I have a new, rectangular, cast iron griddle. I can't season it in the oven as it doesn't fit. I tried it with oil on the cooktop - it simply smoked madly and left a nasty brown residue.

Is there something else I can use on it in order to be able to season it on the cooktop? Ideas on removing the brown residue would also be greatly appreciated.

There was a thread many years ago about seasoning cast iron cookware, I found it for you but unfortunately although the person posting said she had seasoned her new skillet she didn't say how!

http://www.funtrivia.com/ubbthreads/show...ge=4#Post235245

You are kind to find that thread for me, thank you.

It was helpful in giving me a clue on how to get the oil gunk off (I'll use oatmeal rather than sand) so it will at least, be clean, ready to season.

Do you or any of your friends/relatives have a Weber BBQ or one with a hood?

That can take the place of the oven - and by doing it outside you can avoid the smoke problem. It doesn't seem to matter how hard I try, every time I season a pan, there is smoke.

That's a really good idea. Now I'm wishing we'd kept our BBQ.

I'll see if I can fossick out someone who has a Weber.

Many thanks for your suggestion.

Tobyone,
You might want to check if it came already seasoned. Many of the new cast iron products do now, especially the larger grills/griddles. If you don't have the packaging for it, I'm sure you could find info on the internet or by calling the company.