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How to Season a Cast Iron Pan or Griddle

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season a cast iron pan or griddle

How to Season a Cast Iron Pan or Griddle

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Step 1 of 10

All moden cast iron comes with a coating that stops rust - its like a thin layer of candle wax.

Step 2 of 10
The wax needs to be removed with a scourer in hot water and washing up liquid before seasoning can take place. (the metal scourers are the best) You will end up with a black/gray metal like this.

The wax needs to be removed with a scourer in hot water and washing up liquid before seasoning can take place. (the metal scourers are the best) You will end up with a black/gray metal like this.

Step 3 of 10
The water and moisture needs drying out. Put it on the hob for 15 minutes on a medium heat - you will see the pan sweat out all the water droplets that will evaporate.

The water and moisture needs drying out. Put it on the hob for 15 minutes on a medium heat - you will see the pan sweat out all the water droplets that will evaporate.

Step 4 of 10
Choose your oil. Vegtable oil or animal oil. Olive oil, flaxseed oil, lard or numerous other edible oils can be used.

Choose your oil. Vegtable oil or animal oil. Olive oil, flaxseed oil, lard or numerous other edible oils can be used.

Step 5 of 10
Once cool pour some oil all over the pan. It needs a thin layer, get it into every nook and cranny.

Once cool pour some oil all over the pan. It needs a thin layer, get it into every nook and cranny.

Step 6 of 10
With a paper towel wipe off all the oil you just put on until you can not get anymore off. There will be a fine layer left. Too much oil will smoke and set the fire alarms off.

With a paper towel wipe off all the oil you just put on until you can not get anymore off. There will be a fine layer left. Too much oil will smoke and set the fire alarms off.

Step 7 of 10
Place the pan in the oven (top shelf if possible) on gas mark 9 or on the hob on full heat. It needs to reach over 200 degrees celsius for 1 hour. Then turn off the heat and allow to cool for 2 hours.

Place the pan in the oven (top shelf if possible) on gas mark 9 or on the hob on full heat. It needs to reach over 200 degrees celsius for 1 hour. Then turn off the heat and allow to cool for 2 hours.

Step 8 of 10
Your pan will have darkened brown or black instead of grey. Repeat steps 5 - 7 several times until your pan turns to a nice black colour.

Your pan will have darkened brown or black instead of grey. Repeat steps 5 - 7 several times until your pan turns to a nice black colour.

Step 9 of 10
With continued use the pan will gain a shiny gloss. Never put cast iron into the dish washer. Water, a little soap and a light scouring will be enough to clean it.

With continued use the pan will gain a shiny gloss. Never put cast iron into the dish washer. Water, a little soap and a light scouring will be enough to clean it.

Step 10 of 10
And enjoy!

And enjoy!

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5 Comments
Supplies
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Olive oil

Scourer

Paul Clayton

I don't know if it would work on an electric stove but a barbecue pit will work, just set it up as you would when you cook food on it.

(author) last month

Ms Devaqueen DeVault

How would you do this with an electric stove? Can it be done on a barbecue pit?

Ms Devaqueen DeVault last month

Matthew Smith

Amazingly well described. Never thought of the oven.

Matthew Smith last year

Ted Mitchell

Nice. So glad mine is a small one:)

Ted Mitchell last year

David Jacquemotte

I always wondered...thnx!

David Jacquemotte last year

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Wasim Khan

Just over eager to use it as soon as I get it. :-)

Wasim Khan 4 weeks ago

Paul Clayton

It's worth getting a good black colour on before the first use, but yea 2-3 times may work. And the more you use it the better it will become.

(author) 4 weeks ago

Wasim Khan

Ordered the exact same griddle as yours. Is it a Must to season it several times before the first use? or can it be done 1,2 or 3 times then with use every other time.

Wasim Khan 4 weeks ago

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