How to season, clean, and maintain your cast-iron kitchen equipment

Many professional kitchens are equipped with cast-iron pans, because of their durability and exceptional ability to retain heat. Cast-iron pans are also renowned for their non-stick properties. A wide range of cast-iron pans and accessories are available on the market today, in a variety of shapes and sizes. Cast iron is even used in presentation dishes to keep food warm. Let's take a look at how to season, clean, and maintain your cast-iron cooking equipment for optimum use.

Correctly seasoning your cast-iron frying pan: a crucial first step.

This isn't a very complicated step, but it's essential!  You need to prepare your cast-iron pan before using it for the first time so that you can use it without risk of breakage. This seasoning process consists of coating your cast-iron pan with a neutral oil, such as canola or grapeseed oil, then placing it upside down in the oven at 350° F for one hour. To avoid dirtying your oven, you can place a baking sheet or aluminum foil under the skillet. Now that's all there is to it!

When fully seasoned, your skillet will be shiny and smooth to the touch. This is a sign that a natural coating has been created to protect it from oxidation.  As a result, your skillet will require minimal maintenance in the future.

Maintaining your cast-iron equipment

Cast-iron maintenance is very simple:

• After each use, simply wash your skillet with hot water and a brush. Avoid using soap, detergent or putting it in the dishwasher. Doing so will remove the seasoning previously applied.

• It's very important to avoid thermal shock.

• Your cast iron will become slightly darker over time and with repeated use – this is perfectly normal. 

• If you notice rust or a metallic taste, it's time to start the seasoning process again.

• Cast iron must be heated gently to avoid cracking.

• Keep cast-iron items dry between uses, and avoid using them for storage.

Cast iron can withstand temperatures of up to 450° F (230°C).

Care and maintenance of wooden serving dishes

Some cast-iron serving dishes require the use of wooden trivets to prevent damage to the table.

• These can be cleaned with a damp cloth, sponge, and soap or bleach diluted with water. 

• Be careful not to immerse wooden items in water, and avoid putting them in the dishwasher or using concentrated cleaners.

• Keep them dry between uses, and do not use them for storage.

• Wood can withstand temperatures of up to 200° F (93 °C).

Discover our selection of cast-iron utensils