Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Before you go off on a cast iron adventure, here are some things to know. 1. All cast iron can crack and break - since they are brittle by nature. One way to think about it as sturdy stoneware. 2. Amazonbasics will get you there pretty much - in terms of all your needs for the cast iron cookware. 3. Before you use, rinse with hot water and dry immediately. Then start working on seasoning your cast iron. 4. I use vegetable shortening, oil or canola oil. Know their smoke points. For ex, vege shortening is 350-370. Set your oven temperature to 450 degrees. Bake for 1 hour with the pots overturned on the racks after applying a thin coat of the shortening on cookware. This creates a thin layer of baked (polymer?) oil on the pots and pans. 5. When you cook with your cast iron, start low, give it time to heat up as cast iron is a poor conductor of heat but is good in retaining the heat due to higher thermal mass. 6. Add your cooking fat, spread it around with a silicone spatula (so you dont scrape off your seasoning - if you do, no worries, just reseason). 7. Cook your meal. 8. Empty your pot, remove any food sticking (you should have very less if you follow all the steps). Then wipe down the pot with a paper towl, rinse and dry. 9. Apply oil or shortening and heat pan on stove top to smoking point for 3-5 minutes. Turn off your stove and put the pot away from water sources for storage. A final point, I bought both Lodge and AmazonBasics products, I have to say that I am very impressed with Amazon for packing their product super well. I got both products on the same day, Lodge in its original packaging - broken on arrival, and AmazonBasics bigger heavier and unscathed!!! At this price, have fun, what are you waiting for!!! Note: I did not receive any incentive for this review, just loved the product and service from Amazon and got down to writing.