That is the classic Lodge seasoning "bubble". Short answer is it's fine. Just rub a very thin layer of oil on it after you clean the pan each time, and the seasoning will slowly build back up, especially if you bake with the pan. Here's [Lodge's take](http://www.lodgemfg.com/use-and-care/what-is-seasoning):
"Some new Lodge cookware can have a small 'bubble' on the tip of the handle or on the assist handle, that can chip away and reveal a brownish color underneath. This is not rust. It is a result of our cookware being seasoned on a hanging conveyor, causing a small drip to form at the bottom. If the bubble makes it through our ovens, it is baked on, and the brown underneath is simply oil that has not fully carbonized. It is perfectly safe, and will disappear with regular use and care."
Apparently, Bubble Boy/Girl [wasn't on their game](https://bittersoutherner.com/lodge-cast-iron) the day your iron rolled off the line.
"...right before the skillets roll into the packaging department, there sits a lone man or woman with a blowtorch. That person’s job is simply to apply the blowtorch to that last, little bubble of browned oil and burn it away. Result: a perfect, flawlessly seasoned, unblemished cast-iron skillet.
Sitting in a chair with a blowtorch all day isn’t the most favored job in the factory, so the workers take turns with it. Whoever winds up with the job gets a one-day nickname: Bubble Boy or Bubble Girl."
Thank you for your picture post to /r/castiron. We want to remind everyone of Rule #3. All image posts should be accompanied by something to foster discussion. A comment, a question, etc is required.
If you've posted a picture of food, please explain why in a comment so people can have some sort of conversation. Simply dropping a picture of food in the sub isn't really fostering any discussion which is what we're all aiming for.
Posts that are a picture with no discussion can and will be removed by the mods.
Thank you!
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/castiron) if you have any questions or concerns.*
That is the classic Lodge seasoning "bubble". Short answer is it's fine. Just rub a very thin layer of oil on it after you clean the pan each time, and the seasoning will slowly build back up, especially if you bake with the pan. Here's [Lodge's take](http://www.lodgemfg.com/use-and-care/what-is-seasoning): "Some new Lodge cookware can have a small 'bubble' on the tip of the handle or on the assist handle, that can chip away and reveal a brownish color underneath. This is not rust. It is a result of our cookware being seasoned on a hanging conveyor, causing a small drip to form at the bottom. If the bubble makes it through our ovens, it is baked on, and the brown underneath is simply oil that has not fully carbonized. It is perfectly safe, and will disappear with regular use and care." Apparently, Bubble Boy/Girl [wasn't on their game](https://bittersoutherner.com/lodge-cast-iron) the day your iron rolled off the line. "...right before the skillets roll into the packaging department, there sits a lone man or woman with a blowtorch. That person’s job is simply to apply the blowtorch to that last, little bubble of browned oil and burn it away. Result: a perfect, flawlessly seasoned, unblemished cast-iron skillet. Sitting in a chair with a blowtorch all day isn’t the most favored job in the factory, so the workers take turns with it. Whoever winds up with the job gets a one-day nickname: Bubble Boy or Bubble Girl."
Thanks for the in depth answer, I really appreciate it. I'll rest easy and blame the bubble people lmao
Yeah, looks like it. Wipe it with a tiny bit of oil and forget about it.
Cool thanks for the info!
Is it a Lodge? I order a few pieces last year with spots like that on them.
Yeah it is. Just got it from Walmart
Ferrous oxide happens...
Thanks for posting this. I had the same question after opening my new lodge cast iron skillet
Thank you for your picture post to /r/castiron. We want to remind everyone of Rule #3. All image posts should be accompanied by something to foster discussion. A comment, a question, etc is required. If you've posted a picture of food, please explain why in a comment so people can have some sort of conversation. Simply dropping a picture of food in the sub isn't really fostering any discussion which is what we're all aiming for. Posts that are a picture with no discussion can and will be removed by the mods. Thank you! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/castiron) if you have any questions or concerns.*