How to Season Your Imarku Cast Iron Cookware: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Cast iron cookware is an essential tool for every kitchen, and the Imarku Cast Iron Pots and Pans Set is no exception. Known for its durability, excellent heat retention, and versatility, cast iron requires proper seasoning to maintain its non-stick surface and prevent rust. Whether you're working with the Imarku 3-piece set or just a single skillet, seasoning your cast iron cookware is crucial to getting the best performance from it.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire seasoning process, answer common questions, and provide tips to ensure your cookware lasts for years. Let's dive in!

Why You Should Season Your Imarku Cast Iron Cookware?

While the Imarku Cast Iron Cookware Set comes pre-seasoned, it’s still a good idea to season it again before your first use. Doing so helps strengthen the protective layer, ensuring your cast iron performs at its best and lasts for generations.

Seasoning your cast iron creates a non-stick surface and prevents rust. The seasoning process is also what gives your cookware that signature dark patina that gets better with time. If you want your Imarku cast iron to cook evenly and last long, seasoning is key!

What Is the Best Oil to Season Cast Iron With?

When choosing oil to season your cast iron, it’s crucial to pick one with a high smoke point and low moisture content. Oils with a high smoke point can handle the high heat required for the seasoning process without burning or leaving a sticky residue.

Best Oils for Seasoning Cast Iron:

• Flaxseed Oil: Highly recommended for its ability to create a durable, hard seasoning layer. It polymerizes well at high temperatures, offering a smooth, non-stick surface.
• Vegetable Oil: A commonly available and affordable option. It has a high smoke point and helps build a solid seasoning layer over time.
• Grapeseed Oil: This neutral oil is also great for seasoning cast iron, creating a strong, protective layer that resists rust and food sticking.
• Canola Oil: Another budget-friendly option with a high smoke point, similar to vegetable oil in terms of effectiveness.

For the Imarku Cast Iron Set, make sure to use an oil that can withstand the heat, especially when seasoning larger skillets or pots.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Season Your Imarku Cast Iron Cookware

1. Prepare Your Cookware

First, you'll need to remove the wooden handle(please note that the metal handle will not allow the following steps)and wash your Imarku cast iron pots and pans. Even though the cookware comes pre-seasoned, it’s important to remove any factory residue or oils that may have been applied during manufacturing.

Wash your cookware with warm, soapy water (this is the only time you should use soap!). Dry it thoroughly with a clean towel. Any moisture left on the surface can cause rusting.

2. Preheat the Oven

Next, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for creating the polymerization effect necessary for seasoning.

Place your empty cast iron cookware on the middle rack of the oven for 10-15 minutes. This warms the cookware, ensuring that the oil bonds evenly when applied.

3. Apply the Oil

Once your cookware is warmed up, carefully remove it from the oven using oven mitts. Then, apply a thin, even layer of your chosen oil to the entire surface of the cookware. This includes the handle and bottom.

Use a clean paper towel or cloth to rub the oil in a thin, even layer. You don’t want the surface to be too greasy, as excess oil can lead to a sticky coating.

4. Bake the Cookware

Place the cookware upside down on the oven’s middle rack. This helps prevent any excess oil from pooling inside the cookware.
Put a sheet of aluminum foil on the lower rack to catch any drips of oil.
Bake the cookware at 400°F (200°C) for about 1 hour. This will allow the oil to fully bond to the cast iron and create a durable, non-stick surface.

5. Cool and Repeat (Optional)

Once the hour is up, turn off the oven and let the cookware cool inside the oven. This helps the seasoning set.

Tips for Maintaining Your Imarku Cast Iron Cookware

Now that you’ve seasoned your Imarku Cast Iron Cookware Set, it’s important to maintain it properly to ensure longevity and continued performance.

• Avoid Soap: Once seasoned, don’t use soap to clean your cast iron. Soap can strip the seasoning layer. Instead, wash it with hot water and a stiff brush or sponge.
• Dry Thoroughly: After cleaning, dry your cookware immediately to prevent rust from forming.
• Re-Season as Needed: If food starts to stick or the surface looks dull, it’s time to re-season your cookware. Regular re-seasoning helps maintain the non-stick surface and prevents rust.

Conclusion

Seasoning your Imarku Cast Iron Cookware is a simple but vital step to ensure your cookware performs well and lasts for generations. By following the steps above, using the right oil, and maintaining your cookware regularly, you’ll be able to enjoy perfectly cooked meals every time.

Now that you’re armed with the knowledge to properly season your cast iron, it’s time to get cooking! Have any questions about caring for your cast iron cookware or tips of your own? Leave a comment below!