A cast iron skillet is a versatile and essential tool in any kitchen. Whether you use it for frying, baking, or even grilling, a well-seasoned cast iron skillet can provide unbeatable results. But before you can start cooking with your cast iron skillet, it is important to properly pre-season it. Pre-seasoning creates a layer of polymerized oil on the surface of the skillet, making it non-stick and preventing rust. In this article, we will guide you through the process of pre-seasoning a cast iron skillet, so you can enjoy cooking with it for years to come. The first step in pre-seasoning your cast iron skillet is to wash it thoroughly. Many people believe that cast iron skillets should never be washed with soap, but this is a misconception. It is perfectly fine to wash your skillet with warm soapy water, as long as you dry it thoroughly afterwards. Use a sponge or a brush to remove any food particles or rust from the surface of the skillet. Once the skillet is clean, rinse it with warm water and pat it dry with a clean towel. Next, it is time to apply a thin layer of oil to the skillet. Traditionally, people use vegetable oil or canola oil for seasoning cast iron skillets. However, any type of oil with a high smoke point will work. Heat the skillet on the stove over medium heat until it is hot. You can test the heat by dropping a few drops of water into the skillet - if they sizzle and evaporate quickly, the skillet is ready. Once the skillet is hot, pour a small amount of oil into it and use a paper towel to spread it evenly across the entire surface, including the sides and the handle. Be careful not to use too much oil, as it can create a sticky residue on the skillet. Once the skillet is evenly coated, turn off the heat and let it cool completely. After the skillet has cooled down, you can repeat the seasoning process. Some people recommend seasoning the skillet multiple times to achieve a better seasoning. If you choose to do this, simply repeat the steps of heating the skillet, applying a thin layer of oil, and letting it cool between each seasoning. Each time you season the skillet, it will become more non-stick and durable. Once you have pre-seasoned your cast iron skillet, you can start cooking with it. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to maintain the seasoning. Avoid using soap or harsh scrubbing pads when cleaning the skillet, as this can remove the seasoning. Instead, use a soft sponge or a brush and warm water to clean the skillet. If there are stubborn food particles, you can also use a bit of kosher salt to scrub the skillet gently. After cleaning, make sure to dry the skillet thoroughly to prevent rusting. Finally, after each use, it is recommended to apply a thin layer of oil to the skillet to maintain the seasoning. This can be done by simply rubbing a small amount of oil onto the surface with a paper towel. In conclusion, pre-seasoning a cast iron skillet is vital to its performance and longevity. By following these steps, you can ensure that your cast iron skillet is properly seasoned and ready for cooking. Remember to clean and dry the skillet thoroughly before applying a thin layer of oil, and repeat the process if desired. With proper care and maintenance, your cast iron skillet will become a cherished kitchen companion that will last for generations.

How to make cast iron pan pizza

Cast iron Skillet-Cooked Mixed-Berry Bread

A great nonstick pan will make your life easier in the kitchen whether you're a professional or a beginner. They're typically lighter weight than stainless steel and cast iron, can be used with less oil and are overall easier to clean.In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, we've tested more than 100 cookware sets since 2015. Below are our favorite nonstick cookware sets, including top-tested picks and editor favorites.When shopping for nonstick cookware, keep in mind that there are two main types to consider: traditional nonstick and ceramic nonstick. While the body of each can be made from any common cookware material like aluminum or stainless steel, their coating is what makes them nonstick. Traditional nonstick cookware is often made with PTFE, also known as Teflon, while ceramic nonstick cookware can either be made with a ceramic coating or glaze. Traditional nonstick is often more nonstick than its ceramic counterpart and tends to last a bit longer. Some people prefer ceramic because it's not usually made with the same chemicals as traditional nonstick cookware.After reading through our recommendations, read on for how we evaluate nonstick cookware — plus everything you need to know to shop and care for your perfect nonstick pots and pans. Looking to invest in more state-of-the-art pans? Check our guides to the best egg pans and best copper cookware sets, as well as the best bakeware sets and camping cookware sets if you want even more variety in your collection.

It’s been said that the kitchen is the heart of the home because it’s often food that brings people together. Great food begins with great cookware, and nonstick cookware, known for being easy to use and easy to clean, is always a great choice. Nonstick cookware allows for healthier cooking with less oil and evenly distributes heat to ensure that food is cooked uniformly throughout.For the home cook, choosing a new cookware set is no small decision, and with so many options available, it can be challenging to narrow down the search. Our list of the best nonstick cookware sets features brands that cater to home cooks and professional chefs alike and are well suited to nearly any budget. After all, if the kitchen is the heart of the home, show it some love with high-quality nonstick cookware.

This story is part of 12 Days of Tips, helping you make the most of your tech, home and health during the holiday season.Cleaning cast-iron cookware requires a different technique than washing nonstick or stainless steel pans. Cast iron is tough and able to withstand scorching heat, the trash of metal utensils and years of banging around an oven range or grill top, but this rugged cookware material has a sensitive side. Along with seasoning your cast-iron pan, cleaning it properly will ensure it has a long and productive life.Whatever you do, resist the urge to soak your dirty cast iron or run it through the dishwasher. For really stuck-on bits, a simple pantry staple will have your skillet looking better than new. Give up? It's salt.

Cleaning and seasoning cast iron can be intimidating. There is a common misconception that cast iron is delicate and easy to mess-up. The reality could not be further from the truth. Humans have been cooking on cast iron for centuries. Its durability and utility have made it a staple in kitchens around the world, from traditional Asia cooking culture to New York steak houses. After learning these simple steps to clean your cast iron skillet, you’ll be ready to tackle any meal or mess!

Noel Christmas spent 12 years as a professional cook and another 10 years as a food writer for Allrecipes.com, turning professional techniques and recipes into approachable household standards.Cleaning a cast iron pan is easy! No dishwashers! A clean, well seasoned creates a rust resistant, nonstick surface. Properly cared for, this durable skillet will just keep getting better with age. Here's how to take care of a cast iron skillet.

Seasoning refers to the hard, practically nonstick surface coating your cast iron pan. Most cast iron skillets these days come pre-seasoned, meaning they’re ready for cooking on as soon as you take them out of the box. However, over time, the seasoning erodes, and you’ll need to re-apply it by brushing the skillet with a thin layer of neutral oil and heating it until the oil bonds to the metal. You’ll know the seasoning has eroded when the surface looks dry and patchy in spots, but it’s a good practice to season your skillet every so often before the seasoning starts to break down.

With each use, your cast iron cookware will slowly develop a deep, dark patina that indicates a well-seasoned skillet. While food grease builds flavor and acts as a natural non-stick surface, it's still important to regularly clean your cast iron skillet — or else the flavor may turn rancid. "Clean cookware after every use, so food bits don't build up and cause burning, hot spots or sticking," says Nicole Papantoniou, director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab."No one wants to cook in a dirty pan," adds Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab. "Your cast iron skillet should be washed after every use, but never soaked in the sink or put in the dishwasher." To help you care for your cookware without damaging it, we're sharing how to clean a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven — including techniques using coarse salt and dish soap. Keep scrolling for some helpful cleaning pointers, and find out tips for re-seasoning.

Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner is a writer and recipe developer. She's a regular contributor to The New York Times, Time Out New York, Forbes, and many more publications. She also writes the food newsletter, Specialty.REAL SIMPLE'S EDITORIAL GUIDELINESKnowing how to season and clean a cast-iron skillet could help it last for years, even generations. Traditional cast-iron skillets don't emerge from the box with a non-stick surface. Not surprisingly, unlike other types of skillets, a cast-iron skillet isn't ideal for people who embrace the set-aside-to-soak strategy—they're better off with ceramic or stainless steel frying pans. And, even if cast iron is induction compatible, you may want to get a more maintenance-free induction cookware set if you don't want to deal with seasoning.

This story is part of 12 Days of Tips, helping you make the most of your tech, home and health during the holiday season.Cleaning cast-iron cookware requires a different technique than washing nonstick or stainless steel pans. Cast iron is tough and able to withstand scorching heat, the trash of metal utensils and years of banging around an oven range or grill top, but this rugged cookware material has a sensitive side. Along with seasoning your cast-iron pan, cleaning it properly will ensure it has a long and productive life.Whatever you do, resist the urge to soak your dirty cast iron or run it through the dishwasher. For really stuck-on bits, a simple pantry staple will have your skillet looking better than new. Give up? It's salt.

If you own a cast-iron skillet, you know that cleaning it properly is important. Cast-iron pans need to be seasoned and can rust easily if the seasoning—the protective layer that makes it nonstick—is damaged. The good news? If you know how to care for yours, a cast-iron skillet will last a lifetime—and it'll continue to get better with age. Here's how to clean and properly season your cast-iron skillet.

Make Cast Iron Pan Version of Spa Chicken Wings

make cheese-fried chicken steak in a cast iron pan

A nonstick pan is the best tool for cooking fluffy omelets, golden pancakes, and delicate fish fillets—without the risk of food sticking to the bottom. After cooking many dozens of eggs in more than 25 pans since 2016, we still think the Tramontina Professional 10-Inch Restaurant Fry Pan offers the best value for the money. With good heat distribution and excellent maneuverability, it often outperforms pans that are more than triple the price.

To find the best frying pans on the market, we asked chefs, food writers, and cookware professionals for their thoughts, and then put the standout items to the test in The Telegraph kitchen.

There are no distinguishable differences between skillets and frying pans. The only difference is the name of the cooking device. Pan is a general term given to a variety of cooking vessels. With that, a frying pan is a shallow cooking vessel used to fry up foods.

t should be said up top: Skillets is a broad category. There are, after all, several types — cast iron, enameled cast iron, carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, and nonstick, most of which I use on a weekly (if not daily) basis to cook well and efficiently.

cornbread made by cast iron pan