How to Season Cast Iron Without an Oven

Introduction

Cast iron cookware is highly valued for its durability, versatility and ability to retain heat. To help cast iron cookware function its best and maintain its non-stick surface, it should be regularly seasoned. Here, we have a step-by-step guide on how to season cast iron without an oven. Follow the tips below to keep your cast iron skillet in excellent condition to provide you with high-quality results every time you cook!

Prepare the cast iron

• Before seasoning your cast iron skillet, clean it thoroughly to remove any dirt, grime or rust.
• Rinse the cast iron skillet with hot water to remove any loose debris or food particles.
• Add a few drops of mild dish soap to the skillet and scrub it gently with a sponge or scrubber, paying special attention to any stubborn spots or rust patches.
• Rinse the skillet thoroughly with hot water to remove all traces of soap.
• Use a clean towel to dry the cast iron skillet completely. Make sure to remove all moisture.
• Place the skillet on a stovetop burner set to low heat for a few minutes so all moisture evaporates.

READ MORE: Your Guide to Cooking Without an Oven

Apply oil

Once the cast iron skillet is clean and dry, a layer of oil should be applied to its surface.

• Always use a neutral oil such as vegetable oil, canola oil or flaxseed oil.
• Avoid oils with a low smoke point like olive oil since they can create a sticky or gummy surface.
• Pour a small amount of oil onto the skillet and use a clean cloth or paper towel to spread the oil in a thin, even layer over the surface. Be sure to coat the entire skillet, including the sides and handle. Using too much oil can cause the skillet to become sticky or tacky.
• Use a clean cloth or paper towel to remove any excess oil from the surface of the skillet.

Heat the skillet

After applying oil to the skillet, heat should be applied to it to create the polymerized surface that will make it non-stick. Here’s how to heat the skillet in different locations:

On a stovetop

• Place the skillet on a stovetop burner set to medium-high heat.
• Allow the skillet to heat up for 10 to 15 minutes or until it begins to smoke.

On an outdoor grill

• Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
• Place the skillet on the grill and close the lid.
• Allow the skillet to heat up for 10 to 15 minutes or until it begins to smoke.

In a campfire

• After building a campfire, wait until the flames have died down before placing the skillet on top of the coals.
• Allow the skillet to heat up for 10 to 15 minutes or until it begins to smoke.
• Remove the skillet from the fire and allow it to cool down completely before repeating the seasoning process.

On a hot plate

• Set the hotplate to medium-high heat and place the cast iron skillet on top.
• Allow the skillet to heat up for 10 to 15 minutes or until it begins to smoke.
• Turn off the hotplate and allow the skillet to cool down completely before repeating the seasoning process.

Prevent overheating

Overheating the skillet can cause the oil to burn or smoke excessively. Make sure to use a heat-resistant mitt or potholder to handle the skillet while heating. By heating the skillet for only 10 to 15 minutes, or until it begins to smoke, you can create a polymerized surface on the skillet, which makes it non-stick and resistant to rust.

Cool the skillet and repeat the process

1. Turn off the heat and allow the skillet to cool down completely.
2. Don’t immerse the skillet in water or place it under cold water to cool down, as this can cause the cast iron to crack or warp.
3. After the skillet has cooled down, apply another thin layer of oil to the surface, using the same technique as you did before heating.
4. Heat the skillet again on a stovetop, outdoor grill or other heat source for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the pan if it begins to smoke before that time. Allow the skillet to cool down completely before repeating the seasoning process.
5. Repeat this process two to three times for a well-seasoned cast iron skillet.

Conclusion

By seasoning your cast iron skillet regularly, even without an oven, you can ensure that it remains in excellent condition for years to come!

If you have appliance-related questions or concerns, please reach out to our team here. You can also get repair help on our forum and shop for parts on our website by having your appliance model and serial numbers on hand.