Caring for Your Cast Iron Cookware

Compliments of Lodge Manufacturing Company
World's Largest and Oldest Producer of Quality Cast Iron Cookware

Where can I purchase Lodge cast iron cookware?

DutchOvenCookware.com

The Iron Skillet
 

What is seasoning?

Seasoning is preparing the cast iron cookware for use. There are two objectives in this process:

1. Coat the cookware to prevent rust; and
2. To create a natural, permanent non-stick cooking surface.

Seasoning is an easy, but very important first step when using cast iron. Unlike synthetically coated cookware, cast iron can be seasoned, re-seasoned, and its cooking surface restored. When you season a cast iron utensil, you are preventing rust and providing the cookware with a natural, permanent non-stick surface. Remember: Seasoning takes time and repeated use before a pan develops the shiny, black surface like your grandmother’s cast iron cookware. A black, shiny skillet is a well-seasoned skillet.

New! Pre-seasoned Ready to Use Cookware

Introducing Lodge Logic and Pro Logic a brand new way to cook with cast iron.

The majority of Lodge cast iron we offer comes pre-seasoned, and is ready to use. At the plant an electrostatic spray has been evenly applied to all surfaces of your cookware, then baked-on at extremely high temperatures. Now you can use your cookware right out of the box, washing and caring for it as if you had seasoned it yourself.

Lodge Manufacturing's "Lodge Logic" and "Pro Logic" pre-seasoned, ready to use cookware eliminates the time and effort of seasoning your new selection, and will look and perform better than home seasoning.

A new piece of seasoned cast iron cookware can be used right from the start. After washing the pan with warm water (no soap), dry thoroughly. Before cooking prepare the surface with a thin coat of melted shortening, or vegetable oil. After cooking, clean the utensil with hot water and a stiff brush. Never use a harsh detergent, as it can remove the seasoning. Towel dry thoroughly.

Store your cast iron cookware in a cool, dry place. Do not store lids on the cast iron pot or pan to allow air circulation.

How do I season my other Lodge cookware?

1. Wash utensil in hot, soapy water. Use soap this time only. Rinse utensil and dry completely. Discoloration on towel is normal.
2. Apply a thin, even coating of melted shortening (Crisco, Wesson, etc.; do not use butter or butter flavored shortening) to the utensil with a soft cloth or paper towel. Apply inside and outside (NOTE: If your utensil has a lid, make sure you season it as well.)
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place utensil on top shelf of oven, upside down. Place aluminum foil on a baking sheet and put on bottom shelf of oven to catch any drippings. Bake in oven for one hour, then turn oven off and let utensil remain in the oven until cool.
4. To clean utensil after use, use boiling water and a plastic scrub bun or brush. Do not use soap, unless you are going to repeat the seasoning process. Do not put in dishwasher.
5. Always wash immediately after use, while still hot.
6. After washing utensil, dry thoroughly, then spray lightly with
vegetable oil, (Pam, for example), wipe with a paper towel, and store. Never store utensil with lid on. (Cast iron needs air circulation.)
7. Do not use utensil as a food storage vessel.
8. To remove heavy food or grease build-up, scour with steel wool, SOS pad, etc., then re-season.
9. Deep fry in Dutch ovens at least six times prior to cooking beans of any kind. Re-season utensil after cooking acidic foods, such as beans or tomatoes.
10. Follow these simple steps and your Lodge Cast Iron Cookware can last a lifetime.
 

Is seasoning a one-step process?

Seasoning is an on-going process. The more you use your cast iron, the better seasoned it gets. That’s why we say, “It Just Keep Getting Better”.

Do I season the outside as well as the inside of my Lodge cookware?

As our seasoning instructions state, you must season the entire utensil, inside and out. If your utensil came with a lid, you must season the lid also.

What if my Lodge cookware is too large to fit in my oven for seasoning?

If your utensil is too large to fit in your oven to season, you can use an outdoor grill, either charcoal or gas. When using a charcoal grill, put the charcoal in the grill as you normally would to begin grilling, light the coals and place your oiled utensil on the grilling surface of the grill. Close the top of the grill and leave the utensil inside until the coals burn out. When using a gas grill, turn the temperature between 400 and 500 degrees F and place the oiled utensil on the grilling surface. Leave the utensil on the grill, with the top closed, for at least 2 hours.

What should my Lodge cookware look like after it has been seasoned for the first time?

A newly seasoned piece of cast iron cookware may have a brownish, caramel-like color. This is normal. Over time and use, your cookware will become shiny and black. TIP: The first few times you use your cookware fry bacon, etc. in it to achieve a better, seasoned interior.

Where can I purchase Lodge cast iron cookware?