Proper seasoning (conditioning) of cast iron pots & pans...

[fkovalski]

I inherited a chuck box that included cast iron pots and pans. However, it appears as if the last time they were used, the pots and pans were washed thoroughly (in a dishwasher?) and then left to aquire surface rust.



Does anyone know the proper procedure to clean, oil and heat cast iron pots that have not(?) been seasoned or were improperly seasoned and not cared for?

 

[jwdeeming]

Grease them up with Crisco or some other similar solid shortening. Heat in an oven at 350 deg for an hour. You're done.



Don't be afraid to repeat this process as often as they look "dry". They get better with age and repeated use.



My wife has her grandmother's skillet that is so well cured we can fry an egg on it with no extra oil, like it was teflon. The trick is to to get the pan hot before putting the eggs on. When my kids cook, they put the eggs in too soon and it sticks like glue.

 

[fkovalski]

Should I clean the rust off (with water?) before I procede? I was thinking of using cooking oil (not to season) but to use as a cleaning agent of sorts. Or can I follow suit to season with the surface rust in place? I don't want to "encase" the rust though.

 

[Rman]

I've just gone through this... I scrubbed mine down with a brillo pad to get the surface rust off... I bet a SOS pad would work great for this but I didn't have one available.



I bought some cast iron conditioner from the store (where all the cast iron stuff is... how about that!) Rub a good thick coating of this on there (mainly on the cooking side) Then cook this stuff on there, like previously stated about 300-400 degrees. This stuff will smoke, cook it until that smoking stops (depending on the pot size about 10-15 minutes).



Then it will begin to blacken, let cool and wipe down with more of the oil... but use this sparingly this time for storage. I always store it with 1 sheet of paper towel folded inside or stack the pans together with a paper towel between them all. This paper towel does a good job at absorbing moisture and preventing any rust.



Apply this coating each time you use the pan. Over time it will turn a dark black which has a nice slick surface for cooking on and makes it easier to clean.

 

[jwdeeming]

Since they're not cured anyway and you're just starting, I'd say go ahead and use soapy water and whatever scrubbing you need to do.



Also, a lot of people really recommend against using any vegetable-based cooking oils. Use shortening, lard, or bacon grease.

 

[fkovalski]

Also, a lot of people really recommend against using any vegetable-based cooking oils. Use shortening, lard, or bacon grease.

I hear ya' about using veggie oil. I was just going to use it as the cleaning agent, but your advice about using water for "new condition" pots will be best.



I like the thought (MMmmm ) of eating, er, using bacon, uhm-- Need to cook bacon to get grease for seasoning.

 

[redram3]

I put crisco on mine then throw them in wood stove for awhile,they come out looking good.

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

Vegetable Oil?



Heck, I use only Olive oil because I can get 8oz for a buck at the dollar store in Lander. The casts are all I use for frying - one for meat and pancakes and a small one for the eggs. Works for me. Even got my wife converted to using them in BZ.

 

[Rman]

WHen "breaking in" new cast iron nothing beats frying up sausage or bacon for the first few grillings. Soaking that grease into the metal is the best thing for it.

 

[PJereb]

If they are really bad, take them out and sand blast them, after that give them a wash, a quick dry, and rub them down with shortening, and toss them in the grill outside on high to season the pans without smoking out the house.

 

[Deezul1]

To clean an old pan thats needing a redo you can place it upside down in a self cleaning oven with something under it to catch the crude that comes off (it may burn off in the cleaning process) and then start the self cleaning cycle then season as mentioned above.



go here for more info

http://www.geocities.com/NapaValley/4688/cast-iron_skillet.htm