These are some of the top cast iron skillets to add to your cookware collection, including pans from Lodge and Stargazer.

You can skip getting cast iron wet entirely if you have a barely soiled pan. Wipe well with a paper towel and reheat the skillet on the stovetop on medium for several minutes to kill off any germs. Give it another wipe once the pan has cooled slightly. You may see some black residue on your paper towels, which is perfectly normal.

Ever wondered what those pesky black specks are when you're cooking with your cast iron skillet? I did some digging and found out how to tackle those mysterious black residues.

Cast iron is an excellent, durable cooking tool, but it requires proper care and cleaning techniques to maintain its nonstick surface for years. Fortunately, the best way to anything clean cast iron—pans,