I love cooking with a cast iron skillet. Maybe it’s placebo, but I swear cast iron makes everything taste better—or maybe it’s just that a well-seasoned pan is actually better. Either way, I can’t imagine my kitchen without a cast iron skillet on hand. It’s incredibly versatile, perfect for everything from searing meats to baking cornbread, or for my Francophile friends, making clafoutis. Plus, if you’re looking for a natural, non-toxic alternative to nonstick pans, cast iron is a great option.
That being said, there was definitely a learning curve when I first started using cast iron. If you’re anything like I was, you might be wondering: How do you properly care for a cast iron skillet? How do you go about seasoning a cast iron skillet, and how often should you do it? Is it “wrong” to cook acidic ingredients in cast iron?
Pull up a chair, friend—we’re gonna chat all things cast iron, from seasoning your cast iron skillet to keeping your pan in top shape!
Why Choose Cast Iron?
1) A Great Non-Toxic Cookware Option
Unlike most nonstick pans that contain synthetic coatings (like PFAS—no thanks!), cast iron is free from harmful additives and is made of nothing but…you guessed it, iron! And, when properly seasoned, it becomes naturally nonstick without any toxic coatings. The best part? With regular use and maintenance, your skillet will actually get better over time, not worse!
(Listen to Podcast Episode 81 — “PFAS 101: What Are PFAS and Can We Avoid Them?” to learn more about PFAS and how they impact our health.)
2) Need more iron?
Something I’ve dug into a bit is whether or not cast iron skillets can increase iron content in food. It turns out that it can, and by a pretty significant amount, according to various studies, sometimes up to several milligrams per meal. While more research is needed, most clinical studies (like this one) support the idea that iron transfers from the pan into food, especially when cooking acidic ingredients like tomato sauce or lemon-based dishes. This is great news for anyone looking to boost their iron intake naturally! That being said, it shouldn’t be your primary source of iron but rather a nice bonus—an easy way to add a little extra iron to your meals without even trying.
3) Lasts for Generations
I grew up hearing stories about cast iron skillets that had been in the family for decades—”This belonged to your great-grandma” was a common phrase my grandma used to share as she’d bake cornbread in her well-loved cast iron skillet. That’s because cast iron isn’t just durable; it’s built to last. With proper care, it can be passed down as a functional heirloom—one that’s just as useful as it is nostalgic.
4) Versatile
I love a cast iron skillet because of how versatile it is. Although I also use a stainless steel pan, the flexibility of cast iron can’t be beat — especially when it comes to achieving the perfect sear on a tender cut of meat. I can get that beautiful crust and then easily transfer the skillet to the oven, which means no extra dishes to wash. I also love using it to grill summer veggies or root vegetables for that perfect char. And, of course, it’s just as handy for baking desserts like my such as my Pear and Apple Crisp or clafoutis (recipe available in the cookbook!)!
How to Season Your Cast Iron Skillet
Ok, let’s talk a bit about maintaining your cast iron skillet.
First things first, seasoning a cast iron skillet!
Seasoning is a step you shouldn’t skip—it’s what makes cast iron naturally nonstick (giving it that nice, shiny gleam) by baking oil into the skillet’s surface to create a protective layer. You’ll likely want to season your pan when you first get it and again if it starts looking dull or dry, sticky, or develops rust spots. You don’t have to season all the time—every few months or as needed should keep your skillet in good shape. The good news? It’s a simple process! However, you’ll need to set aside some time for baking to let the seasoning fully develop.
Here’s how to do it:
Seasoning Your Cast Iron Skillet
- Preheat Your Oven – Set it to 450°F (230°C).
- Clean the Skillet – If it’s new or needs a refresh, wash and dry it thoroughly.
- Apply a Thin Layer of Oil – Using a paper towel or reusable rag, rub a small amount of oil (flaxseed, grapeseed, or vegetable oil) all over the skillet, inside and out. Wipe off any excess—the goal is a thin, even layer to prevent a sticky buildup.
- Bake Upside Down – Place the skillet upside down on the middle rack of the oven. Put a baking sheet or foil on the lower rack to catch drips.
- Bake for 1 Hour – Let the skillet heat so the oil polymerizes, forming a durable seasoning layer. Fun fact: When the skillet heats up, the oil polymerizes, meaning it bonds to the surface and hardens into a protective, nonstick layer. This helps prevent rust and improves the pan’s nonstick properties over time.
- Cool in the Oven – Turn off the oven and let the skillet cool inside to prevent sudden temperature changes.
How Often Should You Season Your Cast Iron?
If you’re using your cast iron daily, a quick oil rub after cleaning is usually enough to maintain the seasoning. You don’t need to season it in the oven every time you use it.
How to cook with a cast iron skillet
This might seem obvious, but if you’re looking to get the best usage out of your cast iron while cooking, here are a few little tips:
1) Always preheat your cast iron before cooking. Cast iron heats slowly but is great at retaining heat, so allow a few minutes on low-to-medium heat before cooking. This ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
2) Use a high-smoke-point oil. Because cast iron can handle high heat, it’s best to use high-smoke-point oils like avocado oil or grapeseed oil, as they can endure hotter temperatures without burning.
3) Avoid Metal Utensils – Stick to wooden or high-quality silicone utensils to protect the seasoning and avoid scratching the surface.
4) Start Cooking. Once your pan is thoroughly heated and oiled, let the fun begin and start cooking!
How to Clean Your Cast Iron Skillet After Cooking
You don’t have to season your cast iron pan every time you use it, but you do need to properly care for it if you plan to extend its shelf life. The more you use it, the better it works! With regular cooking and a little TLC, your skillet will build up seasoning naturally and become even more nonstick over time.
How to clean it after each use:
1) Rinse with Warm Water – If possible, clean the skillet while it’s still slightly warm. Avoid soaking it in water; too much exposure to water can result in rust.
2) Scrub Gently – Use a stiff brush (I use this one) or a chainmail scrubber (I use this one) and to remove food bits. I’ve also found that adding a bit of coarse salt helps give it a bit of extra scrubbing power.
3) Dry Thoroughly – Immediately dry with a clean towel or place the skillet on low heat for a minute to ensure all moisture evaporates.
4) Oil Lightly – Rub a thin layer of oil (like flaxseed, avocado, or vegetable oil) onto the skillet to protect it before storing.
Can I use soap? Yes, a small amount of mild dish soap is fine. Just remember to always oil your pan once dry to help maintain the seasoning. Do not put your cast iron pan in the dishwasher!
How to clean a cast iron pan with salt?
- Sprinkle about 1-2 tablespoons of coarse salt (like kosher or sea salt) directly onto your pan.
- Scrub using a dry paper towel, cloth, or chainmail scrubber in circular motions until the rust is gone.
- Wipe away. If it looks like more salt is necessary, repeat the process.
- Rinse with warm water, then immediately dry thoroughly (place the skillet on low heat for a minute to remove any remaining moisture).
- Apply a light coat of oil.
My pan is a bit rusty. Can I still cook with it or use it?
I tend to avoid cooking with cast iron if it’s rusty, but the good news is that a little rust isn’t the end of the world and is a simple fix. According to the USDA, you should remove rust from your cast iron pan before using it. That being said, fixing a slightly rusted pan is a quick fix (see tips below).
How to Fix a Rusty Cast Iron Pan Before Cooking:
- Scrub It Down – Use steel wool or a chainmail scrubber to remove the rust. If it’s light rust, a salt scrub can also work.
- Rinse & Dry – Rinse with warm water and dry immediately—don’t let it sit wet! I often place it on low heat for a few minutes to fully dry.
- Re-season – Apply a thin layer of high-smoke-point oil (like flaxseed or canola), then bake it upside down in a 450°F oven for an hour to restore its protective seasoning.
Using salt to clean a rusty pan? If you’re using salt to clean a rusty pan, you’ll want to finish by heating the pan and following the seasoning steps to restore its protective layer.
Popular Cast Iron Cookware Brands
1. Lodge
A trusted name in American-made cast iron cookware since 1896, Lodge is known for its durable, pre-seasoned skillets and commitment to high-quality, affordable cookware.
- Best Known For: Lodge’s pre-seasoned cast iron cookware is all about durability and American-made quality. With no synthetic coatings, it’s known for its great heat retention and how versatile it is.
- Signature Products: Skillets, griddles, Dutch ovens, and bakeware.
- Price Range: $15 – $200
2. Made In
Founded in 2016, Made In has quickly gained popularity for its stainless steel, enameled cast iron, and carbon steel cookware, all made with a focus on safety and performance.
- Best Known For: Premium-quality stainless steel, enameled cast iron, and carbon steel pans designed to be free from harmful coatings.
- Signature Products: Pots, pans, knives, and kitchen accessories.
- Price Range: $59 – $679
3. Field Company
Field Company offers lightweight, chemical-free cast iron cookware that’s easier to handle. Known for its smoother finish, it provides a modern twist on the classic cast iron skillet.
- Best Known For: Lightweight, non-toxic cast iron skillets that offer the durability and performance of traditional cast iron. All handcrafted in the USA.
- Signature Products: Cast iron skillets, Dutch ovens.
- Price Range: $75 – $215
In short, When it comes To Keeping Your Cast Iron in Good Shape
- Use it often! Cooking with cast iron (especially fatty foods) naturally builds up seasoning.
- Store it in a dry place to prevent rust. If stacking, place a paper towel between the pans.
- If rust appears, scrub it off with steel wool, re-season it, and keep using it!
- Season your cast iron pan as necessary to help maintain a nice nonstick seasoning.
Do you have a favorite cast iron tip, trick, or recipe? Drop it in the comments! I’d love to hear how you use and care for your cast iron skillet. And if you found this guide helpful, share it with a fellow cast iron lover! Happy cooking!
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