How to Cure an Aluminum Skillet

Cure an aluminum skillet with vegetable oil or margarine.

Aluminum is a soft, naturally porous material used to create pots and pans that effectively distribute heat, and are lightweight and affordable. Unfortunately, new aluminum cookware is vulnerable to rust, oxidation, and damage from heat and the acids found in foods. Extend the life and preserve the appearance of your aluminum cookware through a process called curing, or seasoning. Vegetable oil fills in the aluminum’s pores, and protects the cookware from wear and damage.

Things You'll Need

• Soapy water
• Kitchen sponge
• Soft cloths
• Paper towel
• Vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Wash the aluminum skillet with soapy water and a kitchen sponge. Rinse the pan well with warm water and dry it with a soft cloth. This removes any dirt, debris or foreign objects that will hamper the curing process.

2. Dampen a paper towel with vegetable oil. Cover the cooking surface, including the walls, with a thin layer of the oil.

3. Pre-heat a burner on a low setting for two minutes. Set the aluminum skillet onto the heat and allow it to remain until the vegetable oil is completely evaporated, which generally takes anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes.

4. Remove the skillet from the heat and allow it to cool completely before rinsing it under a warm tap. Dry the aluminum skillet with a soft cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean the cured aluminum skillet with liquid dish soap and a soft cloth or kitchen sponge. Never clean aluminum cookware in the dishwasher or with abrasive cleansers.

References

• Cooking for Engineers: Cooking with Aluminum
• Globe Equipment Company: How to Season Your Aluminum and Stainless Cookware