There is no lack of tips and tutorials for seasoning cast iron, but very few of them actually explain the science behind the process — which is a shame, since knowing a little more about complicated-sounded scientific terms like "polymerization" and "drying oil" can help you choose the best oil for creating a hard, smooth, impermeable non-stick surface on your cast iron cookware. More

Q: I received a 1930's cast iron pan cleaned and ready to use, but it gives off a nasty smell when I use it. Could this be from whatever cleaned it, or from the decades of frying meats and other savories in there? It also gives a very, shall we say, earthy flavor to the meals I make. Any advice?

Sent by A. More

Q: The gas stove in my apartment has really old, beat-up grates over the burners. I didn't mind this with my old, beat-up pots and pans, but I have new polished stainless steel cookware now and I'm trying to maintain the finish. How can I cover or insulate the grates so that my cookware is protected? More

This past year we really took to heart the plight of the newbie cook: how do I set up my kitchen? What are the essential tools, appliances, and cookware to have at the ready? To help with this, we put together our own guides to cookware, bakeware, tools, and all the essential non-food products one needs to start off successfully in the kitchen, which we've included here. Rounding out this list is a post on great chef's knives, the best multi-tasking tool every kitchen should have (but especially small ones), and why it's worth it to splurge on one particular cooking thermometer. More

Item: Cristel "L" 8.7-inch Brushed Stainless Steel Fry Pan
Price: $179.99; lids and handles sold separately
Overall Impression: A multi-functional, premium-quality pan that elegantly moves from storage to cooktop (or oven) to table.

Cristel cookware has long been available in France, and the company is finally entering the American market with its "L" line of pots and pans featuring removable handles. The collection includes stewpots, skillets, stockpots, and sauté pans, and we recently tested the 8.7-inch pan. More

Here's something that should go straight to the top of your holiday wish list: The 7.9-inch de Buyer spun steel frying pan. It could just as easily be the 10-, 12-, or 14-inch pan and based on what I've seen the 7.9 pan do, it won't be long before I add those larger versions to my own wish list. I have never been more impressed with a frying pan and I have to admit that I've seen quite a few over the years. Read on for why this pan is so impressive. More

How are your Thanksgiving dinner plans coming along? We've started to compile our recipes and even make some things ahead. Along the way we've also pinpointed a few cooking tools that make this big traditional meal a whole lot easier — in particular tools that you might not keep on hand. Here are 7 things we think are worth having if you're making a Thanksgiving dinner this year. Do you have them all? More

Q: I am in the process of stocking up my new kitchen (based on your fabulous kitchen essentials posts), and I was wondering what people think of Jamie Oliver's T-fal pans? They seem to have pretty good reviews on Amazon. Anyone tried them?

Sent by Meredith More

Q: I have expensive platinum pans that have scratched Teflon coating. Anyone know where I can send them to get fixed?

Sent by Sandra More

Adam Brackney of Workerman just sent me a peek at the handmade goods for the kitchen he's crafting out of wood, and I find them charming! Take a peek at his handiwork — spreaders and minimalist modern cutting boards. More