Questions about cookware made out of cast iron
43
votes
9answers
8k views
What's the best way to season a cast iron skillet?
I just purchased a new cast iron skillet. What's the best way to season it?
And if I need to re-season an old pan, is the process any different?
36
votes
6answers
4k views
How do you clean a cast iron skillet?
I have a seasoned cast iron skillet, and I don't want to mess up the seasoning when I'm cleaning it. What do I use and what don't I use to get it back to clean?
I've heard not to use soap and to ...
32
votes
2answers
2k views
What does a healthy cast iron skillet look like?
I've read plenty about how to restore and season cast iron, but I have no clue whether any of the old cast iron I've inherited could benefit from this.
Is healthy cast iron black? or should it be ...
19
votes
4answers
728 views
What is the purpose of seasoning a skillet?
I've seen a couple questions on how to season a skillet, and this may be a dumb question, but why do you season a skillet?
Does it impart flavor onto the food?
For how long? (which I guess is one ...
15
votes
4answers
2k views
Can I clean enameled cast iron with steel wool?
I've got a new enameled cast iron skillet that I've been cleaning with stainless steel wool along with a standard dish rag.
It occurs to me that scratches in the enamel might eventually cause ...
12
votes
2answers
1k views
Is it safe to deglace a cast-iron pan?
I've heard that pouring a cold liquid into a very hot cast-iron pan can destroy it (because it's more brittle than a steel pan for instance). Is that true or do most of you deglace in cast-iron pans ...
12
votes
4answers
6k views
Is it safe to cook wine or vinegar in cast iron?
I want to cook a beef brisket, following a recipe that suggests baking it on a bed of onions and red wine, or red wine vinegar. I'd like to use a cast iron dutch oven, but am concerned about the ...
12
votes
6answers
3k views
Stripping seasoning from cast iron
After reading this article, I want to try to re-season a skillet with flaxseed oil; I'm fairly certain I did a terrible job when I seasoned the skillet several years ago. Is it possible to do this ...
11
votes
4answers
3k views
What is the purpose of using potato peels for seasoning a cast iron pan?
My first ever cast iron pan just arrived. The package contains following seasoning directions.
Wash with clothes detergent (not soap or dish detergent) to remove the
rust protection coating.
...
11
votes
7answers
4k views
Using cast iron on a glass range
I currently rent, and the only problem I have with the house we're in is that it has a glass-top range. I absolutely love my cast iron cookware, and use it as often as possible.
I've heard a few ...
11
votes
1answer
2k views
Cast iron pan flaking
My cast iron pan has started to give off tiny black flakes after 3 months of use. Are these dangerous in any way? Are we ingesting iron? There are patches on the skillet that are now a little ...
10
votes
3answers
1k views
Why are most enameled cast iron dutch oven's only rated up to 400-450 F?
I've been investigating getting an enameled cast iron dutch oven and am surprised to find that most of them don't recommend going over 400-450°F (200-230°C) (most even on just the base, so the lid ...
8
votes
6answers
7k views
How to clean a burnt cast iron pot?
I have this cast iron pot that my friend completely burnt. I was wondering what might be done to save this pot. I realize that this question seems similar to this one but in that one his skillet is ...
8
votes
5answers
3k views
Would a cast iron pot work well for chili? If so, why?
Is there anything to the cliched image of the big ol' cast iron pot filled with fiery chili?
We have some cast-iron skillets and love them, but I've heard that you're not supposed to cook tomatoes ...
7
votes
6answers
2k views
Cast Iron skillet applications [closed]
I have a cast iron I use for frying up meats. (It makes the best fried chicken.)
What else can I use my cast iron skillet for that would not seem obvious?
7
votes
3answers
575 views
Cleaning bacon in new cast iron
I have a new cast iron skillet. It came unseasoned, but I seasoned it using the flaxseed oil method that seems the new (recent?) hotness. When I then cook bacon in it some of the bacon is nailed to ...
7
votes
3answers
2k views
Wok: Carbon steel or cast iron?
I LOVE stirfrying (I probably do it 4 times a week) and I want to take it to the next level (or 2). I am going to get this burner to cook my stirfry's out on the patio.
I am wondering if I should ...
7
votes
2answers
863 views
Cast Iron vs Steel
1. What is the advantage of a steel skillet over a cast iron one? I currently use cast iron for most everything and am curious what I might be missing.
2. If there's an advantage to getting a steel ...
7
votes
6answers
3k views
What causes sticking and what can I do to reduce food sticking to my cast-iron skillet?
I enjoy using my cast-iron skillet, but how can I minimize the amount of food that sticks to it while cooking? I apply oil after cleaning, and for the most part, I only clean it with hot water and a ...
7
votes
3answers
5k views
What are preaseasoned cast iron pans preseasoned with?
I'm shopping for new pans right now and keep seeing cast iron advertized as "preseasoned". What does this mean? What are they preseasoning it with?
7
votes
2answers
831 views
Moving cast iron from fridge to stove
I made a really big one-pot meal in a cast iron (enameled) dutch oven and I'm fairly lazy. So I take all the leftovers once cooled, slap the lid on, and put it in the fridge.
The next day, it's time ...
7
votes
4answers
10k views
What oil is best for seasoning a cast-iron skillet
I just cleaned up a rusty cast-iron skillet and I would like to season it. The thing is that I don't have lard handy and I'm wondering whether any of my other oils and fats would do.
I have: canola, ...
7
votes
3answers
289 views
How to clean and maintain cast iron lids
I have a number of cast iron lids that fit skillets, dutch ovens, etc. Most have the little cone-shaped spikes on the underside to collect and return moisture to the food.
I have no issues cleaning ...
6
votes
2answers
549 views
Can I increase my iron intake by eating food cooked with cast iron?
Can I eat food cooked in cast iron to leach iron into the food? Is it a significant amount?
6
votes
4answers
533 views
Why reoil a cast-iron pan after usage?
I've been recommended to reoil my cast-iron pan by letting it absorb some oil on the remaining heat of the stove before drying it, each time after using it.
Is it important to do so, and what ...
6
votes
3answers
294 views
How to use a bottom concave ebelskiver (Æbleskiver) pan on a glass cook-top stove?
I've recently come in to a lovely cast iron ebelskiver pan (pictured below) and would like to try to make some ebelskivers.
The problem is I don't have a gas range and I'm rather sure that my ...
6
votes
1answer
633 views
Left my cast iron on the hot burner, now what?
So the other day, while baking off excess water after washing, I spaced out and forgot it was there and headed upstairs for say, an hour. When I got back down the pan had a white-ish ring in the ...
6
votes
3answers
539 views
Is it normal that I keep burning my seasoning off my cast iron?
I use cast iron, a lot. But I've got a problem, whenever I do something that requires high heat or really anything over medium (which is somewhere around 450-500F on my stove according to my IR ...
6
votes
2answers
2k views
cast iron pan rusting on bottom surface
I have a great cast iron skillet that I use frequently and also take superb care of. Until I noticed the bottom is coated in rust. I believe the high heat that I use from the range top cooked off all ...
5
votes
6answers
7k views
Is there a good way to cook a hamburger on a cast iron skillet?
So I'm trying to find a consistent way of getting good quality, medium-rare burgers without firing up the grill. The burgers always end up cooked on the outside quicker; the inside is still red (not ...
5
votes
1answer
6k views
No oil on non-stick pans?
My boyfriend is convinced that a non-stick coating on a pan (Teflon, seasoned cast iron, eco-ceramic, what have you) is equivalent to eliminating the need for using any cooking oil whatsoever.
Is ...
5
votes
2answers
385 views
Do all new cast iron pans and skillets have a protective coating on them, which must be removed?
http://whatscookingamerica.net/Information/CastIronPans.htm
All new (not old cast iron cookware) cast iron pans and skillets have a protective coating on them, which must be removed.
Is this ...
4
votes
2answers
9k views
Eating food from a slightly rusting cast iron dutch oven…is it safe?
I have a cast iron dutch oven. It has a self-basting lid, basically it has a grid of little cone shapes on the underside of the lid. The idea is that liquid condenses on underside of the lid and these ...
4
votes
2answers
2k views
Cast iron, forged iron or carbon steel pan for induction?
I need a new pan for non-stick applications (eggs) and I want to try using a well-seasoned iron or carbon steel one. I use an induction stove.
Normally, the arguments I hear in favor of carbon steel ...
4
votes
2answers
205 views
Baking with regular skillet vs. cast iron for apple pie
I have a recipe for apple pie I want to use. The recipe asks for a cast iron skillet.
Can I use a regular skillet in the oven instead of the cast iron skillet?
4
votes
1answer
4k views
Fixing Sticky Seasoning on Cast-Iron Pan
I screwed up the seasoning on my cast-iron pan. I forgot to flip it upside-down, so instead of that hard, smooth surface, it became sticky and gummy.
Is it possible to repair by reheating it again, ...
4
votes
1answer
2k views
Can deglazing a cast iron skillet remove the seasoning?
I would love to combine two of the best things in cooking, deglazing with a fonds or wine and my cast iron skillet, which I have been seasoning for a couple of months now. My concern is that the ...
4
votes
1answer
3k views
Can I deep fry in my Le Creuset dutch oven?
It's an enameled cast iron dutch oven. Just wondering if I could take off enamel by deep frying in it.
4
votes
1answer
173 views
Enameled cast iron vs stainless steel for acids
Are enameled cast iron pans or stainless steel pans better for cooking with acids like tomatoes? I am wondering if I can use all cast iron/enameled cast iron pans, or if I need a stainless steel pan ...
4
votes
1answer
519 views
Does cast iron have a coating from the manufacturer?
I have an old Wagner Ware cast iron skillet (marked as model 1056T; measures about 7 inches inside bottom). This was given to me by my grandmother.
Where the handle meets the pan, you can see a ...
4
votes
2answers
586 views
Should I polish a cast iron pan for use on a glass cooktop?
There was a question asked here about using cast iron on glass top ranges. In the responses, there was a link to an article about cast iron equipment. Here is a quote.
There is also an almost ...
3
votes
3answers
261 views
How to season iron cookware on gas stove?
Often I hear that after applying oil on the cookware you need to bake it in the oven on a certain temperature.
What precautions need to be taken if I intend to season the cookware on gas stove?
...
3
votes
4answers
1k views
What to do with a Sizzler?
We were gifted a Sizzler yesterday - a sort of elongated shallow cast-iron pan on a wood base for serving and keeping warm at the table. I know these are supposed to be for helping things caramelise, ...
3
votes
2answers
2k views
What is the difference between baking bread in a loaf pan made of stoneware vs metal vs iron cast?
Is there a significant difference between using a loaf pan made of this materials?
3
votes
2answers
449 views
Do you season a cast iron waffle pan before using?
I just bought a cast iron waffle pan. I've seen conflicting advice about whether it should be seasoned. I have several old cast iron pans and my instinct would be to season it but I've also read that ...
3
votes
1answer
596 views
Copper/Bronze Frying Pans?
What are the downsides of using a copper or bronze frying pan as opposed to stainless steel or cast iron?
3
votes
1answer
200 views
Is it safe to use a cast iron skillet over a chimney starter?
I want to pan-fry a burger tonight, but I don't want the smoke or smell in the house (we don't have a range hood, just an anemic exhaust fan that dates from the Truman administration). I considered ...
3
votes
3answers
291 views
How do you keep ebelskivers from sticking?
My sister bought me a cast iron ebelskiver pan, and I've not had much luck with each of the batches I've tried. They always burn or stick.
I'm hopeful someone might have a tried-and-true technique ...
3
votes
3answers
364 views
Is there a difference in the ease of seasoning cast iron, forged iron, and carbon steel?
I have a forged iron pan, and I used linseed oil to season it in the oven. The resulting seasoning peels in places. Also, it is not really non-stick, once food burns even a little, it is stuck to the ...
2
votes
2answers
517 views
Could a cast iron skillet change its ways and be kosher for a vegan?
If this sounds like a ridiculously neurotic question, that's because it is. That said, and discussion aside, according to Par[e]ve kitchen certifications and ordinances around the world (and ...
