Cast Iron Care

How is cast iron produced?

Cast iron is produced in a sand-cast process.
Sand moulds are made under extreme pressure so that the shapes are controlled and precise. The metals are then carefully selected an tested, as well as strong controls on the components of sand and clay.
The moulds are pressed into the sand, then molten iron is poured into it's cavity. Once cooled, the mould is broken apart and the cooled iron casting is moved along the production line.
The casting is then sand blasted to remove chunks and smooth the surface, and then each piece is inspected for it's wall thickness, balance, and overall shape.
Once complete, the sand is recycled back into the system, and any pieces of iron that do not pass quality inspection are also recycled back into he system and melted down.
All of the pieces that have passed inspection, are then ready to be [re-seasoned.

Pre-Seasoning

Most cast iron cookware is pre-seasoned for your convenience. During manufacturing, a controlled spray system coats the entire surface with a vegetable oil mix and the cookware is then placed in an oven at 450°C to treat it. This ensures the superior coating soaks through the porous surface resulting in a rich, deep finish.

Initial Use of new Cast Iron Cookware

• Rinse the cast iron cookware in warm water and dry well.
  You can place the cookware in a warm oven for 15 minutes to ensure it has dried thoroughly.
• It is preferable to use cast iron over a low heat as cast iron cooking diffuses heat perfectly.
• Overheating may damage the cast iron which can cause the contents to stick.
• Do not touch the cast surface with any sharp or metal objects. (it shouldn't need to be said, but also don't touch with bare hands as it will be hot)
• Pre=heat the cookware for five minutes at low heat before then increasing the temperature.

Cast Iron Maintenance

Cleaning

• Firstly, let cast iron cool down to a warm temperature.
• Wipe any remaining food off the cookware.
• Place hot water on the cast iron cookware and bring to the boil for about five minutes.
• Remove boiling water and wipe dry with a paper towel.
• While the cookware is still warm, apply a thin coating of oil all over. (any cooking oil will do
• Place the cookware over heat, or in a hot oven for approximately 30 minutes to protect and maintain the rich black finish.
  Note: if your cast iron cookware is pre-seasoned this step is not needed until you notice the coating starting to lose its deep rich finish.
• Once cooled, place in a cool, dry location. If storing with a lid, place paper towel or old newspaper between the lid and the base to allow air circulation.

What NOT to do

• DO NOT use detergent on your cookware.
• DO NOT place a hot cast iron product in cold water. It may cause the product to warp or crack.
• DO NOT use metal objects on the surface.
• DO NOT use abrasive scrubs or cleaners.
• DO NOT immerse in cold water whilst hot. This will cause the cast to crack.
  Should you need to loosen leftover food, place hot water over the area as this will loosen the residue from the cast iron.

Removing Rust from Cast Iron

If you notice rust appearing on your cast iron cookware, or you notice a metallic taste, then you will need to re-season your cast iron cookware to repair the surface and return it back to its rich black finish.
Below is a simple process of absorbing oil back into its porous surface to protect and provide a non-stick coating.

Cast-Iron Seasoning Steps

• Scour off any rust.
  If you have quite a bit of rust, fill with water, bring to the boil, and simmer for about 20 minutes. Then remove the hot water and let the cookware cool down. Now scour off the rust again.
• Pre-heat oven to approximately 200°C or heat up an outside grill.
• Wash cast iron cookware with hot water and a stiff brush, then repeat.
• Rinse and dry.
• Apply warm oil (melted vegetable shortening or lard) over the entire product with either a clean lint free cloth or quality paper towel.
• Remove excess oil as it will only flake off.
• Place upside down on an outside grill (to cut down smoke in the house) OR you can place in a pre-heated oven. (line the oven with foil to catch any excess oil)
• Leave for one hour and allow to cool when done.
• Apply another coat of oil and re-heat once more for an additional hour.
• You should have a good hard black surface by now.