Marianne Martinez
Cast iron skillets are famously durable and often passed down through generations. They are prized for their ability to get and stay scorching hot, but this also means they can be prone to hot spots, leading to uneven cooking. Cast iron pans are also susceptible to rust, which can be caused by exposure to water, especially if they are soaked or washed in a dishwasher. However, rust can be removed by scouring the pan with steel wool and reseasoning it with oil. Warping can also occur due to very high heat or temperature fluctuations, and cracks can form, rendering the pan unusable. Despite their reputation for being indestructible, cast iron pans can be ruined, but proper care and maintenance can help extend their lifespan.
Can You Ruin a Cast Iron Pan?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Durability | Cast iron skillets are extremely resilient and durable, and can last a lifetime or more. |
| Indestructibility | Cast iron skillets are often considered indestructible, but they can be ruined by extreme mistreatment, such as melting inedible substances in them, or using them as tools. |
| Rust | Rust is a common issue with cast iron pans, but it does not mean the pan is ruined. It can be removed by scouring, scrubbing, or using steel wool, and then re-seasoning the pan. |
| Warping | Cast iron pans can warp due to very high heat or temperature fluctuations, causing an uneven base. This can be tested by pressing down on the handle when the pan is on a burner. |
| Cleaning | Cast iron pans should not be soaked in water, washed in the dishwasher, or cleaned with steel wool or metal scrubbers, as these can cause rust and damage the seasoning. Instead, they should be cleaned promptly with a small amount of soap and water, dried thoroughly, and re-seasoned. |
| Seasoning | Seasoning refers to the oil baked onto the surface of the pan, which improves with age and use. Cast iron pans can be re-seasoned after each use by adding a thin layer of oil and baking in the oven. |
| Food Odours | Cast iron pans can absorb strong food odours. It is recommended to use a separate pan for fragrant foods to avoid this issue. |
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What You'll Learn
Rusting
Cast iron skillets are famously durable and resilient, and it is almost impossible to ruin them. They are often passed down through generations of families. However, one of the most common problems with cast iron pans is rust. This can occur when a pan is soaked in water or washed in a dishwasher. Water is iron's enemy, leading to rust, wear, and tear. If you notice rust on your cast iron pan, don't panic! It is fixable and you can continue using the cookware.
To refurbish a rusty cast iron pan, start by scouring the rusty area with steel wool, warm water, and a small amount of soap. You can then rinse and hand dry the pan thoroughly. Next, apply a thin, even layer of cooking oil to the inside and outside of the pan. Place the pan upside down on the top rack of the oven and put a baking sheet or aluminium foil on the bottom rack to catch any excess oil. Heat the oven to 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour. Allow the pan to cool and repeat the process as needed until the pan achieves the classic black patina.
It is important to note that rust can also occur if a cast iron pan is left outdoors in the weather for many years. In this case, the rust may eat away at the surface of the pan, causing irreparable damage. However, this is an extreme case and it would take a significant amount of time for rust to cause this level of destruction.
In most cases, cast iron skillets are extremely durable and can withstand a lot of abuse. They can be restored and reseasoned multiple times, ensuring their longevity.
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Warping
There are several methods to fix a warped pan, but they may be challenging and not always successful. One method is to heat the pan on low heat for several minutes, then place it upside down on a flat, durable surface, and apply weight to the centre while it cools. This process aims to use heat and pressure to straighten the pan. However, cast iron is a brittle metal, and applying too much force may cause it to crack. Another suggested method is to heat the pan in an oven with a weight in the middle, allowing it to cool down slowly. While this may provide consistent heating, achieving the required temperature is challenging.
Some people have had success reversing the warping process. For example, if running cold water on a hot pan caused the warp, they suggest placing the hot pan upside down under cold water. However, attempting to unwarp a pan may risk further damage or even render it unusable. Therefore, it is essential to consider the cost and effort of repairing a warped cast iron pan versus purchasing a new one.
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Cracking
Yes, it is possible to crack a cast-iron pan. Cracks generally occur due to thermal shock, which is when the pan is heated or cooled too quickly, or physical abuse, such as dropping the pan or using it as an anvil. If a crack is present in the pan, it can be used for "light-duty" cooking, such as making cornbread. However, if the crack is near the handle, it is recommended to stop using the pan and instead hang it on a wall. If the crack is more than 90 degrees away from the handle, it is generally safe to continue cooking with the pan, but it must be treated with care.
To prevent cracks from forming, it is important to always heat and cool the pan slowly. Additionally, avoid putting cold water in a hot pan, especially one with a crack, as this can cause the crack to grow. If a crack is present, it can be repaired by drilling a hole at the end of the crack, sawing along the crack with a hacksaw blade, and then filling the hole and crack with a heat-resistant material such as J-B Weld.
While cracks can occur in cast iron pans, it is important to note that cast iron is highly durable and can withstand high temperatures. The pans can be heated to scorching hot temperatures without causing damage to the iron structure. However, overheating can destroy the seasoning on the pan, causing it to flake or burn off. In this case, the loose seasoning should be removed, and the pan should be re-seasoned.
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Cleaning with soap
While it is possible to clean a cast iron pan with soap, it is not necessary, and some people prefer not to. If you do choose to use soap, it is important to take a few extra steps to care for the pan to avoid rusting and damage to the seasoning. Firstly, never let the pan soak in water or leave water sitting in the pan, as this can lead to rusting. Always clean, wash, and dry the pan immediately after use. Use a small amount of mild soap with warm water and a nylon brush or sponge to clean the pan, inside and out. Promptly dry the pan with a paper towel or lint-free tea towel, then put the pan back on the stove and turn the heat to medium for about three to five minutes to ensure the pan is thoroughly dried.
Some people prefer to use alternative methods to soap when cleaning cast iron pans, such as scrubbing the pan with kosher salt and a paper towel until the pan is clean and the salt is nearly black, then rinsing and drying the pan. Another method is to fill the pan with an inch or so of water, boil it for around 30 minutes to kill any bacteria, use a scraper to remove any gunk, then pour the water out, wipe the pan clean, and re-season it with a thin layer of oil.
It is worth noting that the belief that soap should not be used on cast iron pans comes from the fact that older soaps were made with lye, which can strip away seasoning and damage the pan. However, most modern soaps are too mild to cause significant damage to the seasoning of a well-used cast iron pan. Nevertheless, some people prefer to avoid soap and use other cleaning methods to maintain the seasoning of their pans.
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Using a dishwasher
Cast iron skillets are prized possessions in the kitchen. However, one key difference between cast iron skillets and Dutch ovens is that cast iron skillets lack an enamel coating to protect them. This means that cast iron skillets require extra care and attention.
While cast iron can be exposed to moderate amounts of water and mild dishwashing soap, it is not advisable to put them in a dishwasher. The strong detergents used in a dishwasher strip away the protective coating of baked-on oil that gives cast iron its nice black sheen and non-stick surface. The water jets and harsh detergents strip away the solid seasoning you may have spent years building up on your cast iron skillet. A well-seasoned pan makes for great cooking, so it is best to avoid putting your cast iron pan in the dishwasher.
Putting your cast iron in the dishwasher can also lead to rusting. Cast iron cookware rusts easily when exposed to moisture, and the prolonged exposure to water in a dishwasher is too much for cast iron. Even the heat-dry setting tends to leave a lot of moisture behind. A single pass through a dishwasher was enough to rust one cast-iron pan. If your pan has rusted, you will need to remove the rust and then re-season your pan.
It is also worth noting that some cooks use coarse salt to remove stubborn messes on cast iron. Pour a couple of tablespoons of very coarse salt into the pan, adding a little vegetable oil for lubrication if needed. Use a nylon scrubber or clean dishcloth to scrub the surface. Rinse out the pan and follow up by washing as needed. As always, dry the pan completely before storing.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, soaking a cast iron pan in water can lead to rust. If your pan has developed rust, scrub it off with steel wool and re-season it.
Yes, this can cause the pan to warp and it may no longer sit flat. However, it will still be usable on gas stoves.
Large amounts of soap can strip the seasoning off your pan, but this can be fixed by re-seasoning it. Small amounts of soap are okay.
