Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to season your new cast iron grill pan:

1. Boil water in the grill pan to remove any impaurities.
2. Once cooled, wash it with warm, soapy water using a steel scrubber or scrub pad.
3. Rinse thoroughly and dry the pan completely with a paper towel or cloth.
4. Place the pan on the stove and heat it until all moisture evaporates.
5. Coat the entire surface (top and bottom) with a thin layer of cooking oil.
6. Heat the grill pan until you see smoke.
7. Saute chopped onions or vegetable scraps in the pan until they turn brown.
8. Discard the contents and your grill pan is ready for use!

Follow these steps to clean your grill pan:

1. Wash it with warm, soapy water using a scrub pad.
2. Heat the pan lightly on the stove to ensure it is completely dry.
3. Apply a thin layer of cooking oil to prevent rusting

A black residue is normal for new cast iron pans, as it is a result of the seasoning process using 100% vegetable oil. To reduce the residue, saute onions or vegetable scraps a few times and discard them before cooking.

Here’s a quick solution:

1. Mix oil and salt into a paste.
2. Spread it over the entire surface of the pan.
3. Let it sit for a while.
4. Scrub the paste off using a metal scrubber.
5. Wash the pan with warm, soapy water, dry it thoroughly, and re-season it.

To prevent rusting:

• Never soak your pan in water.
• Wipe it completely dry with a cloth after every wash.
• Apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the surface after cleaning.

Seasoning helps maintain the natural non-stick finish of the cast iron and protects it from rust. Even pre-seasoned pans need periodic seasoning to enhance their durability and performance. When you receive your pan, simply wash it with hot water (avoid soap or dishwashing liquid as it is already pre-seasoned).

You can use your grill pan daily. Unlike non-stick cookware that deteriorates over time, a cast iron grill pan improves with regular use and seasoning. The more you use it, the better it gets!