Cast Iron Pan Supports: Rust-Proof Or Not?

Cast iron pan supports are susceptible to rusting. Rust forms when cast iron interacts with water and oxygen, so exposing your pan to water for long periods can quickly create an orange, rusty layer on its surface. Cast iron is a naturally porous material, so even after drying your pan with a towel, there may still be some remaining moisture. To prevent rust from forming, it's important to dry your pan over medium-low heat on the stove to evaporate any lingering water.

Why do cast iron pan supports rust?

Cast iron pan supports can rust due to a combination of factors, primarily the presence of water and oxygen. Cast iron is a porous material that is susceptible to rust formation when exposed to water for prolonged periods. This is because iron reacts with oxygen and water to form rust, or iron oxide. Therefore, it is essential to avoid leaving cast iron pan supports in water or a moisture-prone environment to prevent rusting.

Additionally, cast iron cookware is often seasoned with a layer of carbonized oil, which acts as a protective coating. Without this seasoning, or if the seasoning is compromised, the iron is more vulnerable to rust formation. Proper cleaning and maintenance, including thorough drying and oiling, are crucial to maintaining the seasoning and preventing rust.

To prevent rust, it is recommended to avoid submerging cast iron in water for extended periods and to dry it thoroughly after each use. This includes drying both the interior and exterior surfaces and ensuring complete moisture removal by heating the pan over a low flame. Regular oiling of the pan with a thin layer of seasoning oil or cooking oil also helps to protect against rust.

In summary, cast iron pan supports rust due to the reactivity of iron with water and oxygen, and the absence or damage of the protective seasoning layer. Proper cleaning, drying, and oiling techniques are essential to prevent and manage rust formation on cast iron cookware.

How to prevent rusting

Cast iron pan supports can indeed rust over time, but there are several ways to prevent this from happening. Here are some tips to help you keep your cast iron cookware rust-free:

Cleaning and Drying:

Always clean your cast iron cookware properly after each use. Use a mild dish soap, warm water, and a soft sponge or cloth to wash it. Avoid harsh abrasives and hard scrubbing unless you are removing rust. Make sure to dry it thoroughly with a towel and then place it on the stovetop over low heat for a few minutes to ensure it is completely dry.

Oil Seasoning:

After cleaning and drying, season your cast iron by adding a thin layer of cooking oil, such as vegetable oil, to the entire surface, including the inside and outside. Use a cloth or lint-free paper towel to apply the oil, ensuring there is no excess oil that can pool or run off. This protective layer of oil will help prevent rust.

Oven Treatment:

Preheat your oven to between 450-500°F (232-260°C). Place aluminium foil on the bottom rack to catch any oil drips. Place your oiled cast iron cookware upside down on the centre rack of the oven. Bake for one hour, then turn off the heat and let the cookware cool down inside the oven. This process helps cure and adhere the seasoning to the iron, creating a protective layer that guards against rust.

Storage:

Always ensure your cast iron cookware is completely dry before storing it. Store it in a dry, low-humidity environment. If stacking multiple pieces, use breathable pan separators or layers of paper towels between them to prevent moisture buildup.

Regular Maintenance:

Repeat the complete oil seasoning and oven treatment process once or twice a year for regular upkeep. After each use, wipe the cookware clean, scrub gently with warm soapy water if needed, dry thoroughly, and apply a light coat of oil. These mini-seasoning sessions will build up protective layers, improving the cooking surface and guarding against rust.

By following these steps, you can effectively prevent rust from forming on your cast iron pan supports and keep them in top condition for years to come.

How to remove rust

Cast iron pan supports can rust, but this can be removed. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to remove rust from cast iron:

Step 1: Soak Your Pan in Vinegar (or Don't)

Start by assessing the severity of the rust on your cast iron. For minor surface rust, you can skip this step and opt for a salt scrub. For more serious cases, create a mixture of equal parts water and distilled white vinegar in a container large enough to submerge your cast iron entirely. Ensure the handle is also submerged. Check the pan every 15 minutes and remove it once the rust easily flakes away. This can take anywhere from an hour to eight hours, so frequent check-ins are important. Be cautious, as the vinegar solution can start to eat away at the original cast surface if left for too long.

Step 2: Scrub and Wash

After removing the rust, wash your pan with mild dish soap and warm water. Use a mildly abrasive sponge or scrub pad to clean away any lingering rust. Always use warm water to clean your cast iron to prevent warping or cracking from a shock of cold. Contrary to popular belief, it is safe to use a small amount of soapy water on cast iron, especially when there is no seasoning to damage.

Step 3: Dry Thoroughly

Dry the pan immediately and thoroughly with a kitchen or paper towel. Place the pan on the stovetop over low heat for a few minutes to ensure complete dryness. It is crucial to remove all moisture to prevent the return of rust.

Step 4: Reseason the Cast Iron

Preheat your oven to around 500°F. Using a cloth or lint-free paper towel, wipe a thin layer of neutral cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, all over the pan's interior and exterior surfaces. Buff any excess oil and place the pan upside down in the oven, with aluminum foil or a baking sheet on the bottom rack to catch any drips. Turn off the heat after an hour and allow the pan to cool in the oven overnight, or remove it and set it aside for at least 45 minutes before using.

Step 5: Maintain and Store Properly

From now on, make sure to properly clean and season your cast iron regularly. Always ensure your skillet is completely dry before putting it away and store it in a low-humidity spot. If stacking multiple pans, use breathable pan separators or layers of paper towels to prevent moisture buildup. These steps will help keep your cast iron rust-free and in top shape for years to come.

How to restore a rusty cast iron pan support

Cast iron pan supports can rust, but it's not the end of the world. With a few simple steps, you can restore your pan support to its former glory. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Scrub and Wash

Start by scouring the rusty sections with steel wool or a scouring pad. If the rust is particularly stubborn, you can use a Lodge Rust Eraser. Then, wash the pan support with warm, soapy water. Don't worry about removing portions of the seasoning, as you'll be re-seasoning the pan support later.

Step 2: Dry Thoroughly

Completely dry the pan support with a paper towel or lint-free cloth. You can also place it on the stovetop on low heat for a few minutes to ensure it's completely dry. This step is crucial, as any remaining moisture can encourage rust to return.

Step 3: Apply a Thin Layer of Cooking Oil

Add a very thin layer of cooking oil to the entire surface of the pan support using a cloth or lint-free paper towel. Be sure to use just enough oil to coat the surface without any drips or runs. Thin layers are important for baking the seasoning into the pan support.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven and Bake

Preheat your oven to 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit. Place aluminium foil on the bottom rack of the oven to catch any excess oil. Place the pan support upside down on the centre rack to prevent oil from pooling on the cooking surface. Bake for about an hour.

Step 5: Cool and Re-season

Turn off the heat and allow the pan support to cool in the oven. This step helps the seasoning cure and adhere to the iron. Once it's cool, your pan support is ready to use!

Tips to Prevent Rust:

• Always ensure your pan support is completely dry before putting it away.
• Store it in a low-humidity spot.
• If stacking multiple pan supports, line each one with paper towels or invest in breathable pan separators to prevent moisture buildup.

Can you cook with a rusty cast iron pan support?

Cast iron is a mix of pig iron, steel, and alloys. It is a naturally porous material that develops rust when it interacts with water and oxygen. Rust (iron oxide) forms when iron reacts with oxygen and water. This means exposing your pan to water for prolonged periods can quickly create an orange, rusty layer on its surface.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, rust is not food-safe and shouldn't be ingested. However, it is unlikely that a rusty cast-iron skillet will harm you. When cooking on a rusted cast iron pan, there is a chance that some of the rust will end up in your food, but the quantities are so small that they're almost negligible.

Even though a rusted cast-iron pan doesn't necessarily present a health concern, it's still not recommended that you cook on it. The rust might add an unpleasant, metallic flavour to your food. Plus, it makes using the skillet much more difficult. Rust develops when there's no layer of seasoning on the surface of the iron. And without that seasoning, you're more likely to experience food sticking to the pan. That means pancake-flipping and steak-searing will likely go awry and be super frustrating.

Therefore, it is important to note that you shouldn't use your skillet while it still has rust on it. If your cast iron skillet does develop rust, there are a few easy steps you can take to remove it, and then you can resume cooking.

Frequently asked questions