Things You'll Need
Temperature gun thermometer (optional)
Melted butter or oil in a sprayer
Pastry brush
Waffle batter
Ladle
Fork
Nylon brush
Vegetable oil
Paper towels
Cast iron cookware requires special use and care. Your cast iron waffle maker will produce perfect waffles for years, if properly cared for. Like all cast iron cookware, the more you use your waffle iron or waffle griddle pan, the better the seasoning on its surface, which makes it non-stick. The seasoning results from a layer of oil used during cooking that bakes into the iron each time the iron is used.
Step 1: Heat the Cast Iron Waffle Maker
Place the closed cast iron waffle maker onto a cold cooking surface and allow it to slowly heat until the cast iron reaches 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Turn the waffle iron every 3 minutes to evenly heat both sides. It should require 8 to 10 minutes to heat. For best results, cook your waffles over the high heat of a grill or cooking fire. In a pinch, you could use an electric stove burner, but the cooking time will increase, depending on your stove's heat output.
Video of the Day
Step 2: Watch for Steam
Look for a light stream of steam coming from the waffle iron when you open it to indicate that the iron has reached approximately the correct temperature. Optionally, point a temperature gun to the cooking surface of the cast iron to determine an exact reading of when the temperature reaches 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 3: Coat with Oil
Open the waffle iron and cover both cooking surfaces with a light coating of melted butter with a pastry brush or spray both surfaces with oil. Use an oil sprayer, not a commercially prepared cooking spray.
Step 4: Add the Batter
Ladle ¼ cup of prepared waffle batter into the waffle iron and close.
Step 5: Cook the Waffle
Cook the waffle on the first side for 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 6: Turn the Waffle Iron Over
Turn over the waffle iron and cook the other side for 2 to 3 minutes. Use longer cooking times for crisper waffles.
Step 7: Remove the Cooked Waffle
Open the waffle iron and stab the center of the waffle with a fork and lift it out to a plate.
Step 8: Clean the Waffle Maker
Allow the waffle iron to cool slightly before cleaning while it is still warm. Gently scrub the cooking surfaces of the warm waffle iron with a nylon brush under running water. You can use dishwashing liquid if necessary to get it clean.
Step 9: Dry and Oil
Dry the waffle iron thoroughly with paper towels. Wipe a thin layer of vegetable oil with a paper towel over both the cooking surfaces before storing to preserve the non-stick coating.
Step 10: Season It Again
Season your cast iron cookware one to three times per year, depending on your usage. Heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place a foil-lined cookie sheet on the bottom rack. Wipe your cast iron waffle pan, inside and out, with vegetable oil and place it upside down on the top rack to bake for one hour. Turn the oven off and let it cool completely before removing, wiping with a paper towel and storing for its next use.
Tip
Allow the waffle iron to heat back up to the slightly steaming stage after removing the first waffle and before cooking another. Spray the surfaces with more oil and cook the remaining waffles as you did the first.
Video of the Day