Cast Iron Kazan: Cleaning and Maintenance Guide for Long-Term Use

A cast iron kazan is essential for anyone who appreciates hearty, flavorful meals. It’s the perfect cookware for pilaf, braised meats, stews, and roasted vegetables. But to make the most of your kazan and to ensure it lasts for decades proper care is crucial.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to clean, season, restore, and store your kazan so it remains rust-free, non-stick, and always ready for your next cooking adventure.

Why Cast Iron Needs Special Attention

Cast iron is a naturally durable material that retains heat exceptionally well and distributes it evenly. That’s why it’s ideal for slow cooking. However, it has a few weaknesses:

• Porous surface: absorbs moisture, fats, and odors.

• Susceptible to rust: especially if not seasoned or stored properly.

• Requires consistent maintenance: especially after each use and before storage.

Thankfully, all of these issues can be prevented with a bit of routine care.

How to Prepare a New Kazan for Use

When you buy a new cast iron kazan, it needs to be seasoned before cooking. This involves removing the factory coating and building up a protective non-stick layer.

Step 1: Cleaning
Wash it with hot water and baking soda or coarse salt to remove any industrial oils.

Step 2: Heating
Dry the kazan and place it over a flame or in an oven. Heat it gradually until light smoke appears.

Step 3: Oiling
Rub the interior with a thin layer of vegetable oil (flaxseed or sunflower oil is ideal) and reheat until the oil polymerizes and forms a protective layer.

Routine Care After Each Use
To keep your kazan in great shape, follow these simple steps after every use:

1. Cleaning
Let the kazan cool slightly (not completely).

Wash with warm water and a soft brush or sponge — no harsh soaps.

For stubborn food, boil a little water in it for 10–15 minutes, then scrub gently.

You can also use salt as a natural abrasive to remove grease and residues.

2. Drying and Oiling
Always dry the kazan thoroughly over low heat.

Once dry, apply a thin layer of oil using a paper towel to prevent rust.

How to Restore a Rusty Kazan

If you see rust or an odd smell, don’t worry - your kazan can be revived:

• Scrub off rust using a wire brush or baking soda paste.
• Wash and dry the surface completely.
• Season the kazan again with oil and heat, just like with a new one.

This process brings even heavily neglected cookware back to life.

Proper Storage

If you only use your kazan during summer or outdoor cooking sessions, here’s how to store it safely:

• Never store it wet - moisture causes rust.
• Always dry and oil it before storing.
• Keep in a dry, well-ventilated area.
• Don’t seal the lid tightly - place a paper towel between the lid and the pot.

Pro Tips for Daily Use

• Don’t use metal utensils - they can damage the protective layer.
• Avoid thermal shock (never pour cold water into a hot kazan).
• Limit exposure to acidic ingredients like vinegar or tomato paste during long cooking sessions.

A cast iron kazan is more than just cookware it’s a long-term companion in your culinary journey. With proper care, it will serve you faithfully for decades, making every dish richer and more flavorful.

Explore the full selection of cast iron cookware at CasaGrill.md whether you're cooking at home or over an open fire, we have the perfect kazan for your kitchen.

Treat your tools well, and they’ll return the favor on every plate.