How to Season and Maintain a Cast Iron Pan

Cast iron comes with its share of myths and controversies, but seasoning and caring for it is really a relatively simple process. Here's how to do it.

[RogerSnell]

One of the few videos that will lead to better results with cast iron. Good job!

[andrewkrahn]

note: Making sure your pan comes up to temperature before you add anything keeps food from sticking. Also, avoid tomatoes, vinegar, and wine in the pan for a while if it's new. Their acid will do scary things to your seasoning if left in there for a while.

[Lampshadx]

Perfect timing I needed this!!! Any tricks for cast iron griddle pans? Ive heard about using the little plastic thingies that are made to remove most residues. Any other tricks? They are such a pain to wash

[xencide]

Would the same technique in seasoning/maintenance be true for carbon steel pans?

[LulasticHippyshake]

Great advice. When a visitor does my dishes and uses detergent on my cast iron pans I am sad! (Also happy and thankful that they did my dishes etc lol)

[vikingrfamily]

I use mine everyday suffice it to say i go through ALOT of paper towel lol :P

[marysharner]

Make sure to rub a small amount of fat over the entire pan even the bottom when seasoning. It will protect the entire pan from rusting and age.

[lzygenius]

Some people say that cast iron and eggs didn't mix, don't believe them! I have a small 3 inch or so pan that I fry eggs in almost daily and I haven't had to do more than rub it off with a paper towel in the last six months.

[therollsroycetrent]

I never use soap. Scrub gently under medium - hot water, dry inside & outside, dry handle then place on burner medium - low heat for 10 minutes. Turn off burner let cool down naturally.

[joec]

350 works better and smokes less. Heat the pan before you oil it.

[ziggyburn]

Can I use avocado oil instead of veg or canola oil?

[Ana_crusis]

It's better and more efficient to do it on the stove top

[therollsroycetrent]

Never purchase and use Crisco Shortening. That stuff is very unhealthy. Use Butter & Bacon Grease instead. Way more healthy.

[jtanner]

Why would I want to use a cast iron pan over a great tri-ply pan like an All-Clad? Yes, if seasoned properly, it's more non-stick than the tri-ply but I only care about that for more low temperature foods like eggs. Otherwise, I like some fond....and the heat distribution in a tri-ply pan is far superior and I can increase and decrease the temperature faster in a tri-ply pan. I used a cast iron for years but I don't see any benefit over my All Clad except that it's great for doing "brick" chicken and grinding peppercorns.

[johnn]

No..., soap and water ARE NOT good for your skillet! Wipe out with a dish cloth and salt, warm pan, not hot, and high smoke point oil, grape, avocado or Crisco, leave on warm stove top 15 minutes, making SURE thin layers of oil are used. Repeat as needed for a smooth satin like sheen and then store. I like to put wax paper on mine to keep dust off in storage ! THIS is the old, tried and true, proper way to get a lifetime of joy using the best cooking method of all 😊

[AlarusOne]

Wait what? Use soap to clean a cast-iron pan? Everybody and their brother since the beginning of time says not to use soap to clean cast-iron. I never have (cleaned with detergent) and I have lovely pans. And I'm supposed to believe you? Why?

[Baileyonthedaily]

soap definitely removes seasoning . dude is tripping

[shaaauuu]

Contrary to popular belief? Dish soap specifically breaks down oils. The built up seasoning has no exception.

[pilgrim]

Do not use soap. This guy is an amateur

[jimmeyer]

STOP... DO NOT FOLLOW THIS VIDEO.... Though this is a very well put together video... It couldn't be MORE wrong.. FIRST, never heat your skillet above 350 degrees.. (Wagner, makers of high quality cast iron skillets for over 100 years, recommend, only 300 degrees to season) AND, if there's smoke.. It's TOO hot... It should NEVER smoke.. SECOND, never use corn, vegetable or canola oil to "season" your skillet.. It will break down and become like a sticky tar and eventually, a blackened crust.. Season your skillet with bacon fat (sorry vegans) But bacon fat has been cured and salted.. which means, it won't go rank or spoil.. It also won't break down and become a sticky crusty mess like corn, veg. or canola oil will.. Once it has been properly seasoned, you may use any oil of your choice to cook in... JUST DON'T HEAT IT ABOVE 350.. My family have been using cast iron skillets for over one hundred years.. and I have those skillets now, and I use them daily.. For cooking an egg, I hit it with canola spray before each use.. for potatoes, peppers, onions etc... I pour in canola or olive oil to cook in... remember, just keep the temp below 350.. No Smoke...