Our cookware is made from carbon steel, a strong, natural material that is 99.8% iron. Because of that, it should be protected from moisture. Once you learn the basics, you’ll find it easy and fun to care for. I like to think of carbon steel care as similar to classic firearm care: keep it clean, dry, and lightly oiled. The picture below is a well cared for skillet with a natural patina (the skillet I've cooked with for the last year almost daily).
Care Instructions
- Hand wash with warm water to remove food residue. Use dish soap if needed
- Dry completely right away
- Rub a thin coat of oil over the skillet or griddle (including handles and slots)
- Store in a dry place
Example
I use my Daily Driver skillet almost every day for eggs. I add a little oil or butter and heat the pan over a medium gas flame for about 30 seconds; dialing in the right heat is the most important step for non-stick eggs. After cooking, I use a chainmail scrubber and warm water to remove any leftover food. Then I place the skillet back on the stove and heat it until the moisture evaporates. Be careful and do not walk away while it is heating. Once the pan looks dry, I turn off the flame and leave it on the stove so it is ready for tomorrow’s breakfast.
Through years of testing, I’ve learned that you do not need to season excessively. You can simply cook with your pan, and it will develop a natural patina that helps protect it from rust. If you plan to store your cookware, lightly coat the entire piece with oil, then wipe off the excess with a paper towel so only a very thin film remains. For even more long-term protection, you can also bake it with a very light coat of oil at 425 degrees for 1 hour, similar to traditional cast iron seasoning.
If a little rust appears, don’t worry. Rust is just surface oxidation and can be removed easily with warm water, a scrubber, or fine steel wool, then dried and lightly oiled. A quick touch-up gets your cookware back in shape fast. If you ever need any advice, please reach out!
Cheers and Happy Cooking!
Dave B.
