Quick answer
Wash the set with hot water and a stiff brush, dry it fully on the hob, then apply a thin layer of cooking oil before storing. Repeat the oiling step after every wash, and never put the tempered glass lid under a hot grill or into cold water while it is still hot.
Why the first wash matters more than the first cook
A pre-seasoned cast iron pan arrives with a thin protective oil layer, not a permanent non-stick surface. Washing off factory dust with hot water and a brush is safe; soaking it in the sink is not. The aim is to remove residue without stripping that starting layer.
The 5.7L casserole is the piece most likely to be soaked because of its size. Treat it like the pans: wash, dry on heat, oil, and store. The glass lid is the exception — it needs washing by hand and careful drying around the rim.
Where cast iron care goes wrong
Most damage comes from three habits: leaving the pan wet, using harsh detergent in a long soak, and heating an empty pan too hard. Cast iron tolerates quick washing with mild soap, but prolonged soaking removes the oil layer and encourages rust.
The grill pan has ridges that trap food and water. A stiff brush reaches into the grooves better than a sponge, and drying it on the hob drives moisture out of those channels. If you skip that step, rust spots appear first along the ridges.
The glass lid is not cast iron
Tempered glass tolerates oven heat but not sudden temperature change. Do not place a hot lid on a cold worktop, run it under cold water, or use it under a grill. Wash it by hand in warm water and let it air-dry fully before storing.
Because the lid is glass, you can watch the casserole without lifting it — useful for braises and stews. That visibility is the reason to keep the lid in good condition rather than treating it as a spare.
First use and care steps
- Wash before first cooking: Rinse each cast iron piece in hot water with a stiff brush and a small amount of mild soap. Do not soak. Dry immediately with a cloth. If water beads on the surface, the oil layer is still intact; if it spreads and darkens, dry and oil the pan before use.
- Dry on the hob: Place the casserole, grill pan and frying pan on a low hob for one to two minutes to drive off moisture. Remove from heat as soon as they are dry. Do not walk away during this step; an empty pan left on high heat can scorch the seasoning.
- Apply a thin oil layer: While the pan is warm but not hot, wipe a few drops of cooking oil over the cooking surface with a paper towel. Buff off excess so the surface looks dry, not greasy. A thick oil layer turns sticky; if that happens, scrub with hot water and reapply a thinner coat.
- Cook with moderate heat: Preheat the pan on medium for a few minutes before adding food. Cast iron retains heat well, so lower settings often suffice. If food sticks on the first cook, the pan was likely not preheated long enough, not under-seasoned.
- Clean after each use: Wash with hot water and a brush while the pan is still warm. Use mild soap if needed, but avoid long soaking or abrasive scouring pads. A quick wash and dry is faster than repairing rust later.
- Re-oil before storage: Dry on the hob, apply a thin oil layer, and store in a dry cupboard. Place a paper towel between stacked pans if space is tight. Store the glass lid separately or with a cloth between it and the pan to avoid chipping.
- Handle the glass lid gently: Wash the tempered glass lid by hand in warm water, dry it fully, and never place a hot lid on a cold surface or under cold water. Check the lid rim for chips before each use; a chipped lid should not be used over high heat.
Product facts
- Cast Iron: Casserole & Glass Lid - 5.7L, Frying Pan & Grill Pan Set - 3 Pieces: The set includes a 5.7L cast iron casserole with a tempered glass lid, a 25cm grill pan and a 26cm dual handle frying pan, all pre-seasoned with natural soy-bean oil. Because all three pieces arrive pre-seasoned, your first job is to preserve that layer rather than build one from scratch.
Cast Iron: Casserole & Glass Lid - 5.7L, Frying Pan & Grill Pan Set - 3 Pieces
