Reseasoning A Cast Iron Skillet

Cooking with cast iron is not only extremely rewarding but it's a tradition that can last generations. Cast Iron is sustainable for the planet (Reducing the overall impact generating pretty much throw-away cookware) and overall very little effort to a lifelong enjoyment of cooking. Today we are going to cover simple and effective steps to successfully reseason a cast-iron skillet that is in moderate shape.

Cast Iron Maintenance Series:

1. Restoring Cast Iron (Coming Soon)
2. Reseasoning A Cast Iron Skillet
3. Cast Iron Daily Care
4. Fixing Cast Iron Seasoning (Coming Soon)
5. The science behind the best oil for Cast Iron Seasoning (Coming Soon)

Simple Process

Step 1 - Clean

The good first step to solid reseason of any cast iron is thoroughly cleaning the pan. I personally love to use dawn soap or any other aggressive soap for removing grease or oils. I do this to ensure you can remove any grime or past seasoning that may be leftover. You may also need to pull out the chain mail to ensure you fully remove any flaking or burnt-on bits. For cleaning here are some tips from our Daily Cast Iron Care:

• Clean the pan HOT 🔥 under HOT 🔥 water!
• Use the right tools such as a long handle brush or chainmail!
• Bake at 500 for 30 minutes to remove any past seasoning that was caked on

Step 2 - Heat & Oil

The key is to apply a thin layer of oil to the cast iron. Before you start applying oil take the time to lightly heat the pan so it will make oiling easier and ensure you apply only a thin layer of oil onto the pan. Here are my top tips for success:

• Use Grapeseed oil (The higher the smoke point the better)
• Use oils with no flavors and lower fats
• Apply thin coats, as too much oil, will end up creating sticky spots
• Apply oil to hot cast iron

Step 3 - Polymerize

Round 1 - Initial Seasoning

• Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• Place the pan upside down in the middle of the oven
• Bake for 1 Hour

Round 2

• Wipe the pan down with oil (THIN) as you completed in step 2
• Preheat your oven to 430°F.
• Place the pan upside down in the middle of the oven
• Bake for 45 minutes

Round 3

• Wipe the pan down with oil (THIN) as you completed in step 2
• Preheat your oven to 460°F.
• Place the pan upside down in the middle of the oven
• Bake for 30 minutes

Step 4 - Heat & Oil

Finally, your pan should be in a good state. The final step is to let your pan cool in the oven for at least 1 hour this will allow the oil to polymerize and set up.

As in step 2 "apply a thin layer of oil to the cast iron. Before you start applying oil take the time to lightly heat the pan so it will make oiling easier and ensure you apply only a thin layer of oil onto the pan."

Store in a dry and open-air location for endless fun cooking 🥘