The Art Of Wrought Iron Pan Care: A Guide To Long-Lasting Cookware

Wrought iron pans are a great addition to any kitchen, and they're not as delicate as you might think. While they do require some special care, maintaining cast iron cookware is not much of a chore. Here are some tips on how to care for your wrought iron pan:

- It is recommended to wash your pan with soap and water, especially when it's new. This will help remove any factory residue or rust bits. Make sure to rinse and dry the pan thoroughly after washing.

- The season on your wrought iron pan is what creates a non-stick and rust-resistant surface. To create a good seasoning, clean the pan and rub it with oil, then heat it in the oven or on the stovetop.

- After cooking, clean your pan while it is still warm. Use warm water and a brush or scraper to remove stuck-on food. You can also use salt as an abrasive to help scrub away any charred bits.

- Dry the pan thoroughly after washing to prevent rust. You can place it over a flame or burner to speed up evaporation and ensure it is completely dry.

- Once dry, rub the pan with a light layer of cooking oil, such as canola, vegetable, or corn oil. Buff away any visible grease, then heat the pan until it is lightly smoking.

- Avoid using steel wool or metal scrubbers as they can damage the seasoning. Instead, use a pan scraper, chainmail scrubber, or nylon scrubbing brush to remove stuck-on food.

- Don't soak your wrought iron pan in water as it can lead to rust. If you need to remove stubborn food, simmer a small amount of water in the pan for a few minutes, then use a scraper after it has cooled.

- While wrought iron pans are durable, avoid putting them in the dishwasher as it can remove the seasoning and cause rust.

How to clean a wrought iron pan

Step 1: Wash the Pan

Contrary to popular belief, it is perfectly fine to use a small amount of soap to wash your wrought iron pan. The caution against using soap originated from the fact that soap used to contain lye, which would degrade the pan's seasoning. However, modern soap does not contain lye, so it is safe to use. Use a sponge or dishrag to wash the pan with warm soapy water, scrubbing away any stuck-on food. For stubborn, stuck-on food, you can simmer a little water for 3-5 minutes and then use a scraper after the pan has cooled. Avoid using steel wool or metal scrubbers, as these can damage the seasoning. Instead, use a pan scraper or a chainmail scrubber to remove stuck-on food.

Step 2: Dry the Pan

Make sure to dry the pan thoroughly after washing, as water is the enemy of wrought iron. Use a lint-free cloth or paper towel to dry the pan, and ensure it is completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Oil the Pan

Lightly rub the pan with a thin layer of cooking oil, such as canola, vegetable, or corn oil. Buff away any visible grease so that the pan appears dry. This protective layer of oil will help prevent rusting and develop the pan's non-stick characteristics.

Step 4: Heat the Pan

Place the pan on a burner set to high heat and leave it for a couple of minutes until it is heated through and lightly smoking. This step helps to ensure that any remaining moisture is evaporated and guarantees that the pan is completely dry.

Step 5: Store the Pan

Once the pan is cool, it is ready to be stored until its next use. Wrought iron pans should always be bone dry before stacking or hanging for storage. To help wick away any remaining moisture and protect the pan's surface, you can place a single paper towel inside the pan before storing it.

How to dry a wrought iron pan

Drying your wrought iron pan is an important step in the cleaning process, as it prevents rust from forming. Here is a detailed guide on how to dry your wrought iron pan effectively:

Hand Dry:

Use a lint-free cloth, paper towel, or a dedicated cloth towel to thoroughly dry your pan by hand. Wringing out the water from the pan with a cloth is an effective way to ensure that most of the water is removed. It is normal to notice some black residue on the towel, which is just the seasoning coming off. Make sure to dry both the inside and outside of the pan.

Heat Dry:

After hand-drying your pan, place it on a stove burner set to high heat. The heat will speed up the evaporation of any remaining moisture, ensuring the pan is completely dry. This step is especially important if your pan was soaked or submerged in water, as it will prevent rust from forming.

Oven Dry:

An alternative to heat drying on a stove burner is to place the pan in a warm oven for a short period. This method can be more cumbersome as a daily ritual but is an option if you prefer to avoid using a stovetop.

Preventing Rust:

Leaving your wrought iron pan to stand with water in it will encourage rust to form. Therefore, it is crucial to dry your pan thoroughly after washing. If any rust does develop, it can be removed, and the pan can be reseasoned.

Storing:

Before storing your wrought iron pan, ensure it is bone dry. Rust is the enemy of your pan's seasoning, so it is vital to avoid any moisture when storing. To protect your pan's surface and wick away any remaining moisture, slip a single paper towel into the skillet, especially if you plan to stack it with other cookware.

By following these steps, you can effectively dry your wrought iron pan and maintain its condition for years to come.

How to oil a wrought iron pan

To oil a cast iron pan, you must first ensure that the pan is thoroughly dry. Water is the enemy of cast iron, so it is important to dry the pan with a towel immediately after washing. You can then place the pan over a flame to speed up evaporation and guarantee that all moisture is gone.

Next, rub the pan very lightly with an unsaturated cooking fat, such as canola, vegetable, or corn oil. Make sure to buff away any visible grease so that the cast iron appears to be dry. You can then place the pan back over a burner set to high heat and leave it for a few minutes until it is heated through and lightly smoking.

It is important to note that if you rub the pan with oil and put it away without heating it, the oil can become sticky and rancid. If this happens, simply wash out the pan with soap and water, dry it, and heat it again.

How to store a wrought iron pan

Storing a wrought iron pan is simple, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your pan stays in good condition.

Firstly, always ensure your pan is bone dry before storing. Rust is the enemy of your pan, so make sure to dry it thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or paper towel after washing. You can also place the pan over a high flame to speed up evaporation and guarantee that all moisture is gone.

Secondly, it is recommended to add a thin layer of oil to your pan before storing. Use an unsaturated cooking fat, such as canola, vegetable, or corn oil, and rub it all over the pan, making sure to buff away any visible grease. You can then place the pan back over a burner on high heat until it is lightly smoking. This will ensure your pan is protected and ready for its next use.

If you are stacking your pan with other pots and pans, it is a good idea to slip a single paper towel into the skillet. This will help to wick away any moisture and protect the pan's surface.

Finally, make sure to store your pan in a dry, cool place. With these simple steps, your wrought iron pan will be properly stored and maintained.

How to season a wrought iron pan

Seasoning a wrought iron pan is essential to creating a non-stick surface and preventing rust. The process involves bonding polymerized oil onto the metal pan, creating a thin, plastic-like coating. Here's a step-by-step guide to seasoning your wrought iron pan:

Step 1: Wash the Pan

Start by washing your pan with hot, soapy water. You can use a small amount of modern soap, as it won't strip away the seasoning. Use a sponge or dishrag to wipe the pan clean. If there are stubborn, stuck-on bits of food, you can use a pan scraper or the softer, synthetic scrubber on the back of many kitchen sponges. For really tough, burnt-on food, pour some salt into the pan, set it over high heat, and rub the charred bits out with paper towels before rinsing with warm, soapy water.

Step 2: Dry the Pan

After washing, it's important to dry the pan thoroughly. Use a lint-free cloth or paper towel to remove any moisture. Leaving the pan wet can lead to rust, so ensure it is completely dry. You can also place the pan over a high flame to speed up evaporation and guarantee that all moisture is removed.

Step 3: Apply a Thin Layer of Oil

Once the pan is dry, it's time to apply a thin layer of oil. Use an unsaturated cooking fat, such as canola, vegetable, or corn oil. Rub the oil all over the pan, making sure to buff away any visible grease. The pan should look like it hasn't been oiled at all. This step helps protect the pan and creates a non-stick surface.

Step 4: Heat the Pan

Place the oiled pan back on the stove over high heat or in an oven. Leave it for a couple of minutes until it is heated through and lightly smoking. This step helps to bake the oil into the pan, creating a rust-resistant and non-stick surface.

Step 5: Repeat as Needed

Depending on the condition of your pan, you may need to repeat the process of oiling and heating a few times to build up a strong seasoning. Each layer of oil adds to the protective coating, making your pan more durable and non-stick.

Maintenance Tips:

• Wash your pan regularly with mild soap and water, especially after each use.
• Dry the pan thoroughly after washing to prevent rust.
• Apply a thin layer of oil after drying to maintain the seasoning and protect the pan.
• Use wooden, silicone, or rubber utensils when cooking with your seasoned pan to avoid scratching the surface.
• Avoid storing food in the pan, as it can be bad for both the pan and the food.
• Clean the pan right away after use and avoid soaking it for extended periods.

Frequently asked questions