Can You Buy a Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet?

Can You Buy a Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet? Let’s Talk Chasseur.

What Is a Seasoned Cast Iron Product?

Seasoning is a traditional method of preparing raw cast iron cookware for use. When people talk about a “seasoned skillet,” they’re referring to a pan that’s been coated with a thin layer of oil and heated until the oil bonds with the metal surface — a process known as polymerisation. This creates a hard, blackened coating that gives the skillet its semi-glossy, non-stick finish.

Here’s what seasoning does:

• Prevents rust: The oil layer protects the iron from moisture.
• Improves non-stick performance: Over time, a well-seasoned skillet develops a smooth surface that’s great for eggs, pancakes, and searing meat.
• Adds flavour: Some believe that the seasoning holds traces of past meals, giving each dish extra depth.

Raw cast iron needs to be re-seasoned regularly, especially if it's scrubbed with harsh tools, cooked with acidic ingredients, or left wet for too long. It’s a ritual that many cooking purists love — but it’s not for everyone.

If you love the idea of cast iron but want to skip the upkeep, enamelled cast iron like Chasseur’s offers all the same cooking benefits without the need to season — ever.

The cast iron skillet. It’s the stuff of legends — from farmhouse breakfasts to firepit steaks and everything in between. But if you've ever stood in a kitchen aisle or browsed cookware online wondering, "Can you buy a seasoned cast iron skillet?" the answer is yes… but it’s not that simple.

Most traditional raw cast iron skillets require a process called seasoning — applying a thin layer of oil and baking it into the surface — to create a natural, non-stick patina. Over time, this layer improves, provided you care for it properly.

But there’s another category of cast iron that skips the seasoning step entirely, and elevates both performance and aesthetics: enamelled cast iron. That’s where Chasseur, France’s finest, and Hydrofire’s latest kitchen obsession, steps in.

Enter Chasseur: Cast Iron Reimagined

The Origin of the Name 'Chasseur'

In French, the word “Chasseur” means “hunter.” It evokes images of rustic countryside meals, hearty stews cooked over open fires, and the kind of flavour-rich, soul-warming food that nourishes after a long day outdoors. It’s a name that reflects not only a lifestyle but a philosophy — cooking that’s deliberate, nourishing, and rooted in tradition.

When you cook with a Chasseur, you’re stepping into that timeless heritage. Whether you’re slow-roasting wild mushrooms, searing game meat, or preparing a classic coq au vin, this cookware embodies the spirit of the hunt: patience, purpose, and deep satisfaction.

And just like a good hunter’s tools, these pots are built to perform, made to last, and crafted with skill that’s passed from one generation to the next.

For those who want the flavour depth of cast iron without the maintenance of seasoning and re-seasoning, Chasseur cookware is the answer. Handmade in Donchery, France since 1924, each piece is:

• Double enamel-coated for easy cleaning and long-term durability
• Naturally non-stick without synthetic coatings or chemicals
• Oven-safe and stovetop ready (including induction and open flame)
• Available in a rainbow of iconic colours

With Chasseur, you get all the benefits of traditional cast iron — the heat retention, the durability, the timeless feel — without the need to season anything.

So, can you buy a seasoned skillet? Yes. But you can also buy something better: a cast iron skillet that’s already protected, enamelled, and ready to perform beautifully — forever.

From Stove to Table: Cooking with Chasseur’s Stew Pot

Of course, cast iron isn’t just for frying. Chasseur’s stew pots and casseroles are the workhorses of winter kitchens across the world — and perfect for hearty, slow-cooked dishes.

Here’s one of our favourite ways to use it:

Red Wine & Rosemary Beef Stew

Ingredients:

• 1.5kg stewing beef
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 500ml red wine
• 500ml beef stock
• 2 tsp dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt & pepper to taste

Method:

1. Heat your Chasseur stew pot on medium. Brown the beef in batches and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until soft.
3. Stir in tomato paste, then add carrots and celery.
4. Return beef to the pot. Pour in wine and stock. Add herbs.
5. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook on low heat for 2.5–3 hours.
6. Serve with crusty bread or creamy mash. Repeat the next day (because it’s even better).

This is where Chasseur shines. No hot spots. No sticking. Just rich, even flavour in every bite.

Enamelled Cast Iron: Built for Health & Heritage

Why are chefs and home cooks worldwide turning to enamelled cast iron? Because it brings together heritage and health in a way few materials can.

• No seasoning fuss: 

Unlike traditional raw cast iron, enamelled cast iron doesn’t require regular seasoning. The enamel layer offers a ready-to-use, naturally non-stick surface straight out of the box. No smoke, no oil baking rituals, and no stress if you forget — it’s convenience that doesn’t compromise on performance.

• No synthetic coatings 

(safe and toxin-free): Many non-stick pans rely on chemical coatings that can break down over time or release toxins at high temperatures. Enamelled cast iron is different. It’s made from natural materials and finished with a glass-like enamel glaze that’s safe, non-toxic, and free from PFOAs or other questionable chemicals.

• Acid-safe: 

Tomato-based sauces, wine reductions, and citrus glazes can eat away at traditional raw cast iron and strip seasoning layers. Not with Chasseur. The enamel barrier allows you to cook rich, acidic dishes without worrying about metallic flavours leaching into your food. It preserves both your ingredients — and your pot.

• Beautiful on your stove AND table: 

Chasseur cookware doesn’t just cook well — it looks incredible. With bold, rich colours and an artisan finish, these pieces move effortlessly from kitchen to dining table. No need to re-plate or hide them away. Your pot becomes part of your presentation — and your personality.

It’s cookware that’s good for your body, your kitchen, and your aesthetic.

And yes, it’s built to last a lifetime.

A Legacy of Use: Why Chasseur Is Worth It

Investing in a Chasseur isn’t just buying cookware — it’s starting a legacy. These pieces are made to be handed down, still gleaming, still roasting, still bubbling, decades after your first stew.

• Made from recycled materials: 

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword at Chasseur — it’s baked into the brand’s DNA. Every pot is cast from recycled iron, reducing waste and giving old materials a new, elevated purpose. It’s cooking with consciousness, built into every bite.

• Fired at extremely high temperatures for long-lasting enamel: 

Each Chasseur piece is coated in multiple layers of vitreous enamel and fired at temperatures exceeding 800°C. This high-temperature process ensures the enamel fuses completely to the cast iron body, making it incredibly tough, chip-resistant, and colour-rich. The result? A vibrant finish that lasts — from stovetop to table to storage — for generations.

• Manufactured sustainably in France: 

Chasseur cookware is made in Donchery, in the Champagne-Ardenne region of France, using sustainable production methods, low-waste manufacturing, and a strong commitment to local craftsmanship. Every pot is hand-inspected and finished by artisans, not machines. This isn’t mass production — it’s purposeful creation.

• Loved by professional chefs and home cooks across the globe:

From Michelin-starred kitchens in Europe to slow Sundays in South African homes, Chasseur cookware is celebrated worldwide for its reliability, beauty, and performance. It’s trusted by those who demand the best — and designed for those who want their cooking to mean something.

Each one tells a story. Let yours begin — and continue for a lifetime.

So, What’s Your Colour?

Forget stainless steel and blackened non-stick pans. Chasseur cookware is unapologetically beautiful. Your pot becomes part of your decor — and your identity.

Because cast iron may last forever… but it should still feel like you.

Ready to Cook?

So, can you buy a seasoned cast iron skillet? Yes. But if you’re looking for a low-maintenance, high-performance, stunning alternative, enamelled cast iron from Chasseur is your best move.

Explore the full range of French-crafted cookware at Hydrofire today