How Best to use a Cast Iron Skillet

by Bill Ruhsam

Skillets are a type of cast iron cookware, shaped like a frying pan. They are ideal for frying because of the way the heat is evenly distributed throughout. However unlike a standard frying pan, skillets are made of cast iron and as such, they’re an effective and sought after piece of cookware.

So what is the best way to use a cast iron skillet?

Well first of all you need to make sure that you handle the skillet with care. They’re very heavy and you should make sure you’ve a firm grip when you lift them, otherwise you could end up dropping the skillet causing damage to the cookware itself or the kitchen surface or floor.

This is also applicable when the skillet has been heating up on a stove or hob. As this cookware is made of cast iron throughout, it means that the heat is evenly distributed, even to the handle. This is a big difference between a skillet and a standard frying pan, which has a heat protected handle. Therefore when a skillet has been heated up, it is imperative that you use oven gloves or heat protected gloves to lift this piece of cast iron cookware.

Now when you purchase a new skillet you also need to make sure that you developed a layer known as ‘seasoning’. This basically prevents the cast iron from rusting, which it’s susceptible to because of its high carbon content and thus vulnerability to rusting. Some newly purchased skillets come pre seasoned, but it’s good to get into the habit of treating the skillet after use, especially if it’s going into storage for a while.

After you’ve used the pan, it’s important to clean the skillet with hot water and minimal washing up liquid. Do not apply soap straight onto the pan because it can get trapped between the crevices and can cause a bad taste to future foods that are cooked on it. Simply wipe the skillet clean, do not scrub or scrape. Therefore it‘s important to clean straight after usage and not leave foods to fester and stick.  

To re-season after usage, you must first make sure it’s completely dry after you have washed it. Then grease the inside of the pan, just as you would on a baking tray. To do this you can use a generous amount of oil or cooking grease. Pre heat your oven to at least 170 degree Celsius and place either another baking tray or cooking sheet on the lowest rack of the oven (this is to catch the excess drips from the skillet). Simply place the skillet upside down on the top shelf of the oven and wait for an hour. The point of this is to literally bake the oil and grease into the pores of its cooking surface.

Once the hour has elapsed, simply take out and leave to cool; then you can store away. It’s good to get into the habit of re-seasoning after use, as this will build up a healthy non-stick coating and prevent the skillet from rusting or corroding.