Why does nobody mention how long it takes to break in a new cast iron pan?

I used to think people were exaggerating about the seasoning process, but yesterday I spent 2 hours just trying to get an even layer on my skillet. It took 4 rounds of oiling and baking before it stopped sticking to eggs.

2 comments

2 Comments

caseyw121d ago

Oh man, you're totally right but I gotta push back a little on the 2 hour thing. Actually theres a common mistake people make where they think you need to do a bunch of rounds of seasoning all at once. The real trick is just cook with it a lot, the seasoning builds up naturally over time from normal use. I only did one base layer of oil in the oven when I got mine, then just started using it for bacon and searing meat. After maybe 2 weeks of regular cooking the eggs stopped sticking completely. That marathon seasoning session probably was overkill, the pan just needs patience and fat from cooking rather than forcing it with oven cycles.

spencer_johnson2213h ago

Blame @caseyw12 next time your eggs stick, just tell them your pan's still in its "training arc" and needs more bacon reps before it levels up.