seasoning.

How to clean cast iron before curing

Cast iron cookware is durable and versatile, but it requires some care to keep it in good condition. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean cast iron cookware before curing:

Step 1: Wash the Cookware

Start by washing your cast iron cookware with hot, soapy water, especially if it is new or has not been used in a while. This will help remove any factory residue, dust, or rust that may be present. Use a small amount of mild dish soap and a non-abrasive sponge or scrub brush. Avoid using steel wool or metal scrubbers, as they can damage the surface. If there is stuck-on food, you can use a pan scraper or simmer a little water for 3-5 minutes to loosen it before scraping. Make sure to rinse the cookware thoroughly with warm water after washing.

Step 2: Dry the Cookware

After rinsing, dry the cast iron cookware completely with a clean cloth or paper towel. It is important to remove all moisture to prevent rusting. You can also place the cookware on the stovetop over low heat to ensure it is completely dry.

Step 3: Remove Rust (If Necessary)

If your cast iron cookware has rust, you can remove it by scouring it with warm, soapy water and steel wool. Rinse and dry the cookware thoroughly after removing the rust. You can also use a rust eraser or a vinegar and water solution to remove rust, especially if there is a lot of rust.

Step 4: Apply a Thin Layer of Oil

Once the cookware is clean and dry, apply a very thin layer of cooking oil, such as canola or vegetable oil, to the surface. You can use a paper towel or clean rag to rub the oil all over the inside and outside of the cookware, including the handle. This will help protect the surface and prevent rust.

Step 5: Bake the Cookware (Optional)

If your cast iron cookware has rust or if you want to create a stronger seasoning, you can place it upside down on the top rack of the oven, with a baking sheet or aluminum foil on the bottom rack to catch any drips. Bake at 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour. Allow the cookware to cool, and repeat if necessary.

Step 6: Cure the Cookware

Once your cast iron cookware is clean and dry, you can start the curing process. Curing involves baking a layer of fat (such as vegetable shortening, lard, bacon grease, or cooking oil) into the metal, creating a non-stick coating. To cure your cast iron cookware, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place a layer of foil on the bottom rack and the cookware on the top rack. Heat for 10 minutes, then remove and coat the cookware with about 1 tablespoon of fat. Return to the oven for another 10 minutes, then remove and pour out any excess fat. Turn the cookware upside down and return it to the top rack, positioning it over the foil to catch any drips. Bake for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and let the cookware cool.

How to cure cast iron with oil

Curing cast iron cookware is essential to keeping it functional and preserving it for years to come. Here is a detailed guide on how to cure cast iron with oil:

Preparation

Start by cleaning your cast iron cookware. You can use a metal implement to scrape off any residue, then scrub with baking soda and soap until the soda no longer turns black. Rinse thoroughly and dry the cookware.

Choosing the Right Oil

Select a neutral, food-grade oil for seasoning. Vegetable oils like sunflower, canola, or "light" olive oil are suitable. You can also use shortening or lard if you prefer.

Applying the Oil

Warm up your cast iron cookware slightly—just enough so it's easier to apply the oil. Use a cloth or paper towel to rub a thin layer of oil all over the cookware, including the exterior and handle. Make sure to wipe off any excess oil—the cookware should look as if all the oil has been removed, but a thin coat will remain and cure the cookware.

Curing in the Oven

Line a baking sheet or the bottom of your oven with aluminum foil to catch any dripping oil. Preheat your oven to between 350°F and 500°F (176°C to 260°C). Place your oiled cast iron cookware inside, upside down, on a foil-covered baking sheet to catch any drips.

Bake for about 30 minutes. If your oven starts to smoke, reduce the temperature by 10-15°F until the smoke stops.

After 30 minutes, remove the cookware and wipe away any excess oil that may have pooled. Place the cookware back in the oven, this time upside down, and bake for another 1-3 hours.

Turn off the oven and let the cookware cool down to room temperature before removing it.

Curing on the Stove

Alternatively, you can cure your cast iron cookware on the stove. Place the cookware on a matching-size element and start with low heat. Check for a light hazy smoke under the lid every 5-15 minutes, increasing the temperature slightly until you see the smoke.

Once you've found the ideal curing temperature, remove the cookware from the heat and let it cool. Apply another thin coat of oil, cover, and let it sit on the heat for about an hour. Repeat this curing process two more times (for a total of three coats).

Maintenance

After curing, scrub your cast iron with regular table salt and rinse thoroughly. Towel dry and apply a thin coat of your favourite cooking oil. The salt helps to clean, sanitise, and preserve the temper by providing iodine, which anchors the oil esters.

Repeat the curing process two to three more times to build up a good initial layer of seasoning. From then on, simply use your pan regularly, as each time you cook with some type of fat, you'll be laying down more seasoning.

To maintain your cast iron cookware, always clean it gently and dry it thoroughly after each use. Avoid soaking it or leaving it in water, as this can cause rust. Re-season your cookware as needed, especially if food starts to stick or you notice rust.

How to cure cast iron in the oven

Curing cast iron cookware is essential to keep it functional and prevent rusting. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cure cast iron in the oven:

Step 1: Clean the cookware

Scrub the cookware with warm, soapy water to remove any food residue, grime, or rust. You can use steel wool or a Lodge Rust Eraser for stubborn rust spots. Rinse the cookware thoroughly and dry it completely with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. Ensure that there is no moisture left on the surface.

Step 2: Apply a thin layer of oil

Warm the cast iron cookware slightly. This step is optional but can make the oil application easier. Choose a neutral, food-grade oil such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or corn oil. Apply a thin layer of oil to the entire surface of the cookware, including the exterior and handle. Use a cloth or paper towel to rub the oil all over, then buff it thoroughly to remove any excess oil. The cookware should look dry, but a thin layer of oil will remain and cure the cookware.

Step 3: Place the cookware in the oven

Preheat your oven to a temperature between 350°F and 500°F (176°C to 260°C). Place a baking sheet or aluminium foil on the bottom rack of the oven to catch any oil drips. Place the cookware upside down on the centre rack to prevent oil from pooling on the cooking surface.

Step 4: Heat the cookware

Heat the cookware in the oven for about 30 minutes. It may get a little smoky, so ensure your kitchen is well-ventilated. After 30 minutes, remove the cookware from the oven and wipe away any excess oil that may have pooled.

Step 5: Repeat the process

Place the cookware back in the oven, upside down, and heat for another 1 to 3 hours. The longer heating time will allow the oil to polymerize and form a hard, protective coating. Turn off the oven and let the cookware cool down naturally before removing it.

Maintenance:

With proper care, your cured cast iron cookware will last a lifetime. After each use, rinse or wash the cookware with mild soapy water and dry it thoroughly. Re-apply a thin layer of oil to maintain the curing. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or soaking the cookware in water for extended periods, as this can damage the curing.

How to cure cast iron on the stove

Curing, or seasoning, a cast-iron pan on the stove is a straightforward process, but it can be a little smoky. You will need a stovetop, your cast-iron pan, oil or fat, paper towels, and a heat-resistant surface such as a wooden board.

First, place your cast-iron pan on the stovetop over high heat and let it get very hot. Remove the pan from the heat source and use a paper towel to rub oil or fat into the pan's surface, creating a thin, even layer. You can use any type of oil or fat, but some sources recommend oils with a high smoke point, such as canola, safflower, or avocado oil.

Return the pan to the stovetop over medium heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the oil to dry completely. Open a window or ensure good ventilation if possible, as the process can create a lot of smoke.

After the oil has dried, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool completely. Your cast-iron pan is now cured and ready for use!

To maintain the curing, it is recommended to cook with fatty foods and be generous with butter and cooking oil. You can also repeat the curing process on the stovetop or in the oven every few months or as needed.

How to maintain cured cast iron

Maintaining cured cast iron is straightforward, but it does require some care and attention. Here are some detailed instructions to help you keep your cast iron cookware in top condition:

• After each use, rinse the cookware with mild soapy water or simply wipe it with a wet cloth. Avoid using too much soap or scrubbing too hard, as this can remove the curing.
• Dry the cookware thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. It's important to ensure that the cookware is completely dry before putting it away.
• Apply a light layer of cooking oil or seasoning spray to the surface. This will help protect the cookware and maintain its non-stick properties.
• If your cookware has developed some stuck-on food residue, you can remove it by simmering a little water for 3-5 minutes and then using a pan scraper after it has cooled. Alternatively, you can use salt and a dry towel to scrub away the residue.
• For more difficult, stuck-on food, you can try boiling some water in the cookware for a few minutes and then using a wooden spatula to scrape it off.
• If your cookware develops some rust spots, don't panic. Simply scour the rust with steel wool and soapy water, rinse, and dry thoroughly. Then, apply a thin layer of vegetable oil to the affected areas.
• To maintain the curing and prevent rust, it is recommended to re-season your cookware periodically. Follow the steps for curing cast iron, which usually involves applying oil and heating the cookware in the oven.
• When storing your cast iron cookware, keep it in a dry place with the lids off to prevent rusting. You can hang it or stack it with paper towels in between the pans to protect the finish.

Frequently asked questions