Is Your Cast Iron Pan Ruined? How To Tell And What To Do

Cast iron pans are famously durable and can be passed down through generations. However, they are not indestructible and can be ruined. Here are some signs that your cast iron pan is ruined and needs to be replaced:

- A crack: Even a hairline crack will expand and contract when heated and cooled, and the pan will eventually split.

- A hole: This often signifies that the pan was used for non-food purposes, such as holding motor oil or other harmful substances.

- A wobbly base: Warping can occur due to very high heat or temperature fluctuations, causing the pan to heat less evenly and may cause food to splash or spill.

- Rust: While not a dealbreaker, if you don't address rust, it will make your pan less non-stick.

A crack in the pan

A crack in your cast iron pan can be a serious issue. While a crack may start small, it will expand and contract as you continue to use the pan, and one day it will crack all the way through. This can be dangerous, as it may cause hot food to spill out, or even cause a fire.

Cracks are generally caused by thermal shock or physical abuse. Thermal shock occurs when an object expands by different amounts due to a rapid change in temperature. This can happen when a cold cast iron pan is placed on a stove set to high, or when a hot pan is filled with cold water. To avoid thermal shock, never heat your cast iron above medium-high heat, and always allow a hot pan to cool before washing.

Physical abuse, such as dropping your pan, can also cause cracks. If the crack is near the handle, it's best to stop using the pan. If the crack is more than 90 degrees away from the handle, you may be able to continue using the pan with care. However, it's important to monitor the crack, as it may grow over time.

If you're attached to the pan, there are some ways to repair a crack without welding. One method involves drilling a hole at the end of the crack, sawing along the crack with a hacksaw blade, and then filling the crack with a product like J-B Weld. Another method involves using a brazing torch, a filler rod, and sand to heal the crack. However, if the pan is an antique family heirloom, it may be best to leave repairs to a professional welder.

A hole in the pan

A hole in your cast iron pan usually indicates that it's time to say goodbye. While it is challenging to make a hole in cast iron, it could mean that the pan has rusted through completely. In this case, it won't function anymore, and it's time to replace it.

However, if the hole is small and only on the surface, it can be fixed. First, scour the surface with warm, soapy water and a metal scouring pad. Rinse and dry the pan thoroughly. Then, apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the pan, inside and out. Place the pan upside down on the top rack of the oven, with aluminium foil on the bottom rack to catch any oil drips. Bake at 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit for an hour, and repeat as needed until the pan has a black patina.

If your pan has a hole because it has been warped or bent out of shape by high heat, it may still work. However, if it's so wobbly that your food might spill out, it's best to get a new one.

In some cases, a hole in a pan could be deliberate. For example, someone might put a hole in a pan that has been used with materials that aren't food-safe, like lead or motor oil, to prevent others from using it. If you've inherited a pan with a hole, it's best to discard it.

A wobbly base

However, if you want to try and salvage your pan, there are a few methods you can attempt. Firstly, identify where the disfigurement is by placing the pan bottom-down on a flat surface. Then, turn it over and gently tap the specific spot with a hammer in a circular motion, checking your progress by turning it over. Be careful not to hit the pan too hard, as this can cause dents or dimples. It is recommended to place something between the pan and the hammer, such as wood or a board, to avoid direct contact.

Another method is to reheat the pan to a dull red colour and place it on a stack of wood to raise the rim off the table, with another piece of wood on top. Carefully and evenly hit the wood from the centre outwards in concentric circles. You may need to reheat the pan and try again until you are satisfied with the results.

Remember, repairing a warped pan can be dangerous, and you may end up making it worse. If you are unsure, it is best to consult a professional or consider investing in a new pan.

Rust

A little surface rust on a cast iron pan is not a problem and can be easily fixed. However, if the pan has rusted all the way through, it will no longer be functional.

To remove rust from a cast iron pan, start by scouring the rusty sections with steel wool or a Lodge Rust Eraser. Then, wash the pan with warm, soapy water. This step may remove portions of the seasoning, but that is okay as you will be re-seasoning the pan. After washing, thoroughly dry the pan with a paper towel or lint-free cloth. You can also place the pan on the stovetop on low heat for a few minutes to ensure it is completely dry.

Once the pan is dry, apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the entire surface of the pan. Be sure to use just enough oil to create a thin layer, as using too much oil can make the pan sticky. Place the pan upside down on the top rack of the oven and place aluminium foil on the bottom rack to catch any excess oil. Bake the pan at 450-500 degrees F for one hour, then allow it to cool. Repeat the baking process as needed until the desired level of seasoning is achieved.

By following these steps, you can easily remove rust from your cast iron pan and restore it to its former glory.

Pitting

To prevent pitting, it is important to avoid leaving your cast iron pan in the sink to soak and to ensure that it is dried thoroughly after washing. Even a slight amount of moisture on raw cast iron can promote rust. It is also recommended to avoid adding salt to a cool pan, as it can settle on the bottom and cause pitting. Instead, wait until the water is warm before adding salt.

If your cast iron pan already has pitting, there are a few ways to try to repair it. One method is to scrub the affected area with fine-gauge steel wool. If the rust is stubborn, you can try soaking the pan in a solution of equal parts vinegar and water, being careful not to leave it in the solution for too long, as it can pit the surface of your pan. Another option is to use a commercial oven cleaner, such as Easy Off, by spraying it all over the cookware, sealing it in a garbage bag for 24 hours, and then scrubbing with steel wool.

If the pitting is severe, you may need to seek professional help. Sandblasting is an option, but it will permanently alter the original surface of the cast iron. It is also important to note that if the pitting is caused by heat damage, it may be difficult to build good seasoning on top of it.

Frequently asked questions