How to Season a Cast Iron Griddle? Detailed Guide

Do you have a cast iron griddle that has gone rusty over time? Are you worried about how to get its appearance and performance improved? Well, seasoning is the key. Seasoning will get it rust-free and will prevent corrosion. Further, the food you’ll cook in this griddle will be better in taste. This is not all as the griddle’s life will be significantly enhanced. What else do you wish for?

Do not throw away the cast iron griddle rather season it. We are here to assist you with the simple and uncomplicated ways on how to season a cast iron griddle. These ways will make your pan appear newer and its performance will be significantly improved. Let’s get straight to the effortless method.

How to Season a Cast Iron Griddle- Step by Step Guide

Let us first list what you will be requiring during the seasoning process.

• Rusty cast iron griddle
• Cooking oil- preferably vegetable oil or canola oil
• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Distilled water
• Scrubs

Now that you know what you will need, let us dive in towards the steps.

Soaking the Cast Iron Griddle in the Mixture

You need to prepare the mixture of water in which vinegar is added. The ratio of water and vinegar in the mixture will be of ratio 1:1. This should be put in the tank or tub. Now, you need to take the rusty cast iron griddle and submerge it in this tub. The vinegar is added due to its exceptional acidic action. This will dissolve all the rust, making the pan completely rust-free.

However, one has to be very careful with cast iron. It cannot be soaked in this mixture for long. A day will be more than enough to get the rust separated. After which, the rust can be removed and will come off the griddle. Make sure that it is not soaked for more than a day. Otherwise, the surface and the appearance of the griddle is affected adversely.

Sprinkling the Baking Soda on the Surface of the Griddle

As the griddle had been submerged in a water-vinegar mixture for a day, it had developed an acidic surface. You have to neutralize it for which you require a base. Baking soda is an excellent base that will perfectly neutralize the effects of vinegar. To accomplish that, you need to take a scorching pad and scrub the surface gently. The surface has a little amount of baking soda sprinkled onto it. Wash it gently and thoroughly to make it acid-free and rust-free.

Washing the Griddle Again

After you have given it a good wash, you need to completely dry it. For that, you can use a clean cloth or a paper towel. Once it has been dried thoroughly, let everything sit for a couple of minutes. Now, you need to wash it again in case any particles of baking soda or residue of vinegar is still remaining.

Giving the Griddle High Heat

Now, you have to put the cast iron griddle on high flame. For this, you require a gas stove. You have to put the griddle on the stove for a couple of minutes so that it is heated evenly. This will ensure proper and complete drying of the surface. You can also use an oven for the drying purpose. If you do not have a stove at your place, you can do this drying action by preheating the oven at 300 degrees and keeping the griddle for 5-10 minutes.

Oiling the Surface of Cast Iron Griddle

After the griddle is dried thoroughly, you have to oil the surface, the base and the sides. For this you can use any cooking oil but vegetable oil is prefered for the job. You need to take enough oil to apply a thin, even layer on sides, base and the surface. It should not drip. On the other hand, it should not be too less that it is not spreaded everywhere.

Once you have applied a thin layer evenly, you need to wipe the excess oil with the help of clean cloth. A paper towel would also do. Always ensure that all the parts and sides of the griddle are oiled, may it be the base or the handle. During this step, any black residue or the rust left comes off. Your pan is ready to be baked.

Baking Cast Iron Griddle

Preheat the oven at 450 Fahrenheit and place the griddle on the middle shelf of the oven. You need to make sure to place it upside down always. As soon as you place the griddle, turn the heat up to 550 or more degrees. Let the griddle bake for 60 minutes. Leave it in the oven for a couple more hours until it cools down completely.

Repeating the Last Steps for Proper Seasoning

For proper and effective seasoning, it is advised that you repeat the last two stated steps. Oil the surface again and bake it. This has to be performed twice or thrice. This will make your griddle perfectly seasoned.

Final Verdict

Seasoning a cast iron griddle is of utmost importance. You can season the griddle through 6 simple and basic steps. Starting with soaking the griddle in vinegar and water mixture, you can scrub baking soda afterward. You then need to wash it followed by drying. After which you can apply a layer of oil and then can bake the griddle to perfect the seasoning. Season the pan thrice a year for most effective results.

Frequently Asked Questions