Cast Iron Use & Care

Cooking Tips

  1. Cast iron comes seasoned and ready to use! Just give it a quick rinse and hand dry, and you’re ready to start cooking.
  2. Use any utensils you like, even metal. There is no chemical coating to damage.
  3. Cast iron can be used on all stovetops, from induction to electric to gas, even on the grill! It also works great on glasstop stoves.
  4. Cast iron performs best when heated and cooled gradually, so give it a few minutes to pre-heat before adding your food.
  5. Cast iron retains heat very well, so using a lower heat setting can prevent food from sticking. And don't forget to use a  hot handle mitt!

Cleaning Tips

  1. Wash cast iron by hand with a nylon bristle scrub brush. If needed, use a pan scraper for stuck on bits. For extra sticky situations, simmer a little water for 1 minute, then use the scraper after cooled.
  2. Dry promptly and thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or paper towel.
  3. Rub with a very light layer of cooking oil or our Seasoning Spray, preferably while the cookware is still warm.
  4. Hang or store cookware in a dry place.

Occasionally, you may notice some dark residue on your paper towel or cloth when cleaning. This is perfectly safe -- it’s just the seasoning (the baked-on cooking oil) reacting to foods that may be slightly acidic or alkaline. It will disappear with regular use and care.

Soap isn’t always necessary, but if you like, a little mild detergent is fine. Promise. Stay away from dishwashers and metal scouring pads, which can harm the seasoning.

Seasoning Tips

  • Seasoning is simply oil baked onto the iron, giving it a natural, easy-release finish.
  • Lodge seasons all of its cookware with soy vegetable oil and nothing else.
  • Any food-safe cooking oil/shortening will work for maintaining your cookware. We recommend vegetable oil or canola oil, like our Seasoning Spray.
  • The best way to maintain the seasoning on your cast iron is simply to use it! Cooking in it regularly using any kind of cooking oil is a great way to keep your pan looking and performing well.
  • If your pan becomes dull, gray, splotchy, or gets rusty, it could probably benefit from being re-seasoned. Just follow these easy steps:

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