CARE GUIDE

Daily Cleaning and Care For Your Cast Iron

✔️ USE IT OFTEN
The more you use it, the better your pan will cook and stay in good condition. Grandma's seasoning wasn't built up in a day, your's won't either.
✔️ CLEAN IT IMMEDIATELY
Follow the instructions provided below to properly clean your pan. It should always be cleaned immediately after use and not allowed to soak in the sink or sit around. Soap is 100% safe since modern dish soap doesn't contain lye. You won't always need it, but it's going to come in handy after some sticky meals. Never store food in your iron in the fridge. Not only will everything will take on a metallic taste, but your seasoning will be damaged.
✔️ STORE IT
When not cooking, keep your pan in a cool dry place. If you have a lid, store them apart so air and moisture won't get trapped inside. A pan or a lid rack are great choices, so are hanging racks as long as they are installed properly.
✔️ USE IT EVERYWHERE
You can use cast iron on any stove type you have: gas, electric coil, glass top (be careful to not slam it around), induction, or any other type there is. It can go in the oven, onto your gas, propane, or electric bbq grill, into the smoker or over a camp fire. Cast iron is the most adaptable tool of the kitchen.
✔️ COOK LOW AND SLOW
Cast iron should never go above medium-ish heat, especially on your stove top. You will want to let it come up to cooking temperature slowly. Assuming you stove goes up to a 10, start pan at a 2 or 3 for 10 minutes then increase to 4 or 5 for another 10 minutes. Now is the time to add the oil to the pan. High direct heat can warp your pan or burn off your seasoning. Remember, "heat, oil, cook" and your patience will be rewarded.
✔️ COOK WITH OIL
...or butter, or Pam, or bacon grease, or SOMETHING. Your skillet has an amazing near-non-stick finish, but some cooking oil will be required. There is no need to flood your pan with oil, unless you are frying, of course. A small amount will get the job done. Be aware of the smoke point of whatever oil you are using so the smoke alarms don't sing you a song.
✔️ BE CAREFUL
This can mean a lot of different things.  Don't slam your pan around the kitchen. Even though iron is strong, it can still crack or break (and so can your stove!). If you do accidentally drop your pan, LET IT FALL and jump out of the way. Just like a knife, if you try to catch it, especially while it's hot, you will more than likely burn yourself or break a finger or toe. It is way cheaper to buy a new pan if it breaks than a hospital bill.
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