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Feb 28, 2024 · Reseasoning cast iron helps maintain a natural, nonstick surface and prevents rusting. We spoke to an expert on the best way to reseason cast iron, including how often.
- Not Recommended: Naval Jelly
- How to Remove Old Seasoning: Lye
- Removing Rust: Vinegar
- Removing Seasoning and Rust Simultaneously: Electrolysis
- Post-Stripping Care
- Re-Season
First, a tip on what not to do. Some sites will tell you to use Naval Jelly, a form of phosphoric acid. The photo above is of a pan that had Naval Jelly painted onto it. It dries on, as you can see, and then becomes very difficult to remove. According to Nick, it can work for very small pieces of cast iron that can be fully submerged in the jelly, ...
The seasoning on cast iron is polymerized oil, essentially a plastic-like coating that forms when oil is heated in the presence of the iron and oxygen. Lye, the common name of the alkaline compound sodium hydroxide, can break down that polymerized oil. Lye is used for all sorts of things, from making soap to giving pretzels their deep brown crust, ...
Once you've removed all of the old seasoning, the next step is to get rid of any rust. Thankfully, removing rust doesn't require anything as nasty as lye: acetic acid, A.K.A. vinegar, will do the trick. Make sure to buy big jugs of cheap distilled white vinegar for this. Nick lets his pans soak in the pure distilled white vinegar for six to twelve ...
For those who want a solution that deals with the seasoning and rust simultaneously, look no farther than an electrolysis setup. This isn't practical for a lot of people at home, but car enthusiasts may already have the battery charger on hand. If that sounds like you, read on. Nick runs his withthis Schumacher chargerthat he sets to 10 amps. He co...
As I mentioned above, cast iron will start to rust almost immediately once it's been stripped down to just the pure metal. If you're not going to season it right away, you can stave off rusting temporarily by rubbing your pan with mineral oil. Rub the oil well with a cloth until the shine is gone. Then be sure to wash it off with warm soapy water b...
Once you're ready to season, follow our instructions here. Any neutral kitchen oillike corn, vegetable, or canola will work; avoid flax seed oil, which makes beautiful looking seasoning, but has a tendency to wear away easily. Once you're done, step back and take in the beauty of your work. If you're generous, it'll be a gift for someone you love w...
- Daniel Gritzer
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May 17, 2021 · If you accidentally drop your cast iron skillet, especially from an upper cabinet on a concrete or tile floor, there’s a high chance it will break into two or more pieces as soon as it hits the ground. So what steps can you take to prevent this from happening? How to Prevent Your Cast Iron Cookware From Breaking
Sep 12, 2023 · How to completely strip a cast iron pan (and when to do it) Cleaning a Dutch oven and other enameled cast iron. Our thoughts on products marketed specifically for cast iron. Sources....
Nov 22, 2019 · Updated: Jan. 28, 2022. Taste of Home. Cast iron skillets have a reputation for being indestructible—but is there ever a time when you need to throw it out? Here's the scoop. Famously durable, these pans are often passed down through generations.
There’s a lot of mystery around how to clean a cast iron pan, but it is really easy — I promise! To start, you’ll need a clean dishtowel or paper towel, a soft sponge, coarse salt (if necessary), and a bit of vegetable oil.
Nov 4, 2020 · Maybe most crucially: The cast iron skillet is a refreshingly reliable pan. You put something in a cast iron skillet? It’s going to cook. Not wilt, limply, with a faint sizzle. The cast iron skillet makes NOISE. The cast iron skillet is an upstanding citizen that by God does what it’s supposed to do. You want it hot? It gets damn hot.
