How to Care for a Cast-Iron Pan

A well-cared-for cast-iron pan equals decades of service. Taking care of one is different from other pans. The porous metal needs to be seasoned. Curing is not an option for maintaining the cast iron. Bon Appetit!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cast-iron pan
• Dish soap
• Scouring pad (steel wool)
• Oil of choice (vegetable, shortening, lard)
• Paper towels

Things to Do With a New Pan

1. Remove the protective coating on new pans. When you buy a new cast-iron pan, it contains a protective thin coating. It is made of either wax or shellac.

2. Add dish soap to the pan with hot water. Take a scouring pad made of steel wool and scrub the inside surface area. This removes the protective coat.

3. Pour out the water, then scrub the outside of the pan. Rinse and dry.

4. Ready your oil. Any vegetable, shortening or lard seasons the pan. This prevents rust and creates a nonstick surface. Rub the oil generously over the entire inside surface of the pan.

5. Turn your oven burner to low. Place your cast-iron pan on the burner and leave for 30 minutes.

6. Turn the burner off and wipe out the oil. Let the pan cool.

7. Repeat the steps for your new pan only.

8. Store in cool place with the lid off and several paper towels inside to absorb moisture.

Things to Do With a Seasoned Pan

9. Remove your pan after cooking. Use a pot holder if hot.

10. Wash the pan with soap and water.

11. Put the pan back on the burner. Use low heat. Look to see when it is completely dry of water. Remove when dry.

12. Oil the pan lightly around the inside.

13. Take the pan back to the burner and set to low to medium heat. Let it sit on the heat for about 2 minutes.

14. Remove and wipe the inside with a paper towel. Use a pot holder on the hot handle.

15. Store in a cool place with the lid off and paper towels on the inside bottom.

Tips & Warnings

• When rust appears, clean as usual and season.
• Never hold the pan with your bare hands. The cast iron is hot, and you need a pot holder.
• Avoid water sitting in the pan for extended time periods.
• Avoid washing your pan in the dishwasher.
• Never store food in your cast-iron pan.
• Never pour cold liquid in your hot pan. Add warm water, not cold.
• Avoid placing your cold pan directly in the oven or on a hot burner.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• How to Lose 30+lbs Guaranteed. Try it Free.

[mikron2]

on 10/25/2008 Step 2 of "Things to do with a seasoned pan" is wrong - do NOT use soap as it will remove the seasoning (oil) from the pores of the metal. If you do, you won't build up a really good non-stick surface, and you'll need to re-season your pan more frequently.