Prepping Your New Cast Iron Pan: A Step-By-Step Guide

A cast iron pan is a versatile and durable kitchen tool that can be used for various cooking methods such as frying, roasting, and baking. To ensure its longevity and maintain its non-stick properties, it is essential to prep a new cast iron pan properly. This process, known as seasoning, involves creating a protective layer on the pan's surface by coating it with oil and heating it in an oven. This layer not only enhances the pan's durability but also prevents rusting and food from sticking. While modern pans often come pre-seasoned, knowing how to season a cast iron pan is crucial for maintenance and can be done in a few simple steps.

Wash the pan with warm, soapy water

When preparing a new cast-iron pan for use, it is important to wash the pan with warm, soapy water. This step is crucial as it ensures that any food particles, residue, or manufacturing impurities are removed before the pan is seasoned and used for cooking.

Use a sponge, stiff brush, or scrubber to thoroughly scrub the pan's surface, inside and out. This physical action, combined with the warm water and soap, will help dislodge and remove any stubborn particles or residue. It is recommended to use a brush with stiff bristles that can effectively scrub the surface without damaging the cast iron.

After scrubbing, rinse the pan with warm water to remove any remaining soap and food particles. Ensure that all soap residue is removed, as you don't want any soapy taste to linger in your pan. Once rinsed, dry the pan with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel. It is important to dry the pan thoroughly to prevent the formation of rust.

If you want to be extra thorough, you can place the pan on a stovetop over low heat for a few minutes to ensure that any remaining water molecules are completely evaporated. This step ensures that your pan is completely dry before you move on to the next step of the preparation process, which is oiling.

Although it is generally advised not to use soap when cleaning cast iron, it is acceptable to do so when preparing a new pan for seasoning. The soap will not negatively impact the pan since it will be thoroughly rinsed and dried, and the seasoning process will create a protective coating.

Dry the pan thoroughly

Drying your cast iron pan thoroughly is an important step in the seasoning process. After washing your pan with warm, soapy water and rinsing it, you should dry it thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel. Even after towel-drying, some surface moisture may remain, so it is recommended to place the pan on a stovetop flame for a minute or two to drive off any lingering water molecules. This step is crucial as it ensures that there is no water left on the pan, which can cause rusting.

It is important to note that you should not let your cast iron pan drip-dry as this can lead to water spots and rust. Instead, it is best to use a cloth or paper towel to hand-dry the pan. Once the pan is completely dry, you can move on to the next step of the seasoning process, which is to add a thin layer of oil to the pan.

Additionally, if your cast iron pan has any rust spots, you can use steel wool to scrub them off before drying the pan. This will ensure that the pan is free of any rust before the seasoning process begins.

Spread a thin layer of oil over the pan

To spread a thin layer of oil over your cast iron pan, you can use a silicone pastry brush, a lint-free cloth, or paper towels. Make sure to coat the entire pan, inside and out, including the handle. Vegetable oil, canola oil, and corn oil are good choices because they are affordable, have high smoke points, and are readily available. You can also use melted shortening, but it can be harder to spread evenly.

When applying the oil, make sure to rub it thoroughly so that the pan no longer looks greasy. Excess oil can pool during the seasoning process, forming hardened droplets on your cooking surface, or turn sticky if left unused for a few days. You only need a thin, even layer of oil to season your cast iron pan effectively.

After oiling, place the pan in the oven upside down, with a baking sheet or aluminium foil on the rack below to catch any drips. Heat the pan in the oven at a temperature between 350°F and 500°F for about 30 minutes to an hour. This process will polymerize the oil, creating a protective coating on the pan.

Place the pan upside down in the oven

When you're ready to season your new cast iron pan, one of the final steps is to place the pan upside down in the oven. This is because gravity will pull any excess oil out of the pan, preventing it from pooling and forming hardened droplets. Place a sheet of aluminium foil or a baking tray on the rack below to catch any drips.

It's important to ensure that you've thoroughly dried your pan and rubbed in the oil before placing it in the oven. You don't want any residual water molecules or greasy patches remaining.

The oven should be preheated to a high temperature—around 350°F to 500°F. Leave the pan in the oven for about an hour. Then, turn off the heat and allow the pan to cool completely before removing it.

This process of heating the pan with oil in the oven is called polymerization. It creates a protective layer of carbonized oil, which makes your cookware durable, helps it produce heat, and prevents rust.

Bake for 30 minutes to an hour

Once you've cleaned and dried your cast iron pan, it's time to bake it in the oven. Place the pan upside down on the centre rack of a cold oven. Place a sheet of aluminium foil on the rack below to catch any drips. Preheat the oven to between 350°F and 500°F (177°C and 260°C). Bake the pan for 30 minutes to an hour. It may get a little smoky, so make sure your kitchen is well-ventilated.

During this time, the oil will polymerize and form the first of several hard, plastic-like coatings. The reason for using an oven, rather than a stovetop, is that it provides an even heat that will more effectively set the oil all over the pan. Even the best stovetops will produce hot and cool spots, which can lead to uneven initial seasoning.

Once the time is up, take the pan out of the oven. Remember, it's hot! Place it somewhere to cool down. It's now ready for cooking.

Frequently asked questions