Video Highlights:
0:18 Different Types of Cast Iron Kettles
0:31 Type of Cast Iron Kettle that does not require curing
0:49 Raw Cast Iron Kettle
1:13 What you will need
1:31 The first step – wash it
2:02 Preheat your oven
3:20 Step two – Applying the oil
6:11 Step 3 – Baking the Kettle
7:27 Removing the kettle from the oven
Hi, I am Melissa from NorthlineExpress and today I am going to go over how you can properly season a new Cast Iron Kettle or steamer. This is an important process that is going to prolong the life of your kettle, keep it looking great, and help prohibit the rust that can form on a raw cast iron kettle over time.
There are different types of cast iron kettles on the market. One type being of cast iron construction and having a porcelain enamel finish which will not need to be cured because it already has a coating to prevent the kettle or steamer from rusting. The other type of cast iron kettle is considered raw and do not have a protective finish. Raw cast iron kettles will need to be seasoned with the curing process to ensure the longevity of the product. If you let a raw cast iron kettle set over time without curing it will eventually rust losing its naturally beautiful appearance.
So with a few simple steps we are going to walk through how to cure a raw cast iron kettle so that it will keep looking great for years to come. The items you will need for the curing process are a roll of absorbent paper towels, dish detergent, vegetable oil, a sink and your oven.
The first step in starting the curing process is to thoroughly wash the cast iron kettle. If the kettle has been used and has some rust on it you will want to use a low grit sand paper to remove any of the rust before the washing process. To prepare your cast iron kettle start by scrubbing it with hot soapy water, rinse it well ensuring there is no soap residue left behind, and dry it completely. If it is possible, take the steamer or kettle apart as much as you can to ensure complete coating of the oil. While you are waiting on your kettle to dry thoroughly you can start preheating your oven to 350 degrees.
The second step once your kettle is completely dry will be to start applying a thin coating of vegetable oil. Using an absorbent paper towel dipped in vegetable oil, simply wipe the kettle or steamer with a thin layer of the oil. Make sure to thoroughly coat the entire steamer inside and out, including the spout on kettles. Also be sure to wipe all cast iron parts that are removable as well. You do not need to cure any non-cast iron parts such as handles.
Now that your kettle is completely covered in oil the third step is going to be to bake it. You will want to bake it at 350 degrees for approximately an hour. It is suggested that you place the kettle and any removable parts on a foil covered baking sheet to prevent any oil from dripping on the bottom of the oven. If you use a non-covered baking sheet, it will require a good scrub afterwards, the foil saves on the cleanup. During the baking process you may notice some smoking, this is completely normal. You will want to make sure that the kitchen is properly ventilated so you do not smoke yourself out of the house.
Once the cast iron kettle has baked for approximately an hour the last and final step is to allow it to cool and then put it to use with your wood stove or fireplace. Carefully remove the kettle and any parts from the oven using high heat resistant pot holders as cast iron does absorb a lot of heat. When the cast iron kettle is completely cooled it is now safe to fill it with water and place it on your wood stove.
I hope you have found this information helpful and do not forget that NorthlineExpress, home of the “Buy and Try” satisfaction guarantee, is your one stop shop for all your hearth accessories.