FAQ's

Seasoning is simply a thin layer of cooking oil that has been heated to its smoke point, causing it to polymerize, which leaves a smooth protective layer bonded to the iron.

This creates a protective barrier that helps prevent rust while giving your skillet its naturally non-stick cooking surface.

The best part is that seasoning gets better with use. Each time you cook with a little oil or butter, you’re helping the surface become smoother, darker, and easier to cook with.

Want to learn more? Visit our Seasoning & Care Guide for step-by-step oven seasoning instructions.

Your skillet arrives pre-seasoned and ready to cook with. After cooking, sometimes a simple wipe-down is all your skillet needs.

A full oven seasoning is only necessary occasionally, such as when:
The seasoning looks damaged, dry, or uneven.
Food is sticking more than usual.
You’re having trouble building or maintaining a smooth cooking surface.
The skillet has developed rust or needs to be restored.

With regular cooking and proper cleaning, your skillet’s seasoning will continue to develop naturally over time. Want to learn more? Visit our Seasoning & Care Guide for step-by-step oven seasoning instructions.

Yes! A small amount of mild dish soap is perfectly safe to use on your Lancaster skillet.

Traditional soaps contained lye, which quickly strips cast iron seasoning. Modern dish soaps are gentle enough to clean the pan without removing seasoning that has properly bonded to the iron.

After washing, dry your skillet thoroughly with a towel or place it over low heat for a few moments to remove any remaining moisture.

Want to learn more? Visit our Seasoning & Care Guide for a thorough guide on cleaning.

Before storing your skillet, make sure it is completely clean and dry. Even a small amount of trapped moisture can eventually lead to rust.

Store your cast iron in a dry place. If you’re stacking skillets or other cookware, place a paper towel or pan protector between each piece. This encourages airflow, helps prevent trapped moisture, and protects the seasoning.

For most everyday cooking, you don’t need high heat.

Because Lancaster cookware is lighter than traditional cast iron, it can heat more quickly. We recommend starting with low to medium-low heat and allowing your skillet to warm gradually before adding your food.

Cast iron retains heat beautifully once it’s warm, so a lower heat setting often gives you better control and more even cooking.

The No. 4, No. 6, No. 8, No. 10, and No. 12 names come from traditional American cast iron sizing. On an older wood-burning stove, there are ports of different sizes, numbered the same as the cookware. Pull the No. 8 port off, and the No. 8 pan fits in perfectly. Most cast iron cookware producers have kept this sizing metric as a nod to the tradition.

Great question. New Lancaster skillets may have shades of brown or bronze. The deep black color people often associate with antique cast iron develops after cooking and seasoning, around 40 to 60 uses, or about 6 weeks of regular use.

Some manufacturers use charcoal-based dye to give new cookware a darker appearance right out of the box. Lancaster Cast Iron does not use dyes. Instead, your skillet’s color will deepen naturally as you cook with it, becoming darker, smoother, and uniquely yours over time.

A little surface rust doesn’t mean your skillet is ruined. Cast iron is incredibly durable, and most minor rust can be removed with a little care.

To restore your skillet:

1. Work over the rusted area with a chainmail scrubber, or a coarse salt paste until the surface feels clean and smooth.
2. Rinse the skillet and dry it thoroughly.
3. Warm it briefly on the stove or in the oven to make sure no moisture remains.
4. Add a fresh layer of seasoning by following the instructions in our Seasoning & Care Guide.

For heavier rust, send photos to info@lancastercastiron.com. Our team will take a closer look and help determine the best next step.

Cast iron is made to last for generations. Unlike cookware that may wear out or need to be replaced over time, a well-cared-for Lancaster skillet can be used for decades and passed from one kitchen to the next. That longevity is one of the things we love most about cast iron, and what makes it a thoughtful, lasting choice for your kitchen.

If food is sticking, don’t worry, a few small adjustments usually make a big difference.

The most common causes are:
The skillet is too hot.
There isn’t enough oil or butter.
The seasoning is still developing.
The food needs a little more time before being turned.

Lancaster cookware heats more quickly than heavier traditional cast iron, so start with low to medium-low heat and allow the skillet to warm gradually. Add your oil or butter before your food, and resist the urge to move ingredients too quickly. Many foods will naturally release from the cooking surface once they’re ready to be flipped. With regular cooking, the seasoning will continue to strengthen, and the surface will become increasingly non-stick. If you would like further assistance, please send us an email at info@lancastercastiron.com. Include a photo of your cookware if you can; that helps us identify issues right away.

We want you to feel confident in your purchase. Unused items may be returned within 45 days of delivery for an exchange or refund. For standard returns, refunds are issued to the original payment method, less any applicable shipping costs. Customers are responsible for return shipping. For approved exchanges, Lancaster Cast Iron will provide a complimentary return label. If your replacement item has a different value, we’ll either refund the difference or send an invoice for the remaining balance.

To begin a return or exchange, email returns@lancastercastiron.com with your order number and let us know how we can help.

Please note that factory-second purchases are final sale.

Factory-second purchases are final sale and cannot be returned or exchanged.
Factory seconds may have small cosmetic variations, but they are still made to meet our standards for cooking performance and everyday use. Any visible differences do not affect how the cookware functions.

Yes. Lancaster Cast Iron cookware is backed by a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. The warranty does not cover damage caused by misuse, improper care, thermal shock, or the normal changes in color and seasoning that naturally develop as you cook with your ironware.

If you believe there may be an issue with your cookware, email info@lancastercastiron.com with your order information, a description of the concern, and clear pictures.