1. What are the benefits of cooking with cast iron cookware?
Cast Iron cookware provides you with great heat distribution, which is ideal for complete control while cooking. Cast iron pots and skillets are also very easy to clean and provide a non-stick surface to cook on. This cookware is strong and durable, making it capable of outlasting other brands. Cast Iron is also easy to recycle. In addition you will find that our prices will beat any others on the internet.
2. Do I need to season or "burn" cast iron cookware before I use it?
Most of our cast iron cookware can be purchased pre-seasoned. Pre-seasoned cookware does not require any treatment before use. If you choose to season your cookware yourself, directions will be provided to you with your cookware. We recommend that the first dishes prepared in your new cast iron cookware be high fat foods like bacon to help make your skillets and pots more non-stick.
1. Wash with hot, soapy water and a stiff brush. Rinse and dry completely.
2. Oil the cookware (inside and out) with MELTED solid vegetable shortening.
3. Turn upside down on the top rack of a 350°F pre-heated oven.
4. Put aluminum foil on the bottom rack to catch any excess drippings.
5. Bake the cookware for one hour at 350°F.
6. Let the cookware cool slowly in the oven.
7. Store, uncovered, in a dry place when cooled.
3. Is cast iron easy to clean?
Cleaning cast iron can be just as easy as any other cookware. It is best to begin cleaning the cast iron while the pot is still hot. Wash the pot out with hot water and scrape out any remaining food. After thoroughly cleaning your cookware, place it on a stove or in an oven until visible moisture is gone.
4. Will cast iron cookware rust?
While it is possible for your cookware to rust, simple basic care for the cookware will prevent this. After washing your cookware dry it with a towel and place it on the stove or in the oven until there is no visible moisture remaining. You should also avoid storing your cookware in very humid or moist area. In addition, never use the dishwasher to clean your cast iron products. If you follow these simple steps your cast iron cookware will not rust.
5. Where is the cookware manufactured?
While some of our products including Lodge's cast iron are produced here in the United States, most of our cookware products are imported from various countries.
6. Why do some of your pots look rusty?
Our early photographs were taken of unseasoned cast iron. Because the cast iron cookware had not yet been seasoned the pots gave off a rust-colored tint when photographed. The pots are not actually rusted, and all of our cookware is new. We are in the process of updating the images with darker pre-seasoned images.
7. Why does my food have a metallic taste?
If your food gets a metallic taste, or food turns "black", it means one of two things are wrong. Either your cast iron has not been sufficiently seasoned, or you are leaving the food in the pot after it has been cooked. Cast iron utensils are NOT to be used as storage vessels. Remove food from the cast iron cookware as soon as it is cooked. Always clean your utensils immediately with boiling hot water and brush. Some acidic foods like those containing tomato's draw out more iron which may be noticeable to taste.