Cleaning Calphalon Cast Iron Grill Pans: Step-By-Step Guide

Cast iron grill pans are a vital tool in any kitchen and with the right care, they can outlast even the most durable non-stick or stainless steel pans. Cleaning and maintaining a cast-iron pan can be done in several ways, including using salt and water, salt, soap, or boiling water. The key is to ensure that the pan is dried completely before storing it, to prevent rusting.

How to Clean Calphalon Cast Iron Grill Pan

Cleaning with salt and water

Firstly, let your Calphalon cast iron grill pan cool down. It should be cool to the touch but not completely cold. Generously cover the surface of the pan with coarse kosher salt. Next, add a small amount of hot water to the pan. The water will cause the salt to stick together and form a paste.

Use a sponge or brush to scrub the salt around the pan, making sure to get in between the ridges and all around the sides. Rinse the pan with hot water to remove the salt and debris. Repeat this process if necessary.

If you want to avoid using water, you can simply sprinkle salt on the pan and use a folded paper towel to rub it into any stuck-on food. Add more salt as needed and continue to scrub. Then, use a new paper towel to wipe down the pan and dump the residue and salt into the trash.

Cleaning with salt only

To clean your Calphalon cast iron grill pan with salt only, follow these steps:

Firstly, let the pan cool down. It is important to wait until the pan is cool to the touch, but not completely cold, as this will make the cleaning process easier and safer.

Once the pan has cooled, sprinkle a generous amount of coarse kosher salt over the surface. The coarseness of the salt will act as an abrasive, helping to scrub away any stuck-on food particles. Use a folded paper towel to rub the salt into any stubborn, stuck-on food. You can also add a little more salt as you go, to keep scrubbing and lifting away debris.

Next, take a new paper towel and wipe down the pan, removing any excess salt and debris. Make sure to get into the ridges and sides of the pan, and dispose of the residue in the trash.

Finally, if you want to be extra thorough, you can rinse the pan with hot water to ensure all salt and debris is removed. Repeat the process if necessary.

It is important to note that, while this method is effective for cleaning cast iron, it should not be the only method used. To maintain the seasoning of your cast iron grill pan, it is recommended to re-season it after each use. This will keep the pan in the best condition and ensure it maintains its non-stick properties.

Cleaning with soap

To clean a Calphalon cast iron grill pan with soap, start by placing a small amount of non-abrasive soap or detergent in the middle of the pan. Using steel wool, a scrubber, or a sponge, scrub all surfaces of the pan with soap and a small amount of hot water. Be sure to scrub all the ridges and sides of the pan. Then, rinse the pan with hot water to remove any soap residue. It is important to note that using soap can break down and remove the flavour-enhancing seasoning that has built up on the pan over time. Therefore, it is recommended to only use this method when necessary, such as when removing rust or cleaning a brand-new pan.

After rinsing, it is important to dry the pan completely to prevent rusting. Start by towel-drying the pan and then place it on the stove over low heat for a minute or two to remove any remaining moisture. If desired, you can lightly coat the inside of the pan with oil and heat it for a little longer, which will help restore any seasoning lost during the washing process.

Once the pan is dry, it is ready to be stored. To protect against rust, it is recommended to store Calphalon cast iron pans with the lid off. Some users also suggest placing a paper towel inside the pan to absorb any additional moisture.

It is important to note that when cleaning a Calphalon cast iron grill pan with soap, you should avoid using abrasive scrubbers or sponges as they can damage the surface of the pan. Additionally, never leave the pan to soak in water or put cold water into a hot pan, as this can cause rusting and warping.

Cleaning with boiling water

If you're short on supplies or your pan contains a lot of large food particles, cleaning your Calphalon cast iron grill pan with boiling water is a good option. This is a simple, affordable, and effective method for cleaning your cast iron grill pan, but it works best if your pan has tall sides to contain the water.

First, set your grill pan back on the stove and fill it with about two to three inches of water. Turn on the stove and bring the water to a boil. After a few minutes of boiling, you will see that the food particles start to float to the surface.

Next, use a spatula to scrape between the ridges and loosen up any excess stuck-on food. Turn off the stove and allow the pan to cool for a few minutes. Once the pan is cool enough to handle, carefully pour out the water and residue down the drain.

Rinse out the empty pan with hot water to remove any remaining food particles and grease. Use a dry paper towel or a lint-free cloth to wipe away any remaining food residue. Ensure that you dry the pan thoroughly, as cast iron is susceptible to rust if not completely dried before storage.

Finally, to season your clean pan, rub a light layer of cooking oil or seasoning spray onto the surface. Use a paper towel to wipe the surface until no oil residue remains. This will help maintain the seasoned surface of your Calphalon cast iron grill pan and ensure it lasts for years to come.

Drying and storing

Drying:

Firstly, it is crucial to ensure your cast iron grill pan is completely dry before storing it. Use a towel to dry your pan immediately after washing it. Then, place the pan on the stove over low heat for a minute or two. This step helps eliminate any remaining moisture. If you desire, you can lightly coat the inside of the pan with oil and heat it for a little longer, which will help restore any lost seasoning during the cleaning process.

Storing:

Always store your Calphalon cast iron grill pan with the lid off. This practice helps protect against rust by allowing airflow and preventing moisture buildup. Many cast iron pan users recommend placing a paper towel inside the pan to absorb any additional moisture that may be present in the pan or the surrounding environment. Additionally, if your cast iron grill pan has a lid, avoid storing it with the lid on. This precaution is necessary because trapping moisture between the lid and the pan can lead to rust formation.

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