Caring for Your Shropshire Made Spun Iron Wok

Your Netherton Foundry wok is crafted for generations of use, but like all quality iron cookware, it needs thoughtful care to stay at its best. Here’s everything you need to know to get the most from your wok.

Before First Use
Your wok comes pre-seasoned with organic flax oil and is ready to use. However, we recommend the following for optimal performance:

• Wash the wok with hot water (no soap or detergent)
• Dry thoroughly with a clean cloth
• For a deeper seasoning layer, apply a very thin coat of flax oil and warm gently on the hob or in the oven before using

Daily Use Tips
To protect the seasoned surface and improve it over time:

• Always preheat the wok before cooking
• Bring ingredients to room temperature before adding them
• Cook over medium to high heat as appropriate for stir-frying
• Avoid cooking very acidic foods (like tomatoes or vinegar) until the seasoning is well developed
• Use wooden, silicone, or heat-safe plastic utensils to prevent damaging the surface

Cleaning After Each Use

• Never place the wok in a dishwasher
• Do not soak or leave to air-dry
• Rinse with hot water while the pan is still warm
• Use a stiff plastic brush or non-metallic scouring pad to remove residue
• Avoid using soap or detergents unless re-seasoning
• Dry thoroughly with a clean tea towel or by warming on the hob

Storing Your Wok

• Store in a dry, well-ventilated cupboard
• Do not put a lid or cover tightly over the wok
• If stacking with other pans, place a cloth or paper between them to protect the surface
• If not using the wok for a while, apply a thin layer of flax oil to the interior before storing

Re-Seasoning Your Wok

• Over time, or if the seasoning is damaged, your wok can be easily restored:
• If rust is visible, scrub gently with fine sandpaper or steel wool
• Wash in hot, soapy water and dry thoroughly
• Remove the oak handle by unscrewing the brass fixing
• Using a clean rag, apply a very thin layer of edible flax oil to all metal surfaces
• Place the wok upside down on an oven rack with a tray underneath
• Heat slowly to 250°C and bake for 1 hour
• Turn off the oven and let the wok cool inside
• Reattach the oak handle once fully cool

Caring for the Oak Handle

• Do not place in the oven, under a grill, or over direct flame
• Always remove before re-seasoning
• Wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly
• Do not soak or use cleaning products
• When reattaching, align carefully and tighten screws by hand

Avoiding Damage

• Do not use a hob smaller than the wok base
• Heat the wok gradually from low to high to prevent warping
• Never pour cold water into a hot wok
• Do not drop the wok or use it as a storage container

Best Oils to Use

Ideal: Organic edible flaxseed oil (also called linseed oil)
Avoid: Olive oil or nut oils for seasoning, as they do not carbonise well. Never use non-edible boiled linseed oil.

With regular use and the right care, your spun iron wok will build a beautifully seasoned surface and become a trusted tool in your kitchen for many years to come.

Cooking guidance and tips:

• Heat slowly to frying temperature before increasing power, especially on powerful hobs
• Use a hob the same size as the pan base; small rings can warp large pans
• Oil the food, not the pan, and allow ingredients to reach room temperature before cooking
• Avoid dropping a hot pan into cold water to prevent buckling
• Wooden or silicone utensils are recommended to protect the seasoned surface
• Oven seasoning is recommended for the best patina; hob top seasoning is suitable for smaller pans or re-seasoning
• Be patient when cooking; allow food to cook before turning or flipping

Netherton Foundry is a proudly family-owned business in the heart of South Shropshire, once known as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Where smokestacks once dominated the skyline, today there is a gentler rhythm to life, but the legacy of innovation remains.

Drawing deep inspiration from Shropshire’s iron masters of the 18th and 19th centuries, especially Abraham Darby, the pioneer behind the world’s first iron bridge, Netherton Foundry blends traditional craftsmanship with a modern environmental conscience. Their work reimagines the spirit of that extraordinary era, honouring its ingenuity while being mindful of the environmental lessons it left behind.

Each product is a celebration of heritage, quality, and sustainability, reflecting a time when things were made to last and made with care.