Cast Iron Potjie Pot Seasoning Guide — SA Method | Big5 Cookware
Cast Iron Potjie Pot Seasoning Guide — South African Method
Why Season Cast Iron at All?
New cast iron has a protective wax coating from the factory. It needs to be replaced with a layer of polymerized vegetable oil — oil that's been heated above its smoke point until it hardens into a thin black coating bonded to the cast iron surface.
This polymerized oil layer:
- Prevents rust — fills the microscopic pores in cast iron that would otherwise hold water and oxidize
- Creates non-stick — food slides off seasoned cast iron the way it slides off Teflon (but the surface is natural)
- Improves over time — every meal cooked in a seasoned pot adds to the patina. A 30-year-old well-seasoned cast iron potjie is non-stick perfection.
Step-by-Step Initial Seasoning
- Wash off the factory coating. Hot water + scrub brush + a small amount of dish soap (only this first time). Rinse thoroughly. Dry completely.
- Apply a thin oil coat. Use vegetable / canola / sunflower / grapeseed oil. ~50ml for small pots, ~200ml for No. 20–25. Rub thin and even — no pools.
- Heat the pot for 1 hour. Choose: Oven 200°C / Wood fire on a coal bed / Gas stove with heat diffuser, low heat.
- Let it cool inside the heat source. Don't remove and put under water — thermal shock can crack cast iron.
- Apply a second oil coat and repeat. Two coats minimum for a new pot.
- Ongoing care — Rinse hot water only. No soap. No dishwasher. Dry over heat. Re-oil monthly.
Which Oil to Use
| Oil | Smoke point | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetable oil | ~225°C | ✅ Best general-purpose choice |
| Canola oil | ~245°C | ✅ Good |
| Sunflower oil | ~230°C | ✅ Good (widely available in SA) |
| Grapeseed oil | ~250°C | ✅ Premium choice |
| Olive oil | ~200°C | ❌ Burns before polymerizing |
| Butter / animal fat | ~150°C | ❌ Burns, leaves residue |
| Flax seed oil | ~225°C | ⚠️ Popular online but flakes; not recommended |
Common Seasoning Mistakes
- Too much oil — pools and drips create sticky black patches. Wipe off excess before heating.
- Heat too high — above 250°C the oil burns rather than polymerizes. Stick to 200–230°C.
- Cooling under cold water — thermal shock cracks cast iron. Let it cool naturally.
- Using soap after seasoning — soap removes the polymerized oil layer. Hot water + brush only.
- Putting in dishwasher — destroys seasoning + rusts the pot within weeks.
- Leaving wet after washing — water sitting on bare cast iron starts rust within hours. Dry over low heat.
Re-Seasoning Schedule
| Use case | Re-season frequency |
|---|---|
| Household weekend braai (occasional) | Once a year heavy re-season + monthly light oil rub |
| Family weekly potjiekos | Every 6 months heavy re-season |
| Catering / church / school kitchen (daily) | Monthly heavy re-season |
| Visible rust spots appearing | Immediate — scrub down + 2 fresh coats |
The Bon Voyage Cast Iron Range (Made in Thaba Nchu Since 1977)
All sizes ship pre-seasoned, but we recommend a fresh re-seasoning before first use for the deepest finish:
| Size | Capacity | Serves | Price | Stock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. 1/4 | ~700ml | 1 portion | R249 | Restocking |
| No. 1/2 | 1.2L | 2 people | R419 | In stock |
| No. 2 | ~5L | 4–6 people | R699 | Restocking |
| No. 3 | ~7.8L | 8–12 people | R749 | Restocking |
| No. 4 | ~10L | 10–15 people | R1,399 | Restocking |
| No. 6 | ~15L | 15–25 people | R1,899 | Restocking |
| No. 20 | ~50L | 50–70 people | R4,699 | In stock |
| No. 25 | ~75-100L | 80–140 people | R4,999 | In stock |
FAQ
Why does a new cast iron potjie need seasoning? Factory wax coating needs to be replaced with polymerized oil. Prevents rust, builds non-stick.
Can I season on a gas stove? Yes with a heat diffuser. Low heat for 1 hour.
How often re-season? Household: every 6 months. Catering: monthly.
Olive oil for seasoning? No — smoke point too low. Use vegetable / canola / sunflower / grapeseed.
Can I use soap? Not after the pot is seasoned. Hot water + stiff brush only.
What if there's rust? Scrub off with steel wool, dry thoroughly, re-season with 2 fresh coats.
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