How to Season a Cast Iron Pan

Cast iron pans are made of cast iron, a material known for numerous benefits such as the following: 

• Even heat distribution and great heat retention
• Long-lasting durability
• Ability to withstand very high temperatures (oven-safe)
• Very easy to clean
• Are virtually indestructible if seasoned and cleaned properly

So for all new owners or to-be owners of a cast iron pan/s, at s.t.o.p. Restaurant Supply has put together this guide on why and how to season a cast iron pan. Let’s begin!  

Why Do Cast Iron Pans Need to Be Seasoned?

The cast iron pan is the workhorse of the kitchen and can even withstand being scraped by a metallic cooking utensil - something that usually destroys the surface of other pans. However, for you to have a non-stick cast iron pan that won’t rust, proper seasoning is required.

To some, seasoning may seem like an additional hassle. But in reality, cast iron pan owners DON’T need to season their cast iron pans often or every use - as long as the pan is washed properly. 

Furthermore, having an easily re-applicable protective coating (through seasoning) makes the cast iron pan more long-lasting than other types of pans in the kitchen. Through the years, the seasoning also builds up, making the cast iron pan even more protected.    

How Often Do You Need to Season A Cast Iron Pan?

Some cast iron pan owners or would-be owners ask, “do I need to season a cast iron pan every time?” - the answer to this is NO. 

You would only need to season a cast iron pan 2-3 times a year. However, it is very important to make sure that you are washing the pan properly. 

Seasoning a cast iron pan involves a chemical reaction called polymerization brought about by heat. In a sense, this bakes the vegetable oil onto the cast iron pan’s surface. Washing the pan with harsh soap can ruin this layer - and this means you would need to season the pan again. 

There are cleaning tips, as we will discuss later, that will help keep the pan’s existing seasoning intact for a long time.   

How To Season a Cast Iron Pan

A. Recognize Whether Your Cast Iron Pan is Pre-Seasoned or Not

In the market, you will find pre-seasoned cast iron pans which can optionally be used straight away. These pre-seasoned cast iron pans can be identified by their smooth and softly lacquered black surface. Once these pans are out of the box, simply rinse them with hot water (avoid soap) and pat the pan dry. Then, pour a generous amount of cooking oil to preheat the pan and you can begin cooking  

However, if you want to take extra caution, even pre-seasoned cast iron pans can be seasoned again before use.  This gives the pan added protection. 

Pans that are not pre-seasoned can be identified by their matte gray surface. These definitely need to be seasoned before use.  

B. Choose A Cooking Oil For Seasoning Your Pan

There is a long list of cooking oils that you can use to season your cast iron pan. However, to get the best cooking experience, you need an effective oil with a high smoke point and flavour neutrality. We recommend the following: 

C. Season the Pan

During cooking, it is usually inadvisable to let the oil reach its smoke point. However, when it comes to seasoning a cast iron pan, the oil needs to smoke for it to go through polymerization and thus become a layer of seasoning. Follow these steps on how to season a cast iron pan: 

1. Wash the cast iron pan with warm soapy water and rinse. 
2. Dry your pan thoroughly.
3. Using a cloth, apply a layer of your chosen oil all over the pan (not just the cooking surface.) Make sure to achieve a clean thin layer that doesn’t drip when you tilt the pan. 
4. Place aluminum foil at the bottom rack of your oven to catch oils that could come from the pan during the baking process. 
5. Preheat your oven to 450°F.
6. Place your pan upside down, aligning it with the aluminum foil (but not directly on top and in contact with the aluminum foil)
7. Bake for 1 hour. 
8. Allow the pan to cool inside the oven, thereby letting the seasoning cure further. 

And presto! Your cast iron pan is all set. 

How to Properly Wash a Cast Iron Pan

When washing your cast iron pan after cooking, remember to avoid abrasive dish soap. Baking soda is the cleaning agent of choice, applied with a nylon brush. And if needed, you can use mild dish soap — but avoid anything harsh that will damage the seasoning. Furthermore, it is best to avoid soaking the cast iron pan too long in water.  

Follow the above tips and your seasoning will last a long time. 

Get Durable Cast Iron Pans For Your Kitchen Today!

That ends our guide on how to season a cast iron pan. Do you already have a cast iron pan for your kitchen?

Whether you’re looking for pre-seasoned cast iron pans or unseasoned ones, s.t.o.p. Restaurant Supply is your one-stop shop for durable, commercial-grade cookware that’s suitable for commercial kitchens and home kitchens alike. 

Check out our store today!