Cook anything from the basics to culinary works of art in a classic seasoned cast iron skillet. Available in a wide range of sizes, this kitchen essential can be used on the stovetop, in the oven, on the grill, and even over a campfire.
Lodge, a popular brand that makes cast iron products, says its pans can safely heat up to 650 degrees Fahrenheit, while some Staub-brand cast iron skills can handle up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit.
The cast iron skillet can tolerate extremely high heat (unlike popular non-stick pots and pans), and retain that heat when faced with temperature changes (like a cold steak). Cast iron cookware is excellent both on the stovetop and in the oven, and even produces the perfect crisp underneath the broiler.
First, check the manufacturer's directions. If those aren't handy, they look at the pan's construction. If the pan is all metal (with metal handles, too) it's typically fine for the oven. Avoid putting skillets with silicone handles or other plastic or wood elements in the oven and definitely not under a broiler.
At Lodge, we start the process for you, by adding a layer of soy-based vegetable oil to the cookware and baking it on at a high temperature. That means Lodge Cast Iron cookware is ready to use right out of the box for a natural, easy-release finish that gets better over time.
"Your cast iron skillet should be washed after every use, but never soaked in the sink or put in the dishwasher." To help you care for your cookware without damaging it, we're sharing how to clean a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven — including techniques using coarse salt and dish soap.
When selecting a seasoning oil, you want one that's high in polyunsaturated fats and has a high ratio of polyunsaturated fat to monounsaturated fat. Among common cooking oils, grapeseed oil and sunflower oil stand out for their high polyunsaturated fat content and desirable ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fat.
Bake upside down in the oven at 350 degrees F for 1 hour (line the rack below with foil to catch any oil drips). This will protect the surface and give it an almost nonstick quality. Some people tout another seasoning method: heating the pan on the stove.
A cast-iron skillet can withstand heats of up to 1500°F, which is much hotter than your oven could ever be. The seasoning will only burn off at about 800°F, so don't worry that you will damage your pan by cooking with high heat.
Lodge recommends washing these pieces by hand or in the dishwasher. Operators should not soak these dishwasher-safe pans to remove stuck-on food. Instead, users should utilize a food scraper to remove food and can simmer water in the pan for a few minutes to help loosen debris.
If you're looking for cast iron that ranked highly across the board, check out the triple-seasoned Lodge Cast Iron Blacklock Skillet. For a budget option, we recommend the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, which performed well and is lightweight, making it incredibly user-friendly.
Cooks Illustrated recommended in one of their steak recipes to put the skillet in a 500-degree oven for 10 minutes (thereabouts).
The Lodge hot handle holder's flexible, soft. silicone construction empowers easy cleaning by hand or in the dishwasher. It is not intended for oven use.
Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Ovens
Use it to broil, braise, bake, or roast in the oven up to 500° F, and sauté, simmer, or fry on any stovetop.
Granted, only a very high temperature could physically damage this durable tool. Lodge, a popular brand that makes cast iron products, says its pans can safely heat up to 650 degrees Fahrenheit, while some Staub-brand cast iron skills can handle up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit.
Our seasoned cast iron pieces are made to be used in high-heat environments. Note, the seasoning on your cast iron will start to break down at sustained temperatures of around 650℉.
Cast iron concentrates heat throughout the surface vs. in one place which allows for more even cooking to achieve a perfect crust. Additionally, cooking a steak requires a super high temperature (260 °C / 500 °F).
Immediately after cooking with it, hand-wash and scrub your cast-iron skillet clean. "Simply wash the cookware with hot water and a nylon brush," suggests Stubblefield. "Use a little soap if you need it."
What oils can I use to season cast iron? All cooking oils and fats can be used for seasoning cast iron, but based on availability, affordability, effectiveness, and having a high smoke point, Lodge recommends vegetable oil, melted shortening, or canola oil, like our Seasoning Spray.
If you accidentally leave your cast iron cookware on any heat source for too long, food, marinades, and sauces can burn and get stuck to the surface.
Oil, especially canola oil (bad, unhealthy oil), should not be used. If a quick oiling (not seasoning) in between is desired, it's best to use a high temperature oil like avocado. A quick rub can do the trick, if your pan looks a bit dry. I have one pan that is about 100 years old!
Bake your cookware upside down at 450 degrees Fahrenheit in the oven for one hour. Allow the pan to cool down completely, and repeat three more times.