Seasoning a cast iron pan in the oven can indeed produce some smoke and oil particles that might spread throughout your living space, especially if you don't have a properly ducted vent hood. However, there are several steps you can take to minimize the mess and prevent everything from being covered in a fine layer of oil:
Choose the right oil: Opt for oils with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil, or flaxseed oil. These oils are less likely to produce excessive smoke during the seasoning process.
Preheat the pan: Before applying oil, preheat your cast iron pan in the oven. This helps open up the pores of the metal, allowing the oil to bond better with the surface and reduce excess oil pooling.
Apply a thin layer of oil: Use a paper towel or cloth to apply a very thin layer of oil to the pan. Wipe off any excess oil to avoid it forming pools during the seasoning process.
Place a baking sheet or foil: To catch any potential drips or oil splatters, place a baking sheet or aluminum foil on the rack below the cast iron pan in the oven.
Monitor the process: Keep an eye on the oven during the seasoning process, especially during the first 15-20 minutes when most smoke is produced. You can crack a window or use a fan to help circulate the air and reduce smoke buildup.
Use the self-cleaning mode: If your oven has a self-cleaning mode, you can use it to help burn off excess oil and seasoning residue on your cast iron pan. This should be done before re-seasoning your pan, but be aware that it can produce a significant amount of smoke.
Season in an outdoor space: If possible, consider seasoning your cast iron pan outside in a well-ventilated area, like a balcony or backyard, to minimize the impact on your living space.
Use an alternative seasoning method: There are alternative seasoning methods that involve stovetop seasoning, which generally produces less smoke compared to oven seasoning. Look up techniques like "stovetop seasoning" or "flaxseed oil seasoning" for different approaches.
Remember, the goal is to apply a thin and even layer of oil to your cast iron pan without overdoing it, as excess oil is more likely to create smoke. By following these steps, you should be able to minimize the mess and reduce the spread of oil particles in your living space.