Looking for that unbeatable, smoky flavour? Or craving crispy textures when you sear? A pan that only gets better with age? You’ll want to grab yourself a cast iron pan — the must-have tool for every home chef and one that's built to last for generations. At Sauté, we believe in the timeless appeal of cast iron, and we’re here to show you how to care for yours so it’ll serve you (and your family) for years to come.
Why Cast Iron Is So Worth It
When it comes to durability and versatility, nothing beats cast iron. It’s the kind of pan that some families pass down as heirlooms. However, to keep it in top condition, proper care is key. Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered with a simple guide to help you maintain your cast iron cookware and keep it performing at its best.
Keep It Seasoned
Buying a pre-seasoned cast iron is the quickest way to get cooking, but if yours wasn’t pre-seasoned, don’t stress. Seasoning is one of the unique aspects of cast iron and an essential part of its upkeep. It only takes one solid seasoning to ensure your pan lasts for decades.
Here’s how to season your cast iron:
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Scrub it with hot, soapy water and rinse it thoroughly with warm water.
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Dry the pan completely using a cotton or paper towel immediately after rinsing.
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Cover the pan in a thin layer of vegetable oil or flaxseed oil.
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Place the pan upside down on the middle oven rack (don’t forget to put foil underneath to catch any drips).
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Bake at 190°C (375°F) for one hour.
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If any spots seem dry after it cools, repeat the process until they’re covered.
Clean It Properly
You don’t need fancy cleaners to take care of your cast iron, but routine maintenance is essential to prevent rust. After cooking, always clean your pan while it's still hot.
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Pour room-temperature water into the pan and heat it over medium heat (if it’s cooled, warm it up before adding water).
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Let the sizzling water break down any leftover food or sauce.
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Use a spatula or scraper to remove any stubborn bits.
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Dump the dirty water and dry your pan thoroughly with paper towels or a cloth.
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If needed, apply a bit of oil to keep the surface glossy, not dry.
If there are any particularly stubborn bits of food, reach for kosher salt:
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Pour about 1 cup of coarse kosher salt into the warm pan.
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Use a folded kitchen towel to scour the surface gently.
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Discard the salt and rinse with hot water.
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Dry immediately with a towel or heat the pan on a low flame to evaporate any remaining moisture.
Use It Regularly
Cast iron thrives with regular use. The more you use it, the better it performs. Its naturally oily surface helps prevent rust while enhancing the non-stick properties and adding a rich flavour to whatever you’re cooking. If you let it sit too long without use, the oil can become rancid, leading to an unpleasant smell.
What Not to Do With Your Cast Iron
To keep your cast iron in top condition, there are a few things to avoid:
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Don’t leave your cast iron wet or soak it in water.
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Avoid letting it dry out completely.
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Never use high heat on the stovetop, as this can damage the pan.
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Don’t shock the metal with sudden temperature changes (e.g., going from too hot to too cold), as this can cause cracking.
Sauté's Top Tip
When you buy from Sauté, you're investing in cookware that not only delivers exceptional performance but is also crafted with care for longevity. Keeping it properly maintained ensures you’ll get years of joy from your cast iron, whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner or perfecting your signature dish.
A Final Word
With the right care, cast iron cookware from Sauté can last a lifetime—and even improve with age. The key is consistency in seasoning, cleaning, and using it regularly. So don’t let your cast iron sit around gathering dust. Use it, maintain it, and it’ll serve you well for years to come.