Cast Iron Seasoning
Taking care of your cast iron and properly cleaning it may seem harder than it should be. The key is to season your cast iron well and it will make your cast iron a treat to cook in.
What is cast iron seasoning?
Cast iron seasoning is the process of heating a small amount of oil on your cast iron until the oil reaches above the smoke point after which polymerization and carbonization occurs.
Why is my cast iron skillet sticky after seasoning?
Why is my cast iron skillet spotty after seasoning?
Again, you have slightly too much oil on your skillet. Make sure to wipe the oil out of the cast iron to the point where it almost looks dry. No matter how much you think you wipe out it’s not likely you will be able to wipe out all of the oil that was applied. My rule is to wipe out the oil until you think you have wiped it all out, then wipe it out one more time.
Why does the seasoning flake off of my cast iron?
Some oils are better than others to season with. Certain oils, when used at the incorrect temperature, will cause flaking. If the oil has too low of a smoke point it will have a large affect on flaking. I have seen flaking primarily with flaxseed oil. My general rule of thumb is to redo the seasoning when this happens and start over getting a good, first base layer.
What is the best oil to use to season my cast iron?
I have used many different oils for cast iron seasoning. The most important thing to consider is an oil with a high smoke point. By far, my favorite to season with is BuzzyWaxx. BuzzyWaxx is a cast iron seasoning product that is a combination of high smoke point oils and beeswax. The high smoke point oils give a great polymerization and carbonization while the beeswax gives my cast iron a beautiful sheen. It is available for purchase online at BuzzyWaxx.com.
How to season a Dutch Oven?
Seasoning a Dutch Oven is done in the exact same way as any other cast iron that you may own. BuzzyWaxx is my go-to seasoning oil for both types of cast iron. Follow these easy steps below to get that Dutch Oven in tip top shape.
How do I season using BuzzyWaxx?
First Step
Preheat your cast iron in the oven to 200-350 degrees F (93-177 C), this should only take about twenty minutes. That will be enough time to heat the cast iron up for melting the BuzzyWaxx. Please note, this stage will not make your cast iron too hot to handle. You can still hold it with an oven mitt or pot rag.
If you’re using the BuzzyWaxx metal can, just rub some on a rag using a circular motion, then wipe it on your cast iron and follow the exact same steps! Any rag will do, no need to purchase competitors “soaked rag”, you’ll be making your own using either of our product’s packaging. Save yourself some money! Use the same rag over and over!
Second Step
Slide a thin layer of BuzzyWaxx over the heated cast iron. Then using a paper towel or clean hand towel, wipe the BuzzyWaxx all over the cast iron covering every inch. With another paper towel or hand towel, dry it back off as dry as you can leaving only a small trace on your cast iron. Make sure to use an oven mitt or something so you don’t burn yourself.
Third Step
Place your cast iron back in the oven upside down for one hour at 480-500 degrees F (250-260 C). This will allow for polymerization of BuzzyWaxx for seasoning to occur. When the time is up, simply allow it to cool down enough to repeat the process of melting on the BuzzyWaxx, wiping it off leaving a thin layer and back in the oven! Three applications will be enough and you’re ready to cook! You can also use it after cooking and washing your cast iron. After you wash and dry your skillet, place it back on a burner on low heat. Rub some BuzzyWaxx on the cooking surface and wipe it around covering the surface. This will keep your pans nice and slick, always ready to cook!
I need more cast iron in a dutch oven and some wax. Please take me when you have sales I do not want to miss them
I hope you find the Dutch ovens that you want! Good luck with the hunt! BuzzyWaxx has sales from time to time so stay tuned!
How long of time do you leave in oven in step 3
Great question. It will be in the oven upside down for one hour. Hope that helps clarify?