All you Need to Know About Cast Iron | How to Season | How to Cook | How to Clean

All you need to know about using cast iron in the kitchen. Learn how to season cast iron, cook with it and tips for cleaning.
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Cast iron has been my skillet of choice for many years now. There are only two things that get better with age in the kitchen. One is cast iron and the other is homemade sourdough starter!
I seasoned my skillets when I first bought them years ago and haven't had to repeat the process since. With proper care, cast iron will last forever. It is a kitchen essential and so worth learning how to use.
Why Cast Iron is better than nonstick
Nonstick pans are coated with a carcinogenic chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid. Not only does it leech into the food when cooked at high temperatures, but also produces toxic fumes in the air. Not to be overly dramatic, but you need to get that stuff out of your house ASAP.
Although the health concerns with nonstick was what drew me to using cast iron in the first place, the ease and beauty with which they cook kept me coming back for more. A perfectly fried egg, potatoes so crispy you can hear the crunch, a carmelized sear on a roast to seal in all those delicious juices.
Can you use cast iron on a flat top stove?
Cast iron can scratch a glass top stove. There is also concern that a hot cast iron pan could cause the cold glass top to shatter, because the skillet holds so much heat. Cast iron is extremely heavy, so if it is dropped on the glass top it might break.
All that aside, I cook with cast iron on my glass stove top daily, and have been for many years. I have never had a problem.
How to Season Cast Iron
Lightly coat the cast iron with coconut oil.
Cover the bottom, top, handle and every part of the skillet with the oil.
Wipe off the excess oil with a tea towel.
Place it upside down in a 450 degree oven for an hour.
Repeat until it has a black shiny luster, if necessary.
How to Cook with Cast Iron
The biggest key to successful cast iron cooking is preheating. Never drop food into a cold cast iron skillet. It will stick. It is also important to flip, and stir, as little as possible.
Best foods to cook in cast iron
Foods that are cooked in fat, or have a decent fat content in them are excellent for cast iron cooking. Bread items, like pancakes and English muffins cook nicely in cast iron. Meats, sautéed veggies, stir fry, fried eggs, fried potatoes and roasts are some of my favorites.
Foods that need to be steamed or boiled are not the best choice. I still like to make steamed carrots, broccoli and green beans in my stainless steel pots with a lid. Also, I prefer stainless steel for soups and stews.
There is a bit of a learning curve to cooking with cast iron, but once you get the hang of it you'll never go back! I promise.
How to clean a cast iron skillet
Cast iron is naturally nonstick when season properly. If nothing is sticking to the pan, you can simply wipe it out until the next use. If something gets really stuck on, remove it with a little water and a stainless steel scrubber. Use a tea towel to wipe off any excess water. The pan should be completely dry before putting it away.
Since I use my cast iron skillets so frequently, they sit out on my stove at all times. Because of this, I don't find it necessary to thoroughly clean them unless something is stuck on. The only reason I ever have to clean them out is if I cook something like ground beef or chicken . Some parts of the meat get stuck on the pan. Also, if I make cheesy eggs, or pizza, the cheese likes to stick.
When I make sourdough pancakes, or English muffins, little bits of batter get stuck on the outside edges, since they couldn't get close enough to the heat source to be preheated. I am able to wipe the bits of batter off with a dry tea towel, without a proper washing.
The two rules of cleaning cast iron are 1. Don't use soap. 2. Make sure every part of is dried thoroughly.
Side note* I never put my cast iron skillets directly on my quartz countertops. There always seems to be just a little bit of water, either on the skillet or the counter, and rust spots show up almost instantly.
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[@SuperAlicefaye]

I'm so encouraged to see young women using cast iron! You are making us Grandmothers really proud! By the way, if you do, by chance have someting that refuses to come out, try sprinkling some Kosher salt in it after everything has been wiped away with a paper towel. Just use that (or another) paper towel to scrub (like you were using Comet). You should be able to just rinse everything away. Then warm it up and add about a tablespoon of your favorite fat, wiping the remainder away. I hope the "salt tip" helps! Alice

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

Thank you!

[@abbyhollyn5691]

oh wonderful! I knew there was a reason I was using salt! I just asked above but I should have read through the comments first! Just curious, since you seem to know a lot about caring for cast iron... what might it be if I have "rough spots" on my skillets?? I see these skillets that look like an ice rink! my Dad has one like that.... mine work well.... mostly non stick... but the surface seems a bit uneven. The only thing I can think it would be is that something got burnt on so hard and I never fully got it off?? We live in an old home, with a gas stove top.... and uneven floors which seems irrelevant.... but I wonder if the slightly un-level stove causes my pans to heat unevenly..... and end up burning/scorching on one particular side...? It's an unsolved mystery in my kitchen... so just thought i'd ask! Regardless of their imperfections, I love my cast iron. I'd never use anything else!

[@rachelemarie741]

Is kosher salt different from regular table salt? Could I substitute kosher salt for Himalayan?

[@carolrodd4359]

Inspired to Health I read somewhere online that the cast iron pans before a certain had a difference in compositions, so the newer ones didn’t have the same appearance. I was wondering about mine as it wasn’t as smooth as a friends pan and I read that and I understood.

[@carlosdelaincera6709]

Thank you! Whew. I do this too and was starting to doubt myself. I have noticed that the pan I bought at a garage sale requires more invention when cleaning. I guess I need to re-season it. Thank you all for your insights. Found a flat antique one in garage sale. Does anyone know if it's supposed to be for frying eggs or grilled cheese. It's small.

[@gegeschannel8836]

Bought my first cast iron skillet with Green Stamps at 19 . now that I am 67, my skillet is still working great love it thanks to my Texas mom

[@NovelIdeaIndeed]

Oh, man! Green Stamps! Blast from my past also!

[@trina7274]

Aawwwwww!!!! S and W green stamps!! I’m 51 and Oh how I loved looking through the catalogue with my gran!!! We would look at that catalogue and talk for hours about all the neat things in there!! Such good memories!! 💕❤️🙏

[@dianadaniel3441]

I would adhere the green stamps to those pages, when I stayed with a beloved Aunt in Midland, Tx as a teen! Had so much fun, and good memories.

[@martibell9185]

I’ll never forget the time when i was like 10, I tried to be sweet and do my grandma’s dishes while she was out. I scrubbed and scrubbed her cast iron with dawn dish soap and got it so clean. I thought she would be so happy but SHE WAS SO MADDD. I never even touched it after that 😅

[@xyladawn1957]

Lol same here but with my Dads 😂

[@abdullahal-shimri3091]

Dawn is completely safe for cast iron. I use it all the time.

[@MaineGirlOutdoors]

@@abdullahal-shimri3091 It takes the seasoning off. Then you have to grease it constantly and food sticks to it.

[@ThoughtsBelow]

I’m impressed by how strong you are! You wave around those heavy cast iron pans like it’s nothing! Strong Mama!

[@EvaMarieK]

I love that you hold your baby while you do videos!

[@taylorswf23]

We’ve been married 3 years and I’ve “ruined” our cast iron skillet.. but no more! You’re giving me the confidence I need to restore it! 💪🏼👊🏼

[@angelicamendes6939]

Thank you so much for this video! I ruined my mom's brand new cast iron cornbread pan to the point where it was all orange with rust. I followed your care instructions and it's back to looking brand new again 🙈😁

[@divamoses]

And never once did she bonk baby with a pan! 😂 I probably would’ve had a mishap! ☺️

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

😂😂

[@23lbuss]

I was thinking the same thing! So impressive!

[@videofeen09]

#goals !!!

[@maryswift6014]

Ha ha I watched with teeth gritted at first then realized this mama is so used to waring that baby he is a part of her now! Matter of fact it looks to be quite a trick!

[@Carlie_flower]

@@maryswift6014 so I'm not the only one who had that nervous feeling at first 😅 she did a little whirly with a pan where she spun it in one hand and didn't bonk baby and I was like okay she's used to this 😂

[@rachelemarie741]

I seasoned my cast iron pan like you did in this video and I can FINALLY use it again! I made perfect crispy potatoes tonight and NOTHING stuck to the pan! Thank you so much! I have been having trouble with it for quite a while. 🙂

[@jessidavis220]

My doctor told me that cooking with a cast iron skillet is a great way to absorb iron since I'm borderline anemic. It's the only thing I use now. This was such a great informative video!!

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

Yes! I have heard that too!

[@ZanesFacebook]

If your skillet is well seasoned, you will not be imparting much iron into your food, if any. You don't cook on the iron. You cook on the "seasoning"

[@tanyalangille1278]

@@ZanesFacebook Yes, it is a slight myth, if people are seasoning them and thinking they're getting iron.

[@TRoth858]

I'm sure someone mention in your comments, which are many, that when seasoning in the oven, make sure you put them in upside down. That prevents any oils from puddleing up, and causing marks in the bottom. You are amazing with being able to handle your CI with your baby attached. Your CI must be really old, when CI was thinner and weighed less. Or you're such a wonder woman! I've watched a lot of videos abt CI, and yours is by far the best!

[@mindymiller3270]

Thank you for making everything so simple. I think it’s your mellow voice and you’re easy mannerism but it completely removes all of the intimidation. That is so helpful for young women, middle aged women and older women who have not been exposed to using and doing different things. ❤️👍🤩

[@lartpourlartana]

Your cooking videos and using cast iron intrigued me, because here in the Balkans (Southern Europe) they are not that common anymore. So, I found them, bought a tiny one, and a week later, bought the biggest one. They haven't left our stovetops ever since their arrival, and I have to thank you for inspiring me for more wholesome, easy, no-fuss methods for our household. :) Needless to say, our sourdough starter joined the family around the same time, and sourdough english muffins are basically always on our table. The only thing I add is a tablespoon of ground flaxseed, only because I got some left and didn't feel like making oatmeal. They are super-delicious. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@suzannefletcher7624]

OMG I love this girl, what a mum. I love everything she does.

[@wmatthews2847]

I always dry my cast iron on the stove. I can still hear my Mother say “no soap! dry on stove”! 😊

[@harpmyday]

What a great idea!

[@susanrobinson408]

Great tips! I've used cast iron for 55 years and your tutorial is the best ever!

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

Oh yay thanks!!

[@janefromthecountry1820]

Wow Lisa--- Quite a great compliment from the viewer using cast iron for 55 years! I just bought a cast iron pan and find your video really helful!♡

[@blancavillaalva3749]

How do you actually wash it if you need it to store it? Thanks!

[@detoxme9155]

That is so pleasant to see you holding the baby. you are creating a great bond with your son, blessings

[@horselady4375]

You shouldn't have a baby on you when you are cooking

[@cdh79]

great video, i just wanted to add that just like you wouldn't want to put a cold cast iron skillet on a hot stove, you wouldn't want to wash a hot skillet with cold water.. it's the temperature difference that can damage the iron, so when washing it's important to either always use warm water (and have the skillet still a bit warm), or when out camping and it's only possible to wash it in cold water, to ensure that the skillet has fully cooled down.. :)

[@jaimew.2145]

Yay!! I've been waiting for this!

[@mnx7244]

This video is so helpful, thank you!!!

[@peggyhartel2217]

Thanks! Very helpful information!

[@candacehartman5407]

This was really helpful. Thank you.

[@vintagepearlrodriguez6071]

Awesome tip my dear didn’t know that I’m glad I found this post you have a wonderful blessed day🙏👍😇

[@fil21100]

I really enjoy watching your videos, thanks.

[@deborahschaub2925]

“Found” your delightful very informative educational channel last night and i am SO glad that i did !!!!! I can’t wait to get more unrefined coconut oil so i can get my not so good cast iron skillets and Dutch oven back in working order using them once again. Then I can toss the very much undesirable nonstick items I’ve been using in the dumpster !!!!! Ive downloaded A LOT of your videos and will keep on watching. Always great to learn and relearn in at an older age in my 60’s. God bless you and keep you, Deb

[@thecools8394]

Such a helpful video!! Very cool!

[@krista1234monkeys]

I LOVE my cast iron skillets!!!

[@christinabrownujima]

Great video! Thanks so much for the info 😊

[@Anastasia.Spy.]

Thank you Lisa! 💕

[@briannayoung12]

My husband just got me our first cast iron skillet. This video was gold!! Thank you :)

[@FabsChambers]

Really good information and tips! You are adorable❤️

[@bobbikalmer8556]

Thank you for the great information. Excited to use my cast iron more

[@carmellegarcia7900]

Thank you so much for sharing. These are some really wonderful tips.

[@demielu347]

You mentioned buying a half, or whole (?), cow in a previous video. Would you talk more about that? I am interested in doing this for my family. Thanks.

[@georgeanacook7485]

great job of explaining seasoning, cooking and cleaning with cast iron.

[@SchoolALot]

Oh I love this video. I am excited to season my cast iron that had rusted a bit. I put it away and haven’t used it in a long while.

[@rrubio33]

we recently thrifted three cast iron skillets and I really appreciate this video, thank you!

[@RoamIntoYoga]

Just got my first cast iron skillet! Thanks for the tips.

[@TJ-kz1ul]

Oh I could give you a hug!!! I have wanted one of these frying pans for so long, and today I found one on sale for $20. I am like a kid at Christmas, so excited to use this thing =) Your video is so helpful, thank you so much!!

[@stnarud]

Thanks for the video!

[@andreababinski3349]

So so helpful!! Thank you!

[@tracyeast3397]

Thanks so much for the tips, I have been wanting to use a cast iron pan for years but was unsure of it!

[@RiverPlaid]

Right on point. I love cast iron.

[@mandopianoify]

Very helpful. Thank you. 💐

[@MoNATUREnique]

I use a Lodge scraper to get bits out but you covered it all! I love mine!

[@lilylebowsky5908]

Such an eye opener, thank you!

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

You're welcome, Lily!

[@louisekite1600]

So helpful.. been considering cast iron This has definitely made me feel confident to make the change

[@elizabethcabrera5718]

Thank you Lisa this was very helpful 😍

[@happyone444able]

Such a great and helpful video! I use my one large skillet so often, recently I even made a great batch of brownies with jovival flour and they turned out so good! Really enjoy your channel!! Thanks for doing what you do!

[@lauraacheson7281]

This is a great video! I've been using these for years several times a day. Thank you for confirming several things for me and also giving me some new ideas!

[@janes111]

I have been using ours allot lately and I never knew the secret of preheating 😉 Thanks for the tip!

[@kristinecomstock6710]

Love this video! And I love that you use Kerrygold butter too! 😍 So yummy!

[@louiseherbst6017]

Best help, I had questions, you covered it all, Thank you.!!!

[@junipergreene2467]

Best part is the baby dance! Strong arms to handle so much!

[@littlequickfire3296]

I have been so timid to use a cast iron skillet. I wasn't sure at all how to use one, definitely gonna give it a try now. Thanks~

[@diannalynnYT]

You have inspired me to keep my cast iron out and use daily. I have some amazing cast iron that I use once in a blue moon. I don't know why. They will now stay on the stove. I just started my sourdough starter two days ago following your instructions, and I'm looking forward to utilizing my cast iron for so many of your amazing recipes. I've always done pancakes on the electric skillet, now will switch over to cast iron this weekend!

[@stephennicholas]

I am new to cast iron cooking, and I really enjoy it. Your video was extremely helpful and informative. Thank you!

[@dawngranquist8250]

Loved this video, and love my cast iron cookware!

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

thank you!!

[@janbeard494]

Great info 👍

[@1959dixie]

Loved this video. I love my cast iron also. I got both my boys cast iron skillets for Christmas. I even told them to go to your you tube channel and watch ur fried tater video. Gotta teach them the ole timey but the good and right way to cook. Love ur videos

[@TravelandTech101]

First cast iron timer - brilliant video, providing all you need to know as an introduction to cast iron cooking! Thank you 🙏

[@christinadimattina2535]

Thanks for sharing the joy of cast iron cookware Lisa. My pan is 40 years old and I also have my Mums gem irons which I still use and they are over 70 years old.

[@judymcintire8061]

Great information! Time to start using my cast iron pans!🤗

[@chaank1069]

So happy to have found your channel. Superb advice and love your style.

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

Thank you!

[@shelbysuntrup9535]

I love cooking with cast iron and stainless steel! Great video.

[@cattymeowpuss]

I love your channel. YOU ARE SO INSPIRING. Maureen from the UK

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

Maureen McKenzie thank you so very much!!

[@JessicaMillerNashville]

Thank you for sharing this! You sold me on these cast iron skillets! Not so afraid to try it now that you've explained everything so thoroughly!

[@patursitti8297]

You inspired me to buy some cast iron skillets and coconut oil. Love your videos. Thank you.

[@jodireed2126]

Just yesterday I was looking to see if you have a cast iron video. I have one cast iron pan and will definitely use your tips to care for it. I need to check the local thrift stores for more pans. I would like to get a large pan.

[@joannjacquin4983]

Great information....thanks for sharing, Lisa! I sometimes use coarse salt and a nylon cleaning pad to scrub off anything that may have stuck on. It seems to work well also.

[@daniellehuddleston1931]

So helpful! Thanks! I have some cast iron that I keep wanting to use and I did season it but it makes me nervous to use it! I will have to give it a try!

[@deborah7121]

You make me want to get my cast iron out and use it. I purchased a Griswold, years ago in really rough shape, that is pitted. I've come to the conclusion that it probably was not a good buy. Love your videos. Thanks for sharing!

[@normalopezingle7732]

I had to watch this again to refresh my memory. 😊 I have also heard using salt to clean them.

[@lisamedeiros7581]

Thank you for such a great viedo and covering everything about cast iron pans. I always enjoy your viedos but super enjoyable seeing your sweet baby

[@lenormerod2112]

You are the greatest. I have spent hours looking up how to use my Lodge cast iron pans. You have simplified it for me and I will follow your great advice.

[@jolynnpuente347]

Great channel! I just found you recently. I spent my younger years in a real farmhouse at my grandmothers in the Appalachian mountains of northern Georgia. She cooked on an old cast iron wood burning stove. Anyway, there's nothing better to make cornbread in than a cast iron pan. You can also roll up a ball of aluminum foil to scrub your pan as well.

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

JoLynn Puente ooh yum!!

[@summersez1673]

I've used cast iron for 35 years now and I have always used a ball of aluminum foil to scrub them if there is something really stuck on there. That's a great tip that many don't know about.

[@rebeccah8075]

Thank you so much, this was so informative. I live in France and I always see cast iron pots and pans in yard sales, but I never got them because I worried about sticking. I'm going to pick one up next time!

[@jancoenwierda3662]

Very good and usefull video. Thank you.

[@bedi09]

This is one your first videos I watched and have been hooked for last 4 years.

[@afolsom685]

Brilliant!

[@yolandalopez8117]

I love my skillets!!! I have a few different sizes. I’ve gifted them to my oldest after I’m not able to use them ..

[@rlwalker2]

I'm glad you mentioned "seasoning" in a later video. I searched it, located it and found it to be VERY educational. My Dutch oven needs to be reseasoned which will probably eliminate the sticking I'm getting with my bread. Thanks for doing this video. Oh, I do use soap and water for cleaning. I'll see how long the new seasoning lasts before I have to repeat.

[@finehowareyou]

Tallow is a great fat to use if you are going to reuse it. Great video! Thank you!!

[@sarahgraber1840]

Thank you for the video! I received a Lodge cast iron pan for Christmas and the instructions that came with it said it can be used indoors in the oven, or on electric, gas, glass or induction stove tops. It can also be used outside over the campfire. It cannot be used in the microwave. Don't slide it on a glass surface, pick it up and it shouldn't scratch. Do not put in the dishwasher. You can use any utensil on it, even metal. Heat and cool your pan gradually when using. Just thought this might be helpful!

[@94celaya]

Love your videos

[@FlapjackR]

I LOVE that you said "tricked" despite not really wanting to. It is so important not to sugar coat the manipulation we have been subjected to regarding good food. ❤

[@mathildalegacy6758]

This video was awesome! It inspired me to re-season my cast iron pans the next day. Love your channel!

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

Thank you so much!

[@juliamckernan354]

I am switching over to cast iron based on your video! I have never felt educated and confident for the switch until now. Thank you!

[@joannasmith4793]

I have been using olive oil . Thank you for all the tips !

[@jgio832]

I’ve just started my knowledge in Cast Iron pans, I really like the old fashion way to clean them with water and then salt and vinegar, it means less soap into the enviroment too. I like the idea to use the cooking oil from the previous meal and to transfer the pan into the oven! 👍🏻

[@TheKnallkorper]

I’m about to get a cast iron pan or two so this is so helpful

[@anna-katharinaknall7076]

Hi Lisa I just found your Channel You are a fantastic Young mum with so much wisdom ,I See your Video now all morning your are so inspering .God Bless You 😘G Greatings from Germany 🤗

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

Hi Anna! Thank you so much!

[@jaimew.2145]

I'm on a mission right now to get mine reseasoned!! My husband will be happy. We have his grandmothers cast iron and haven't used due to rust. Thanks a bunch!!

[@whoohoo7]

My grandmother and my mother used cast iron skillets . Now I use them I really like cooking with them.

[@williampollock7890]

Loved the video ...Subscribed

[@kcconaty5270]

Thank you 😊

[@shellybucci3196]

Thank you, I loved the video, I just picked up a cast iron biscuit pan from a thrift store today and have 2 brand new pans. I have been wanting to start to use cast iron and you have helped me to know what to do with the pans. I appreciate your videos that you make and enjoy watching them.

[@stlcopgirl]

Shelly Bucci how much is too much to spend on cast iron at antique or thrift stores? I saw some 10 in for $15 but the Walmart brand for 10in is $7. I don’t want to spend too much but I don’t want to buy junk either. Thanks

[@michellesoomro7946]

Thanks for the preheating info. I think that’s the part I didn’t do well enough. My pans came out of Harvey unscathed which is more than I can say for all my electric appliances and gadgets.

[@tasst2674]

Super helpful. Considering a lodge Dutch oven. Big expense, but I like how the lid can be a frying pan. Thanks!

[@debrajenkins930]

Lisa, Thanks for the info. If something does stick my Mom used to put water and a little dish soap in the skillet, and let it come to a boil, over med hear. It will wash right out.