The good news is that seasoning a cast iron skillet is quick and easy, and all it takes is a few household products. That means you may already have everything you need in your kitchen cabinets. If you’re new to seasoning, don’t worry — here we breakdown exactly what you need to do step-by-step and answer any questions you may have along the way. Here’s how to season a cast iron skillet.  Sponge or stiff brush Cooking oil Dry cloth or paper towels Aluminium foil You can look at our guide on the best cast iron skillets if you are looking at buying one. And you’ll also need one of the best cutting boards for fuss-free preparation.

How to season a cast iron skillet

  1. Preheat your oven — First you need to preheat your oven at a temperature of 350°F in preparation for your seasoned skillet.  
  2. Add a little oil and rub in to coat — Next up, get your chosen oil and pour a tablespoon or two into the skillet. Be mindful not to pour too much, as you’ll only need a thin coat of oil to season.  Then with a clean dry cloth or a paper towel, rub the oil around to coat the entire skillet. Once you’ve oiled the inside, don’t forget to do the same for the outside and the bottom of the skillet.   
  3. Put the skillet in the oven to bake — The key is to place the skillet upside down on the center shelf of the oven to bake for an hour (yes, one hour). It’s always a good idea to place aluminium foil just underneath it, to catch any drips of oil. In any case, you can always read our tips for how to clean an oven to keep it grease-free and spotless. 
  4. Let the skillet cool down before storing — Once your skillet is baked, leave it to completely cool down before taking it out of the oven. You should notice a smooth, shiny surface on your skillet, meaning it’s ready to go for your next cooking session! Before storing in your cupboard, it’s recommended to line the skillet with a paper towel to give it extra protection from rust. But you can eliminate this with proper care if you follow our steps on how to clean your skillet and remove rust.  

More tips when seasoning your cast iron skillet 

What oil should I use to season my skillet? — Generally, you can use any oil in your cupboard. However, vegetable oil, melted butter or canola oil are popular choices. Remember there’s no need to use your best premium brand for seasoning!  How often should I season my skillet? — To get the best out of your cast iron skillet, it’s recommended that you oil it after each use. However, depending on how frequently you use it, 2-3 times a year is sufficient. How can I tell when my skillet is seasoned properly? — A well-seasoned skillet will be noticeably dark with a shiny, semi-gloss finish. Best of all, it won’t have any rusty patches and will look revived again!   How to season a cast iron skillet and how often you should do it - 45How to season a cast iron skillet and how often you should do it - 37How to season a cast iron skillet and how often you should do it - 80How to season a cast iron skillet and how often you should do it - 35How to season a cast iron skillet and how often you should do it - 79How to season a cast iron skillet and how often you should do it - 47How to season a cast iron skillet and how often you should do it - 36How to season a cast iron skillet and how often you should do it - 93