Cast iron pans are great if you like variety in your life. You can use cast iron pans to make breakfast, bread and even bake different dishes.
The good thing about cast iron pans is that they can last for years and are extremely versatile. While cast iron pans are great and one of the best options of cookware you can choose, it is important to be mindful of a few things when you use these pans.
Try to avoid cooking acidic foods in your cast iron pans because it may damage the seasoning. Besides this, cast iron pans are also quite sensitive to thermal changes.
Because of the electric range set to high and thermal shock, cast iron pans can easily crack. The crack may appear as a curved line in the beginning, but if the temperature is not lowered, your cast iron pan may crack in two pieces.
Contents
What is Thermal Shock?
When there is a rapid change in temperature, it is possible for an object to expand in different amounts, which can result in thermal shock. The stress caused by this extremely high temperature does not necessarily mean that your pan will shatter into two pieces, but it does mean that it will begin to crack. I
If you continue to subject your cast iron pan, which has already cracked, to temperatures that are too high, you will eventually break the pan.
Any substance is susceptible to experiencing a sudden thermal shock. Thermal shock can happen anywhere there is a sudden change in temperature, regardless of whether it’s caused by cold hard rocks or ice cubes in a glass of warm water.
Additionally, it can happen when the temperature is very cold. For instance, if you fill a hot pan with cold water, you run the risk of experiencing thermal shock due to the abrupt change in temperature.
The potential for thermal shock exists in other types of cookware in addition to cast iron pans. Other types of cookware, such as your cast iron Dutch oven, cast iron griddles, and especially older pots made of cast iron that you have probably had for a while, are all susceptible to being damaged by thermal shock.
The enamel coating on the top of an enamel pan is susceptible to damage if the pan is subjected to thermal shock, which is common in enamel pans. Because of this, the majority of manufacturers advise waiting a little while to put a hot pan into cold water after it has had some time to cool down first.
Because of this, it is strongly recommended that you never heat your cast iron pan to a temperature that is higher than what is specified in the user manual.
Cast iron pans are excellent heat conductors and can withstand temperatures of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. However, temperatures higher than that can easily cause a crack on the surface of the pan, which will only get worse over time.
Because cast iron pans are such good heat conductors, you don’t even need to cook food at very high temperatures in them. This is one of the many advantages of cooking with cast iron. They are able to provide you with food that is cooked properly over a medium heat.
How to Fix a Cracked Cast Iron Pan
There is no need to become overly concerned if the high temperatures caused the iron cast pan to crack.
The good news is that cast iron pans can last for a very long time, which means that you do not need to purchase a new one. Your cracked iron cast pan is easily repairable if you put in the effort and have the appropriate tools.
Step 1
The first thing you need to do is give your cast-iron pan a thorough cleaning using some hot soapy water and a scrub brush. Before you even attempt to fix your pan, you have to make sure that every last bit of grease has been cleaned out of it.
Even the last traces of rust can be removed with steel wool if you use it. When you are finished, just give the pan a quick rinse and pat it dry with a clean, soft cloth.
Step 2
The second thing you need to do is inspect your pan for any cracks. Evaluate your pan – look for damage like warping. Welding will be required in the event that your pan is completely cracked.
It is in your best interest to get in touch with a wielding expert because doing so is not only much safer but also because they have more experience. We have some unfavorable information for you if the warped iron cast pan you own has holes in it. These pans are irreparable; if you don’t want to get rid of them, displaying them is the best option if you don’t want to use them.
Step 3
Welding the cracks in the structure is the next step after locating them. You can accomplish this by drilling a small hole at each end of the crack. This will help to reduce the likelihood that the crack will become even larger when you heat it in order to weld the pan.
If you are unsure about your ability to complete the task on your own, it is important to make sure to hire a professional. Wearing welding goggles and clothing made of fireproof material is sufficient protection if you are performing the task on your own.
Step 4
Raise the temperature of the crack and the area around it to between 500 and 1000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Make sure to exercise extreme caution while carrying this out, and if possible, do it in a room by yourself where there are no children present.
Step 5
Bear in mind that you won’t be able to weld the entire pan in a single sitting.
Make an effort to weld the crack by working in short intervals in order to prevent the pan from becoming warped due to overheating. Wait until the pan has cooled down before beginning again.
Step 6
After you are finished welding, you should clean your cast iron pan thoroughly and remove any excess welding material that may have been left behind. If you want to prevent the weld from rusting, you should make sure to apply a metal primer or a sealant to it.
If you believe that the process has caused the color of your pan to fade, you can even repaint it to make it appear shinier and as if it were brand new.
How to Season Your Cast Iron Pan
After the cracks have been repaired, you will need to season your pan before you can begin using it once more. To assist you in seasoning your cast iron pan, we have outlined a few straightforward steps below.
To properly season your pan, you will need the following items:
- Steel wool
- Sponge
- Dish soap
- Vegetable oil
- Oven
- Aluminum foil
- Dishtowel
Step 1
Before you start anything else, you need to make sure that your pan has been thoroughly cleaned.
You can accomplish this step with the help of a gentle sponge. When you are finished, make sure there is no water left on your pan by drying it completely.
Step 2
The next thing you need to do is spread a thin layer of oil across the bottom and sides of your pan. When seasoning cast iron pans, make sure to use vegetable oil, as this is the type of oil that works best.
When you are oiling, make sure that you also oil the handle and the bottom. If you want to avoid it becoming sticky, use only a very small amount of oil.
Step 3
The final step is to put the pan in the oven, and that’s all there is to it.
Make sure that it is cooked on the top rack of your oven in an inverted position. It is important to remember to place a layer of aluminum foil on the bottom rack in the event that the seasoning begins to leak. It is recommended that you heat your cast iron for one hour at a temperature of 350 degrees.
To heat up a small pan, just set the burner on your stove to medium heat and let it there for around twenty minutes. Wait until the oil on the surface has completely baked before proceeding.
Step 4
When you are finished, you may put it away in a dry location so that the seasoning can sort itself out.
If you stack your cast-iron pan on top of another pan, be sure to place a paper towel or a soft cloth in between the two pans to protect the seasoning on your cast-iron pan from being scratched or worn away. After it has been let to dry, you may go right back to the cooking!
How to Clean Cast Iron Pans
In addition to cracking, your cast iron pans run the risk of becoming burnt or rusted. Here are some different approaches you can take to ensure that they are simple to clean.
For Burnt Pans
The first thing you should do if the surface of your cast iron pan is burned is to sprinkle some salt on it.
When it comes to cleaning the surface of your pan, you can either use a gentle brush or scrub. Ensure that the brush is wet before beginning the cleaning process for optimal results. Use a plastic scraper to remove the burnt food from your pan if the burns are particularly resistant.
Because steel wool, scouring pads, and detergent scrubs can ruin the seasoning, you should do your best to avoid using them.
For Rusty Pans
If your cast iron pan has developed rust over the course of its lifetime, you may remove it using a scrape made of soap. Rust may develop on pans when acidic and greasy dishes are cooked in them; if you don’t clean the pan, the rust will continue to spread, turning the pan’s surface discolored and causing more damage to the seasoning.
After cleaning your pan, you may need to season it once more if there is too much rust on it in too many different areas.
For Discolored Pans
There are techniques to restore the color to your cast iron pan even if it has completely lost its patina.
To begin, you will need to clean it with steel wool in a never-ending motion until all of the seasoning is eliminated. Not only will the seasoning be removed, but also any and all remnants of food that may have been overlooked will be as well. Steel wool.
When you are finished cleaning, wash the pan using warm water and dish soap to remove any remaining residue. If you let it dry fully, the color of the pan will eventually revert to how it was before you used it.
Benefits of Using Cast Iron Pans
Pans made of cast iron have a number of advantages despite the fact that they shatter. The following are a few of the many reasons why you should continue to utilize cookware made of cast iron in your kitchen.
They’re Naturally Non-stick
Teflon pans, which do not need the use of cooking oils and are widely used nowadays, are not the healthiest option. They have the potential to emit dangerous compounds into the air, as well as into the food that you eat, when they are subjected to high temperatures.
These compounds have the potential to disrupt liver function, have an effect on hormones, and even have an impact on brain health. There is a risk of exposing your food to chemicals if you cook with Teflon or other non-stick cookware.
Because it takes the chemicals years to biodegrade, the process is potentially quite damaging to the environment. This is when pans made of cast iron come in handy. Seasoning a cast iron pan turns it into a non-stick surface, which prevents potentially harmful chemicals from leaching into the food you cook in it.
They’re Easy to Clean
Cast iron pans are an excellent investment for anybody who spends a lot of time in the kitchen but despises the cleanup that follows. The fact that cast iron pans are so simple to clean is among the many reasons why they are so popular. Because cast iron composition prevents food from sticking to the surface of the pan, it is ideal for cooking.
After you have finished cooking, here is a useful hint: After you have let the pan to reheat for some time, run cold water over it before putting it away.
Be careful to scrape away any food remnants that are left behind as soon as you possibly can.
After that, you may make your seasoning last longer by wiping your pan with a piece of paper that has been soaked in oil. This can be done regardless of how many times you wash your pan. This manner, you won’t have to clean as vigorously each time, and the life of your pan will be extended as a result.
They Fortify Food with Iron
Using pans made of cast iron can boost the amount of iron in the food you prepare.
Your body’s iron content will increase simply due to the fact that you are cooking your food in cast iron pans, regardless of whether the foods you are preparing are acidic or not. People who are iron deficient and even pregnant women can benefit tremendously from taking this supplement.
They’re Affordable
The fact that they are inexpensive is yet another advantage of frying pans made of cast iron.
They have been around for a very long time, and despite this, they continue to be one of the least expensive pieces of cookware available on the market. Cast iron frying pans are significantly more cost-effective and have a significantly longer lifespan when compared to stainless steel frying pans.
They’re Strong
Pans made of cast iron can be expected to last for a very long time due to their exceptional durability. Cast iron pans, in contrast to most other types of cookware, get better with age. Even if your pan has developed a light coating of rust, there is always a way to fix it so that it looks as good as new.
The cooking surface of a cast iron pan won’t become any smoother no matter how many times you use it, but the seasoning on the pan will gradually get better over time.
Cast iron pans are a good investment for a lifetime because they can be used for a variety of cooking methods and are extremely durable. Non-stick Teflon pans, on the other hand, are easily damaged by heat and even cooking utensils.
They Provide an Even Cooking Temperature
When compared to other types of pans, cast iron pans are superior in terms of their ability to efficiently conduct heat because of their relatively high weight. This is wonderful for situations in which you require heat, such as when you are cooking steaks or stew.
In addition, cast iron pans distribute heat evenly throughout the pan, which ensures that food is cooked and seasoned uniformly.
If you are looking for cookware that will last you a long time and also provide you with benefits that many other pans are unable to, cast iron pans are a great option to consider.
If your cast iron pan breaks, all you need to do to fix it is follow the steps that have been outlined above.
FAQs
How do you stop cast iron from cracking?
Cast iron is susceptible to damage from thermal shock, which manifests as cracking or warping as a result of sudden shifts in temperature. For example, putting a hot pan into cold water could result in a severe injury from which the cast iron would never recover. No matter what kind of pan you have, you should always use hot water to clean a hot pan after using it.
Why would a cast iron pan crack?
The sudden thermal shock that occurs when you pop those cubes in causes the sound of a crackling sound. And if you put a cold cast iron pan on a stove that has been turned up to high, there is a possibility that your pan will shatter. On the other hand, the opposite is also true. If you pour cold water into a hot pot or pan, you run the same risk of scalding yourself.
How do you repair cast iron coating?
Use some coarse salt or sand paper to get rid of any pieces of the seasoning that are loose and flaking off. After washing, drying, and preheating your cast iron, you can use it. add a few drops of oil made from grape seeds or flaxseeds to it. Find a cloth without lint and use that to wipe it down, making sure to do a little bit on the outside as well. Bake for half an hour in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do you repair heat damaged cast iron?
This is one of the many advantages of using cast iron. Salt, steel wool, sandpaper, or even sandblasting it could be used to clean it up. Do a thorough job of rinsing it, and then proceed with the recipe.
Is it safe to cook with cracked cast iron?
If you have a cast iron pan and it develops a crack, you should not continue using it. Even a very small crack will widen and narrow as the pan is heated and cooled, and eventually the pan will crack. This is a potentially hazardous situation if it happens while you are cooking. In addition, cracks are difficult to clean and can be a breeding ground for bacteria as well as rust.