The internet is full of information on the best way to season cast iron. The problem is there is no consensus. Since seasoning is all about the oil bonding to the iron (polymerization), it might be helpful to know a few things such as, “At what temperature does oil polymerize?” If you have a basic … Read more
Ever wondered, “Why are there no cast iron baking sheets?” You know that cast iron is beneficial, so why not make a baking sheet for your favorite foods you make in the oven? For example, cookies or pizza? Or roasted vegetables? Surely cast iron would do a better job than what you currently use. But, … Read more
Are you wondering, “Why Does Cast Iron Seasoning Go Rancid?” You went to get out the dutch oven that you hadn’t used in a while and immediately noticed an unpleasant odor coming from the pan. Or you’re cooking in the pan you use every day, but now it suddenly smells rancid, and the food you … Read more
If you’ve ever burned yourself by picking up your cast iron pan without protection, you know firsthand how hot the handle can get. As a result, has it led you to wonder, “Why do cast iron handles get hot? And why don’t they come out with a different type of handle that will stay cooler?” … Read more
Are you ready for a science lesson? Because if you are asking, “What happens when you heat cast iron?” the answer is found in science. In some ways, iron is similar to other types of metal, but in other ways, it is quite different. Furthermore, when trying to understand what happens when you heat cast … Read more
Do you have a warped cast iron pan that you can barely cook with anymore? Either the oil pools to the middle or runs to the outside, and your food doesn’t cook evenly. If possible, you’d like to straighten the pan, and you’re looking for answers. Can you fix a warped cast iron skillet? Let’s … Read more
Do you like vintage cast iron but can’t find any that isn’t at least a little warped? And now you’re asking, “Are most vintage cast iron pans warped?” That was the case for one person. Everywhere he looked, the skillet wobbled a bit. Finally, he gave up and bought a warped skillet because it was … Read more
Why does cast iron warp? Warping means distorted in some way, typically through heat or moisture. When cast iron warps, it bows or gets bent out of shape. It can bow up or down, but the result is always an uneven surface. Maybe you have a warped cast iron pan as I do, and you … Read more
A common question people ask is, “Is it worth it to restore a rusty cast iron pan?” It’s hard to say, mainly if the pan is badly rusted. Whether it was left outside in the rain or you found it cheap at a garage sale, a rusted pan will need some work. It will take … Read more
Are you asking, “Why is my cast iron skillet brown after seasoning?” You thought it was supposed to be black like the factory pre-seasoned ones are. My first skillet came black, but after cooking in it a little and seasoning it once in the oven, I noticed areas of brown. I wasn’t sure if it … Read more