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How to season a camp oven

6 min read

Are you wondering how to season a camp oven? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We frequently receive this question, and we’ve prepared a step-by-step guide for you. In this article, we’ll share the method that Nick learned from Derek Bullock from Camp Oven Cooking in Australia.

Follow along as we provide clear instructions based on a video demonstration. Let’s dive in and discover the secrets to properly seasoning your camp oven!

how to season a camp oven

Seasoning a Camp Oven with a Hooded BBQ

Total Time: 4 hours

  • Assessing your camp oven

    How to season a camp oven | The Camp Oven Cook

    Upon inspection, Derek and Nick discovered that the camp oven isn’t heavily rusted. Therefore, they opt for a gentle approach using mild dishwashing liquid and steel wool.

    This method is not only suitable for removing rust but is also applicable to brand-new ovens.
    If you’re unsure about the appropriate method to use for your rusty camp oven, fear not! Follow our comprehensive guide titled “What rust removal method should I Use for my Camp Oven?” It provides detailed instructions and helpful tips to assist you throughout the restoration process. Rest assured, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to bring your camp oven back to its former glory.

  • Time for some elbow grease

    How to season a camp oven | The Camp Oven Cook

    During this step, there isn’t much additional information we can provide. However, it’s important to note that the process may take some time, so be patient and thorough. Give your camp oven a good scrub all over, ensuring you cover every surface.

    In case you encounter stubborn rust spots, a wire brush can be used to assist in their removal. Remember to apply some elbow grease and continue scrubbing until the rust is effectively eliminated.

  • Make sure the camp oven is dry

    How to season a camp oven | The Camp Oven Cook

    Before proceeding to step 4, it is crucial to ensure that your camp oven is thoroughly dried. This is an important step to prevent any moisture from interfering with the next stage of the seasoning process.

    Remember, a thoroughly dried camp oven will set the stage for successful rust removal and subsequent re-seasoning. Take the necessary time to ensure the oven is completely dry before moving on to the next step.

  • Time to oil the camp oven

    How to season a camp oven | The Camp Oven Cook

    When it comes to oiling your camp oven, we recommend using a lint-free rag or high-quality paper towel. These materials will help ensure a smooth application. Remember, you only need a thin layer of oil in the camp oven to achieve optimal results.
    To begin, put some oil on your chosen rag or paper towel. Then, gently spread the oil around, making sure to cover all surfaces of the oven. Take your time and ensure that the oil is evenly distributed. This thin layer of oil will aid in the seasoning process and help protect the camp oven from rusting in the future.
    By using a lint-free rag or high-quality paper towel and applying the oil evenly, you’ll be on your way to properly prepare your camp oven for its re-seasoning.

  • Seasoning a camp oven with a hooded BBQ

    seasoning a camp oven in a hood BBQ

    The key to seasoning a camp oven is that you get the oven very hot and then allow it to cool down. By heating the oven to a high temperature, you exceed the smoking point of the oil, causing the oil molecules to undergo polymerization and form a durable layer. Allowing the oven to cool down gradually ensures that the oil has enough time to bond with the cast iron surface, resulting in a well-seasoned camp oven.
    How do I put the camp oven in the BBQ?
    Simply place the oven in upside down on the grill plate and put lid upside down on the BBQ plate. Doing this will minimise oil pooling up.
    What if I don’t have a hooded BBQ?
    You can do it in the home oven or over the fire, as long as you can get it really hot.

  • Check the temperature

    How to season a camp oven | The Camp Oven Cook

    After applying the oil to the camp oven, the next step is to place it in a hooded bbq and close the lid and turn on all the burners to their highest setting. Let the oven bake for approximately 30 to 40 minutes. As the oven heats up, the oil will begin to smoke.
    It’s important to note that the duration may vary depending on the type of oil used. Once the oil stops smoking, it is generally a good indication that the seasoning process is complete.

    Remember, proper seasoning is an ongoing process. With each use and subsequent cleaning, the camp oven will continue to develop a more robust seasoning layer, making it even more effective for future cooking endeavours.

  • It’s done.

    how to season a camp oven

    If you don’t think it is done then repeat steps 4 -7 again, in some cases, you may need to do this up to 3 times. If it is seasoned enough then simply give it another thin coat of oil and then it is ready to use or store. Enjoy!

Estimated Cost: 10 AUD

Supply:

  • Cooking Oil

Tools:

  • Bucket
  • Detergent
  • Scourer

Materials: Rusty Camp Oven

Watch the video!

Frequently asked questions

What oil do I use?

Now you can ask this question to multiple people and they will all tell you something different. It all comes down to personal preference but just remember that the oil has to be one you would use for cooking. I prefer to use vegetable oil.

Do I need to season a brand-new camp oven?

No. Generally, when you buy a factory pre-seasoned camp oven they are ready to use straight out of the box. However, I do recommend following my “Preparing a brand new camp oven for first use” guide.

What is Cast Iron Seasoning?

Short Answer: Seasoning is just the process of baking cooking oil onto the surface of the camp oven, It helps prevent rust and also gives your camp oven a natural non-stick-like cooking surface. Need to season a camp oven? follow my “How to season a camp oven” guide.

Long Answer: When you heat the camp oven to a high temperature and allow it to cool down with oil applied, the oil undergoes a chemical transformation known as polymerisation. This process occurs when the oil molecules break down under high heat, recombine, and form a durable, polymer-like layer on the surface of the cast iron.

The polymerised oil layer creates a protective coating that helps prevent rust, enhances non-stick properties, and improves the overall seasoning of the camp oven. resulting in a well-seasoned camp oven.

This polymerised oil layer is what contributes to the development of a smooth and seasoned cooking surface, making the camp oven more effective and enjoyable to use.

I tried to season my camp oven but now it’s sticky.

This will happen if way too much cooking oil is used to season your camp oven or possibly if you didn’t heat it for a long enough time. It may be fixed by heating it again.

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