Packing Cast Iron Pans: A Step-By-Step Guide

Packing cast iron pans can be a challenging task, especially if you're moving house or going camping. It's important to take the necessary steps to ensure your pans are protected and don't get damaged during transit. Here are some tips to help you pack your cast iron pans effectively:

- Use the right materials: Wrap your cast iron pans individually in paper, old towels, or pillowcases to protect them from scratches and damage. You can also use paper bags and place paper towels between the pans for padding.

- Get a carrying bag: Invest in a cast iron pot and pan-carrying bag to make transportation easier. These bags are designed with padding and reinforced handles to protect your cookware.

- Use a sturdy box: Place your wrapped pans in a wooden or plastic box for easy transit. Make sure the box is well-padded to prevent shifting and provide extra protection.

- Label the box: Clearly label the box with Fragile and Pots and Pans to ensure proper handling during the moving process. Indicate the room and any special instructions on the top and at least one side of the box.

- Pack with care: When packing the box, aim for a weight of around 34-45 lbs. Nest the pots and pans together to save space, and be careful with glass lids, wrapping them separately to protect them.

Wrapping pans in old towels or pillowcases

Wrapping cast iron pans in old towels or pillowcases is a great way to protect them during transit. This method provides a layer of cushioning, preventing scratches and other types of damage. It is also a cost-effective solution, as it utilises household items.

When using towels or pillowcases, ensure they are clean. This will help to keep your pans in optimal condition and prevent any dirt or residue from transferring to the cookware.

To begin, lay the towel or pillowcase on a flat surface and place the pan in the centre. Then, wrap the fabric diagonally around the pan, continuously tucking in the overlapping edges until the pan is completely covered. For added protection, you can tape down any loose ends. Repeat this process for each pan.

If you have multiple pans of varying sizes, you can nest them within each other. Place smaller pans inside larger ones, with the wrapped towel or pillowcase providing a protective layer in between. This will help to save space and provide additional security during transportation.

After wrapping and nesting your pans, select an appropriately-sized box. Choose a sturdy option, such as a heavy-duty moving box, to accommodate the weight of the cast iron. Avoid overpacking by limiting the number of pans per box to two or three. Start by placing the heaviest pans at the bottom of the box, followed by lighter items on top.

Finally, fill any remaining gaps in the box with cushioning material, such as bubble wrap, crumpled newspaper, or additional towels. This will prevent the pans from shifting and minimise the risk of damage during transit. Seal the box with packing tape, reinforcing the seams to ensure it remains closed. Label the box with "Fragile" and "Pots and Pans" to ensure proper handling.

Using paper bags and paper towels as padding

When packing cast iron pans, it is important to protect them from damage and rust. One way to do this is by using paper bags and paper towels as padding.

First, wrap each cast iron pan in a paper bag. Then, place layers of paper towels between each pan to prevent them from scratching or damaging each other. You can also use paper towels to wrap the pans themselves, providing extra protection. This method is cheap and effective, and it will help to keep your pans in optimal condition during transport.

Once you have wrapped and padded your cast iron pans, you can place them in a wooden or plastic tote box for easy storage and transport. Make sure to put paper towels or clean dishcloths between stacked pans to avoid scratching and to protect the seasoning.

If you are packing cast iron pans for camping, you may also want to consider using a cast iron carrying bag or a sturdy box with a lid. These options make it easier to carry your pans and protect them from the elements.

Using tote bags for ease of movement

Tote bags are a great way to transport your cast iron pans with ease. They are a convenient option for camping trips, offering protection and ease of movement.

Firstly, you will need to wrap your cast iron pans in a protective layer. This can be done with old, clean towels or pillowcases. You could also use brown paper bags with layers of paper towels in between to avoid scratching and rusting.

Next, you can place your wrapped pans in a tote bag. Tote bags are a great option as they are often designed with padding and reinforced handles, offering extra protection and making them easier to carry. You can also use the next size up to fit multiple pans in one bag. For example, a 12-inch tote bag can fit a 10-inch dutch oven and a 12-inch skillet.

Additionally, you can place a sturdy metal pie plate, a pizza pan, or a wooden cutout at the bottom of the tote bag to provide added strength and stability. This will also prevent the legs of the camp dutch oven from wearing through the material.

When choosing a tote bag, look for those specifically designed for cast iron pans, such as the Lodge Bag Camp Dutch Oven Tote or the Camp Chef Dutch Oven Carry Bag. These bags are made with durable materials like 600D Oxford cloth and heavy-duty nylon/PVC lining, ensuring your pans are well-protected.

Using tote bags to transport your cast iron pans will make your camping trip much easier and ensure your pans stay in optimal condition.

Storing pots and lids separately

When packing cast iron pans, it is important to consider the space you have available, the weight of the items, and the ease of transportation. To pack cast iron pans effectively, you can follow these steps:

• Use a Lid Organiser: Lid organisers are designed to keep lids of various sizes in place and can be placed inside a cabinet near your pots for easy access.
• Designate a Lid Drawer: If you have the option to design your kitchen, consider including a sufficient number of drawers and designate one specifically for lids, preferably close to the drawers with the pots.
• Use a Plate Rack: Repurpose a plate rack or a draining rack to hold your pot lids. These racks are usually made of wood, bamboo, or metal and can be placed inside a cabinet.
• Use a Pegboard: Wooden pegboards are versatile and can be used to store and display utensils and pot lids. Paint them to match your kitchen décor. To store a lid, place two pegs on the pegboard on either side of the lid to hold it in place.
• Use Hooks: If you have wooden kitchen cabinets, screw in some large hooks underneath and hang the pot lids by their handles.
• Use an Over-the-Door Rack: Install a rack on the inside of a cabinet door or mount it on the wall to store multiple lids without taking up cabinet space.
• Use a Lazy Susan Cabinet: Install a lazy Susan in a corner cabinet to utilise the space efficiently. Hang pots and pans from the shelves and place lids on the bottom for quick access.
• Use Drawer Dividers: Drawer dividers are an inexpensive way to organise lids. Place them in a drawer to arrange and hold lids in place.
• Use a Server Drawer: Use a server drawer in the kitchen to add charm and extra storage space. Use one drawer exclusively for lids, laying them down in a single layer to prevent damage.
• Store Lids in Pans: If you have a small number of pans, place the lid upside down on the pan and stack another pan on top. To prevent scraping, use a pan protector between the lid and the pan.

Ensuring pans are clean and dry before storing

Ensuring your cast iron pans are clean and dry before storing is an essential step in the packing process. Cast iron is prone to rusting, so it's crucial to take the necessary steps to prevent this.

Firstly, wash your cast iron pans by hand using a small amount of mild dish soap and hot water. You can use a non-abrasive sponge or scrub brush to gently scrub the pan. If there is stuck-on food, a pan scraper or nylon scrubbing brush can help remove it. For particularly stubborn residue, simmer a little water in the pan for 3-5 minutes and then use the scraper once the pan has cooled.

Once your pans are clean, it's important to dry them promptly and thoroughly. Use a lint-free cloth or paper towel to absorb any remaining moisture. If you notice any black residue on the towel, don't worry—this is just seasoning and is perfectly normal.

After drying, it's a good idea to season your cast iron pans. This will help protect them from rust and create a non-stick surface. To season your pans, rub a very light layer of cooking oil or seasoning spray onto the surface. Use a paper towel to wipe the surface until no oil residue remains.

By following these steps, you can ensure your cast iron pans are clean and dry before storing, helping to prevent rust and maintain their condition.

Frequently asked questions