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Cast iron cookware can be an expensive investment in the beginning, but with proper care can last a lifetime while being passed on to others for years. Learning How to Care for New & Used Cast Iron Pans will keep your investment in good shape for years and years to come!

Why cook with Cast Iron Pans?

Good old fashion cast iron is a camping staple as far as cookware. The pans can be used directly over a campfire, cook stove, or grill. But to keep the cookware in usable order takes some work, time, and a little elbow grease.

cast iron pan on smoker
Spicy Smoked Sausage Queso In Cast Iron Skillet Right on the Smoker

I have recently been using our cast iron pans more and more over the years. We love making our Spicy Smoked Sausage Queso on the smoker, my Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Skillet in the oven, and my Whiskey Peach Cobbler right over the fire! There are so many great uses of cast iron cookware, just sometimes cleaning them and maintaining them can be a daunting task. That’s why I decided to write this on How to Care for New & Used Cast Iron Pans.

cast iron pan over campfire
Campfire Whiskey Peach Cobbler in Cast Iron right over the fire!

How to Care for New & Used Cast Iron Pans

Seasoning Cast Iron Cookware

When you first buy a Cast Iron pan, it needs to be treated before it is used for the first time. This treatment will temporarily seal in the pores of the cast iron and prevent rust.

Steps

If the cast iron has already been used, make sure the surface is clean by wiping the cast iron out with a clean, damp towel. Dry with a towel. If using new cast iron again, wipe out any dust or debris before moving on to the next step.

how to season cast iron pan


Once clean, place cast iron in the oven and set it at 400 F degrees. Make sure to allow the cast iron to remain in the oven until the temperature is reached. Once the temperature has been reached, remove the cast iron from the oven and coat it with lard or bacon grease. This can be simply done by dipping a paper towel in the lard or grease and smearing it on the cast iron. Then place back in the oven and heat for 30 minutes.
Remove from oven with oven mitts and repeat the above steps 3 times.

How to Clean Cast Iron Pan After Use

cleaning cast iron pans

The first response to cleaning cast iron is to place it in the sink with dish soap and wash just like any other cookware, but cast iron is different. Due to the porous nature of cast iron, it will take up the dish soap and contaminate the food. The best way to clean the cast iron after use is below.

Steps

If the cast iron does not have a lot of food stuck on it, simply wipe out the cast iron. Then coat the cooking surface with oil, lard, or grease and store it properly.


If the cast iron has a lot of food residue that can not simply be wiped off, another method will have to be followed. This method is simple but can be time-consuming. Fill cast iron item with water and bring to a boil. The boiling action will loosen up the food particles. Once all the food has been loosened, pour the water off, completely wipe out, and coat the cooking surface with oil, lard, or grease. Let sit to soak in and then store properly.


Maintaining Cast Iron Cookware

Every time cast iron is used, it will have to be wiped out and lightly oiled. Also, once a year, completely reseason cast iron cookware.

How to Properly Store Cast Iron Cookware

Cast iron cookware needs to simply be stored in a dry location. Cast iron cookware may require some extra care, but it is worth it. If taken care of, cast iron cookware can last forever and can be handed down from generation to generation. It can also be used in the home, at the cabin, on the fire, and grill. So next time new cookware is needed, think about cast iron cookware as a choice.

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How to Care For New & Used cast iron pans pinterest collage

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Check out some of my favorite recipes to make in our Cast Iron Cookware:

Leftover Brisket BBQ Pizza

Smoked Spicy Sausage Queso

Biscuits & Gravy Breakfast Skillet

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