Every cookware has a specific lifespan. Cast iron skillets are not different. It is essential to know when you should throw away your beloved cast-iron skillet. There are few symptoms an iron skillet can show if its service period is over or about to be expired.
Explore when to throw away a cast iron skillet with me!
Suppose a cast-iron skillet shows warping symptoms, uneven heating issues, cracks on the surface, random tiny holes, and breakage. Then, it’s time to say adios to the skillet. But, remember, you can’t just throw away a skillet. It will help if you dispose of it properly. If you don’t know the way, you should sell it as scrap material. It would help the recycling process.
Let’s explore the details of these features responsible for the cast iron skillet’s expiry.
When to Throw a Cast Iron Skillet?
There are a few signs and symptoms by which you can easily understand it’s time to throw away your beloved cast-iron skillet. Let’s explore in detail.
If the Skillet Warps, Cut Lose
Warping is a common scenario in most cookware. Cast iron skillets and other cookware are no exception. Warping happens to cookware due to exposure to ultra-high heat or fluctuation in temperature.
Now, the question is, how to understand if your cookware is warped?
The technique is pretty simple. Place the cast iron pan under examination on a burner. Now, press down the handle of the skillet. It’s time to check for wobbling. If you see any kind of wobbling, then you can be sure your skillet has warped.
Now, you may wonder my skillet is showing slight warping; can’t I use it? A slightly distorted surface is not a significant issue. It will not cause any health issues, but it will delay your cooking and resulted in poor or uneven cooking. You might need to stir a lot. But if your cast iron skillet warps a lot, consider it’s time to throw out the pan.
Facts: Only 5% of street-side waste recycling program allows you to put cast iron made materials into household waste collection bins.
If the Skillet Cracks, Get Rid of It
Cracks are the final bell for a cast-iron skillet. Even if you see a small, thin line of crack, you need to ditch the skillet.
If the skillet cracks a bit, you might think it’s not a big issue. But in reality, it is. After few days, the crack diameter can enlarge. The bottom part of the skillet may break apart, and if it happens while cooking, it will be a real mess.
Moreover, in the cracking zones, bacteria can accumulate as the crack patches are tough to clean.
If the Accessories Parts are Damaged, Say Bye
The handle of the cast iron skillet might get damaged after long-term use. It may lose from the joint and start losing color. Holes might appear in different areas in different sizes.
You may also check the lids on the skillet. The knobs of the lid can deteriorate after more prolonged use.
So, if your skillet shows such symptoms, you should stop using your skillet.
Rusting of the Skillet is Not a Throw Out Issue
Rusting skillet is a shared kitchen issue. But it’s nothing to worry about. Rusting of cast iron skillet can be encountered by re-seasoning or scouring.
Facts: If we can recycle one ton of iron and steel, it saves around 2500 pounds of raw iron ore, 130 pounds of limestone, and 1450 pounds of coal! (Data Attained from Steel Recycling Institute)
Can This Cast-Iron Skillet Be Saved?
If your cast iron skillet is rusted, it can be saved by removing rusts from the skillet’s surface layer. If the skillet has other issues like cracks, holes, patches, and warps, you should not think of saving the cast iron pan.
How to Season Cast Iron and Carbon Steel Pans?
There are four easy steps by which you can season cast iron and steel pans. Let’s discuss the steps of how to remove rust from a cast-iron skillet.
Things you will need Sponge with scrubber, Mild dishwasher detergent, steel wool, and vegetable oil.
Step One: Scour: Pour some water and one tablespoon of a mild dishwasher on the pan and scrub with the steel wool.
Step Two: Rinse: Now, rinse the pan with normal water. Scrub the pan surface with a sponge scrubber. Rub the surface gently. Rinse the skillet surface with water.
Step Three: Drying: Now, let the pan dry naturally; if you have a drying oven, then you can put the oven in it.
Step Four: Re-Seasoning: It is time to re-season the skillet with vegetable oil. Apply gently on the surface with a sponge. Allow time to set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1#. How do I know if I ruined my cast iron pan?
Suppose you see patches of cracks, even a single crack onto any sides of cast iron pan, or damaged accessories. In that case, you can consider your pan is ruined. Most importantly, you should not use these sorts of distorted pans. My recommendation is to use or buy the best electric skillet for hassle free long time cooking experiences.
Q2#. What can you not put on a cast iron skillet?
You can cook any stuff on a cast iron pan. From vegetables to stakes, you can cook whatever you need. So if you are looking for what you can cook in a cast-iron skillet, then the answer is you can cook almost anything. Even you use the skillet in an oven to bake anything.
Conclusion
Now you know when to throw a cast-iron skillet. Cast iron pans are the most durable kitchen accessories. But, every instrument has a certain lifespan. Cast iron-made kitchen accessories are no different. It’s better to get rid of ruined skillet sooner, as it might affect your health.
Related Artice: How Do I Know if My Skillet Is Oven Safe?