The Care And Keeping Of Cast Iron: A Guide To Proper Storage

Cast iron pans are known for their durability, but improper storage can cause serious damage. To keep your cast iron pans in good condition, it's important to store them in a dry place, as excess moisture can cause rust. While you can keep your cast iron on the countertop or stovetop, it's best to avoid the area near the sink. A typical kitchen cabinet is a good option, but make sure to place heavier skillets on lower shelves. You can also hang your cast iron pans on the wall, but be sure to use sturdy hooks that can bear the weight. If you're stacking your pans, use paper towels or other materials between them to prevent scratching and absorb moisture. Before storing, clean your cast iron thoroughly, dry it completely, and consider seasoning it and adding a thin layer of oil to protect against rust.

Keep cast iron pans in a dry cabinet

Keeping cast iron pans in a dry cabinet is one of the best ways to store them. While cast iron is known for its durability, improper storage can cause serious damage to your cookware. A typical kitchen cabinet is an optimal storage space, but it must be dry. Excess moisture can quickly turn to rust on highly reactive cast iron. Make sure to dry your skillets thoroughly after rinsing them as part of your cast-iron cleaning routine.

Before storing your cast iron for the first time, make sure to season it. The layer of seasoning offers great protection against rust. On top of the seasoning, add a thin layer of oil after each use for extra protection. If your cast iron has no lid, place paper towels between the pans to prevent scratching and rusting. If your skillet comes with a lid, consider buying a pack of lid protectors. These plastic accessories provide a cushion between the pan and the lid to keep nicks and chips at bay, as well as promote air circulation so moisture doesn't get trapped inside.

If you don't have enough cabinet space, there are other ways to store your cast iron pans. You can keep them on the stovetop, as long as it's moisture-free and far removed from the kitchen sink area. Ovens also make a great storage space, as long as your pans are free of wooden parts and you remember to take them out before heating the oven. You can also hang your pans on the wall, but make sure the hooks are securely mounted, as cast iron is heavy.

Store on the stovetop, away from moisture

Cast iron pans are highly reactive and prone to rusting, so it's important to keep them in a dry place, away from moisture. If you're keeping your cast iron pan on the stovetop, make sure it's an area far removed from the kitchen sink to avoid any moisture.

Before storing your cast iron pan on the stovetop, it's crucial to clean and dry it thoroughly. Use a plastic scraper or a wooden scrub brush to remove any food particles, and then dry it with a paper towel or a dish towel. You can also heat the pan on the stovetop to ensure any remaining moisture is evaporated.

To further protect your cast iron pan from rusting, apply a thin layer of seasoning oil or vegetable oil to its surfaces, including the inside, outside, and handle. Use a paper towel or a clean rag to rub the oil onto the pan, wiping away any excess to leave a dry, matte finish. This will not only protect your pan but also help build up the seasoning.

If you use your cast iron pan frequently, keeping it on the stovetop can be a convenient option. However, if you don't use it often, it may get in the way, and you'll need to ensure the stovetop area remains clean and dry.

Remember, the key to properly storing your cast iron pan on the stovetop is to keep it away from moisture, as this will help prevent rust and ensure the longevity of your cookware.

Hang pans on the wall

Hanging your cast iron pans on the wall is a great way to save cupboard space and display your cookware as functional art. There are several ways to hang your pans on the wall, from DIY creations to store-bought racks.

If you're handy, you can make your own hanging rack or frame using wood and hooks. For example, you could screw thick pieces of old barn wood to the wall and use plain screws as hooks, or build a special frame out of wood to support the weight of your cast iron.

If you prefer to buy a ready-made solution, you can find commercial grid walls or cookware storage towers that offer both style and functionality. These typically have hooks or racks that can be adjusted to fit your collection and can be mounted on the wall or ceiling.

When hanging your cast iron pans, ensure that the hooks or mounts are securely attached to wall studs, as cast iron cookware is heavy. Also, remember to keep your pans dry to prevent rust. You can place paper towels between the pans to help absorb any moisture.

Use paper towels between pans to prevent scratching

Cast iron cookware is known for its durability, but improper storage can cause serious damage. To keep your cast iron pans in good condition, it's important to prevent scratching and rusting. One effective way to do this is to use paper towels between the pans when stacking them. Here are some tips on how to use paper towels to protect your cast iron:

Firstly, always ensure your cast iron pans are thoroughly dried before stacking and storing them. Cast iron is highly reactive to moisture, and excess moisture can quickly lead to rust formation. Once your pans are dry, place a paper towel on top of the first pan before placing the next pan on top. Repeat this process for each additional pan, ensuring there is a paper towel between each pan. This absorbs any residual moisture and creates a protective barrier, reducing the risk of scratching and rusting.

When using paper towels between cast iron pans, it is important to use enough paper towels to cover the entire surface of the pan. For wider pans, you may need to use multiple paper towels to ensure full coverage. It is also a good idea to replace the paper towels periodically, as they can become damp over time, reducing their effectiveness in preventing rust.

In addition to using paper towels, you can also utilise other materials to protect your cast iron. For example, you could use felt liners, kitchen towels, or rubberised shelf liners cut to size. These options are reusable and can provide an additional layer of protection against scratching and moisture.

By following these simple steps and using paper towels between your cast iron pans, you can help maintain the condition of your cookware, ensuring they remain rust-free and scratch-free for years to come.

Store in the oven

Storing your cast iron pan in the oven is a great option if you're running out of space in your kitchen. It's also a good choice if you regularly cook casseroles in the oven with your cast iron skillet. The oven is one of the driest places in your kitchen, making it a perfect environment for storing cast iron and preventing rust.

However, it's important to remember to remove your cast iron pan from the oven before preheating it. Cast iron pans can get very hot, so always use oven mitts when handling them. Additionally, if your cast iron pan has any wooden parts, avoid storing it in the oven as this could pose a fire hazard.

To protect your cast iron pan while it's stored in the oven, you can wrap it in paper towels. This is especially useful if you have multiple cast iron pans stacked on top of each other, as the paper towels will help prevent scratches and absorb any moisture that could lead to rusting. Remember to change the paper towels whenever they become dirty or damp.

Before storing your cast iron pan in the oven, ensure that it is clean, dry, and seasoned. You can season your pan by coating it with oil, lard, or grease and baking it in the oven. This process helps to create a non-stick surface and provides extra protection against rust.

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