Cast iron skillets are a popular kitchen item for good reason – they are versatile and durable. However, they require a little bit of extra care to keep them in great condition.
I have one that I picked up at a flea market a few years ago. Typically, I use my stainless-steel pan because I don’t want to go through the trouble of having to clean and season the cast iron.
So, I looked into easy ways to care for the cast iron skillet so I can use it more.
What I found is that it wasn’t as hard as I thought!
To season a cast iron skillet, all you have to do is rinse it with hot water, use a non-abrasive sponge or salt to remove any left on food, coat the skillet with a thin layer of oil and put it into the oven to season it. This will get it to be non-stick so it is easy for cleanup the next time that you use it.
To start with, let’s get into why using a cast iron skillet is better than non-stick cookware and the step-by-step process of what you need to do to clean it……
Why Choose Cast Iron Over Non-Stick Cookware
We don’t really think about non-stick cookware affecting our health, but you know what’s not cool? PFOA. That’s perfluorooctanoic acid, and it’s a synthetic compound that’s used in the manufacture of non-stick cookware.
But here’s the thing: PFOA has been linked to some pretty serious health problems, including cancer, birth defects, weight gain and thyroid disease.
Check out more about PFOA in this article… These 3 Surprising Things Can Make You Gain Weight
If you’re looking for a healthier option for your cooking, you should definitely ditch the non-stick skillet in favor of a cast iron one.
First of all, cast iron skillets are basically PFOA-free zones, so you can cook in them without worrying about exposing yourself to harmful chemicals.
Second, cast iron conducts heat better than non-stick skillets and your food will cook more evenly.
And third, they’re virtually indestructible, so you’ll never have to worry about replacing them.
What Is Cast Iron?
Cast iron skillets are made of, well, cast iron! They’re basically just a big hunk of metal that’s been heated up and shaped into a skillet form.
These skillets are great for cooking because they hold heat really well and can get nice and hot.
On top of that, they’re non-stick if you season them properly. If you’re looking to buy a cast iron skillet, I would totally recommend it!
How to Clean Your Cast Iron Skillet
To begin, rinse the skillet with warm water. Don’t use soap, as this can remove the seasoning from the cast iron.
Then, scrub the skillet with a sponge or stiff brush to remove any food particles. If necessary, you can use a mild abrasive like salt or baking soda to help remove stuck-on bits.
Lastly, once the skillet is clean, dry it thoroughly with a paper towel or clean dishcloth.
When And How To Season Your Cast Iron Skillet
If your cast iron skillet is starting to have food stick to it, it is time to re-season.
First, follow the steps above to clean the skillet.
Next, add oil to the skillet. It is best to use a small amount. If you use too much, it will create a sticky, gooiness to it. Use a paper towel to spread the oil evenly over the surface of the cast iron.
Finally, place the skillet in the oven upside down. You can put a baking sheet on the bottom rack just incase any excess oil drips. Bake at 450-500 degrees for one hour.
What Is The Best Oil To Use To Season Your Skillet?
I like to use flaxseed oil. It is also recommended to use a vegetable oil. Lodge Cast Iron also has a seasoning spray to take the guesswork out of which oil to use.
You can even get a whole seasoning kit…
When To Clean Your Skillet
Ideally, you should clean it after each use.
If you’ve used it for cooking, make sure to wipe it down with a paper towel or a damp cloth. When using it just to serve food, give it a quick rinse with hot water.
Cast iron skillets are pretty tough, so you don’t need to worry about scrubbing them too hard. Just get rid of any food residue and you should be good to go.
Different Types Of Cast Iron Skillets
OK, I know what you are thinking… “cast iron skillets are too heavy” or “can I use it on a glass top stove?”
Yeah, cast iron skillets can be heavy if you are going with the larger ones.
I like the smaller ones because
- A) they are easy to lift
- B) they don’t take up a lot of room
- C) are a lot less anxiety-producing if you have a glass top stove.
If you do have a glass top stove, you can still use a cast iron skillet, just be careful. Just like with any other pan, don’t slide it along the cooktop surface and always have a grip on it when moving it on and off the stove.
Conclusion
In short, cast iron skillets are a cook’s best friend. Not only do they last forever, but with a little bit of love and care, your cast iron skillet can give you years of fantastic meals. We hope our step-by-step guide has helped you learn how to clean and season a cast iron skillet like a pro.
Do you have any tips or tricks for keeping your cast iron skillet in good condition? Share them in the comments below!
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