If you cook with a cast iron skillet, chances are you already have an idea of how to season one. But what if we told you there was a better way? One that guaranteed a slick, shiny surface that never has to be touched-up? America's Test Kitchen found one and tested it, and the difference between their traditional vegetable oil method and this new and improved method is easy to see.

This is the cast iron that's been seasoned with the new method, after going through the dishwasher (which we know is usually considered a major no-no, but is used solely for the purpose of this test). Seriously.