Seasoning Cast Iron

There is a lot to love about cooking with cast iron. Whether you have a camp oven or a skillet, cast iron can be used to cook just about anything. Baking, grilling, searing, boiling or roasting, the cooking options are endless, especially if you’ve cared for your cast iron properly. This is when seasoning comes in.

Seasoning forms a natural, non-stick cooking surface and also helps prevent rusting, allowing your cookware to last for generations. Cast iron is known to last forever – in fact, it tends to get better the more you use it! Below we’ve outlined how to season new camp ovens or skillets in the oven and how-to re-season after every use.

Camp Oven Seasoning

1. Give your new camp oven a clean in hot soapy water to remove any manufacturing residue.
2. The seasoning process works best when the cast iron is hot so heat your camp oven up on campfire coals, in an oven or hooded BBQ. Make sure it is extremely hot.
3. While the pot is still hot, add cooking oil (vegetable oil is fine). Carefully swish the oil around to coat the entire pot.
4. Let the oven cool down then wipe out excess oil.
5. Optional: Repeat step 1 to remove seasoning oil.

Cast Iron Skillet Seasoning

1. Preheat the oven to 360 degrees.
2. Wash your skillet and dry it well.
3. Coat the skillet with oil (high-heat oil like avocado or virgin is best).
4. Place the pan upside on the top rack and a baking sheet underneath to catch any drips.
5. Bake for 1 hour. Leave pan to cool inside oven.

Re-seasoning

1. Wash your cast iron and dry it well (dry immediately after washing).
2. Heat your cookware up on medium-low heat to evaporate all moisture.
3. Line the bottom of your oven with aluminium foil or baking paper then pre-heat to 360 degrees.
4. Place the clean, dried cookware in the oven for 1 hour.
5. Using oven mitts, remove the cast iron and coat with oil using paper towel or cotton cloth. Continue rubbing until the oil layer builds up
6. Turn the oven off and place your cookware upside down on the top rack. Wipe off excess oil every 10-15mins.
7. Partially open oven door after 30mins to cool.

For the removal of rust or general care advise, read our Cookware Care Guide.