Curing Your Cast Iron: A Guide To Seasoning Your New Lodge Pan

A brand-new Lodge cast iron pan is a versatile and durable addition to your kitchen. Lodge cast iron pans are pre-seasoned and ready to use straight out of the box. This seasoning is a layer of carbonised oil baked onto the pan, which gives it a natural, easy-release finish. To maintain this finish, you should wash your pan by hand with a small amount of soap, dry it, and then rub it with a light layer of cooking oil. This will build up layers of baked-on oil, improving the pan's natural, easy-release surface. You can also season your cast iron pan in the oven a few times a year to strengthen the bond to the iron.

How to wash a brand-new Lodge cast iron pan

Step 1: Washing

Start by washing your brand-new Lodge cast iron pan by hand with a small amount of mild dish soap and warm water. Use a nylon bristle brush or a pan scraper to gently scrub away any stuck-on food residue. If there are stubborn, burnt-on bits, simmer a little water in the pan for 3-5 minutes, then use the scraper after the pan has cooled. Avoid using steel wool or metal scrubbers, as these can strip the coating from your pan.

Step 2: Drying

After washing, promptly and thoroughly dry your pan with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. It is important to ensure that your pan is completely dry to prevent rusting. Do not leave your cast iron pan to air dry or place it in the dishwasher.

Step 3: Seasoning

Once your pan is dry, finish by rubbing a light layer of cooking oil or seasoning spray onto the surface. You can use any type of cooking oil, as long as the cooking temperature is below the smoke point of the oil. Use a paper towel to wipe the surface until no oil residue remains.

Step 4: Storing

After using and cleaning your brand-new Lodge cast iron pan, store it in a dry, moisture-free environment. Cast iron is susceptible to rust, so ensure the pan is completely dry before storing, and avoid storing it in a sink or moisture-prone area.

Tips:

• If you notice black residue on your towel when drying, don't worry! This is just seasoning and is perfectly normal.
• To remove strong odours from your pan, bake it in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes, or sprinkle a layer of regular table salt on the cooking surface overnight.
• To prevent rust, dry your cast iron promptly after each use and avoid soaking it in water.

How to dry a brand-new Lodge cast iron pan

Drying your brand-new Lodge cast iron pan is a simple but important step in the maintenance process. Here's a detailed guide on how to dry your new pan effectively:

After washing your pan, it's crucial to dry it promptly and thoroughly. Use a lint-free cloth or a paper towel to absorb any remaining water. It is important to ensure that your pan is completely dry to prevent the formation of rust. Rust can occur if water is left sitting in the pan for too long. Lodge cast iron recommends drying your pan after each use to avoid this issue.

You may notice a little black residue on your towel or cloth after drying. This is perfectly normal and is just a sign of the seasoning process. The black residue is simply carbonized oil that has been baked onto the pan during the manufacturing process. It is harmless and indicates the natural, easy-release finish of your Lodge cast iron pan.

Once your pan is thoroughly dry, the next step is to apply a light layer of cooking oil or Lodge's Seasoning Spray. Use a paper towel or clean cloth to rub the oil onto the entire surface of the pan, including the inside and outside. Make sure to wipe away any excess oil with a paper towel to prevent a sticky residue.

By following these steps, you will maintain the seasoning on your brand-new Lodge cast iron pan, ensuring it is ready for your next culinary adventure. Remember, the more you use your pan, the better the seasoning becomes over time. So, get cooking and enjoy the benefits of your durable and resilient Lodge cast iron cookware!

How to oil a brand-new Lodge cast iron pan

Lodge cast iron pans are seasoned and ready to use right out of the box. This means that they have already been treated with a layer of oil, so you can start cooking with them immediately. However, to keep your pan in good condition, it's important to oil it regularly.

How to oil your Lodge cast iron pan:

• Wash the pan with warm, soapy water. It's fine to use a small amount of soap since you're going to be re-oiling the pan afterward.
• Dry the pan thoroughly. You can place it on the stovetop on low heat for a few minutes to ensure it's completely dry.
• Apply a thin, even layer of cooking oil to the entire pan, inside and out. Lodge recommends vegetable oil, melted shortening, or canola oil, but any cooking oil or fat can be used as long as its smoke point is higher than your cooking temperature. Be careful not to use too much oil, as this can make the pan sticky.
• Place the pan upside down on the center rack of an oven preheated to 350-450°F. Put a sheet of aluminum foil on the bottom rack to catch any excess oil.
• Bake the pan for one hour, then turn off the heat and allow it to cool in the oven. This helps the oil bond to the pan and ensures that your pan has a smooth, natural, easy-release finish.

Repeat this process as needed to maintain the seasoning on your Lodge cast iron pan. With proper care, your pan will last for generations.

How to cook with a brand-new Lodge cast iron pan

A brand-new Lodge cast iron pan is a versatile and durable piece of cookware that can be used on various heat sources, from the stovetop to the oven, grill, and even over a campfire. With proper care, your cast iron pan can last for generations. Here's a guide on how to cook with your brand-new Lodge cast iron pan:

Seasoning Your Pan

Before using your brand-new Lodge cast iron pan for the first time, it is recommended to season it. Lodge cast iron pans come pre-seasoned, but seasoning your pan yourself adds a more thorough layer of seasoning, strengthening the bond to the iron. Seasoning is a process of baking oil onto the pan, creating a natural, easy-release finish. Here's how to season your pan:

• Scrub the pan with warm, soapy water.
• Rinse and hand dry the pan thoroughly.
• Apply a thin, even layer of cooking oil to the entire pan, inside and out. Oils with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, melted shortening, or canola oil, are recommended.
• Place the pan upside down in the oven on the top rack. Place a baking sheet or aluminium foil on the bottom rack to catch any oil drips.
• Bake at 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour.
• Allow the pan to cool before using it.

Cooking with Your Pan

Lodge cast iron pans are excellent heat retainers and are perfect for various cooking techniques, from frying and searing to baking and slow-cooking. Here are some tips for cooking with your brand-new Lodge cast iron pan:

• Preheat your pan slowly over several minutes to prevent the seasoning from cracking and flaking.
• When frying or searing, ensure there is enough oil in the pan to create a non-stick surface.
• Cast iron pans can be used on various heat sources, including stovetops, ovens, grills, and campfires.
• Always use heat-resistant gloves or mitts when handling a hot cast iron pan to avoid burns.
• Cast iron pans are heavy, so be sure to handle them with care to prevent accidents.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Proper cleaning and maintenance are crucial to ensuring the longevity of your Lodge cast iron pan. Here's how to clean and maintain your pan:

• Wash your pan by hand with warm water and a small amount of soap. Use a nylon brush or a pan scraper for stuck-on food.
• Dry the pan promptly and thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or paper towel.
• Apply a light layer of cooking oil to the surface of the pan to maintain the seasoning. Use a paper towel to wipe away any excess oil.
• Avoid soaking your cast iron pan in water, as it can lead to rust.
• Do not put your cast iron pan in the dishwasher, as it will remove the seasoning and cause rust.

How to avoid damaging a brand-new Lodge cast iron pan

Lodge cast iron cookware is a great addition to your kitchen, and with the right care, it can last for generations. Here are some tips to avoid damaging your brand-new Lodge cast iron pan:

• Avoid Soaking: Never soak your cast iron pan in water as it will lead to rust. If you need to remove stubborn, stuck-on food, use a nylon brush or a pan scraper to scrub the pan under warm water.
• Hand Wash Only: Lodge cast iron pans should always be washed by hand. Do not put them in the dishwasher as it will remove the seasoning and cause rust.
• Avoid Steel Wool: It is not recommended to use steel wool or metal scrubbers to clean your cast iron pan. Instead, use a pan scraper or the Lodge Chainmail Scrubber to remove any stuck-on residue. Steel wool should only be used to remove rust before re-seasoning.
• Dry Promptly: After washing, make sure to dry your pan promptly and thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. Leaving the pan to air dry can lead to rust.
• Oil After Washing: After washing and drying, apply a light layer of cooking oil or Lodge Seasoning Spray to the surface of the pan. Use a paper towel to wipe the surface until no oil residue remains. This helps maintain the seasoning and prevents rust.
• Avoid Excessive Heat: Cooking with excessive heat or rapidly heating your cast iron pan can cause the seasoning to crack and flake. Always preheat your pan slowly over several minutes, gradually increasing the temperature.
• Avoid Acidic Foods: Highly acidic foods like tomatoes can break down the seasoning on your cast iron pan. It is recommended to avoid cooking acidic foods or recipes with high liquid content until the seasoning is well-established.
• Avoid Abrasive Utensils: Avoid using abrasive utensils, scouring pads, or metal scrubbers as they can remove the seasoning. Opt for wooden or silicone utensils to protect the seasoning layer.
• Regular Maintenance: Seasoning your cast iron pan regularly will help prevent damage and ensure its longevity. You can season your pan by baking it in the oven at 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour.

By following these tips, you can avoid damaging your brand-new Lodge cast iron pan and enjoy its superior cooking performance for years to come.

Frequently asked questions