Before you use the pan
Gently scrub with water and a small amount of dish soap. Wipe dry, heat on stove to evaporate moisture, and coat the pan inside and out with a thin coat of the cooking oil of your choice
Be generous with cooking oil. As your seasoning develops, you can decrease the amount.
Try to stick to Low to Medium heat as you build up seasoning.
Preheat your pan for 5 minutes at medium temperature before cooking for even heat distribution. Cranking the heat to high immediately will just give you a hot spot in the middle of a cast iron pan.
During the breaking-in phase, we recommend you avoid acidic foods as they could strip seasoning (tomatoes, wine, citrus, vinegar).
Contrary to popular belief, most proteins (including bacon) may stick a bit in the early stages before your seasoning builds up.
Cleaning Your Field Skillet
It’s important to stick to a consistent care and maintenance routine as you break in your Field Skillet. Time and use, combined with consistent care and maintenance, will get you where you want to be.
First things first: cast iron can rust. It’s ok to clean your pan with water, but it’s important to dry the pan immediately afterwards. That means no soaking, no drip-drying, and never in the dishwasher.
When you’re done cooking, start cleaning by using the least invasive method first: give your pan a quick wipe out with a paper towel to remove excess grease, and use a metal or wooden spatula to scrape away any food residue that remains. If your pan looks clean at this stage, you’re all set!
If you still have food residue left on your pan we recommend you follow the Field Method for cast iron care:
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Rinse your pan with warm water and use a brush to remove loose food. Soap is optional!
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Use chain mail scrubber to dislodge any remaining gunk and gently scuff cooking surface and side walls.
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Heat your pan on the stovetop for a few minutes to evaporate moisture. If necessary, wipe up remaining moisture with a paper towel.
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Apply a small dab of seasoning oil. Use a paper towel or rag to evenly coat all surfaces of the pan.
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Wipe away excess oil to leave a dry, matte finish.