What is the lifespan of a cast iron skillet?

Author: Randal D'Amore  |  Last update: Tuesday, April 15, 2025

It only takes proper care of cast iron cookware to make it last for generations. With proper care cast iron cookware can withstand a lifetime of use. Actually several lifetimes as these cast iron pans and dutch ovens are often passed down from generation to generation.

When should you throw away a cast iron skillet?

The more you use a rusted pan, the more iron you'll consume in your food. It's best to avoid cooking with a rusty cast iron pan. If it's reached the point of corrosion or deep rust, throw it away rather than risk your and your family's health.

How often should you replace cast iron?

While these pipes can endure for 80 to 100 years, they are susceptible to problems such as rust, accumulation, and lead-welded joints, which may significantly shorten their lifespan. While recommending the replacement of cast iron with PVC pipes might seem easier, it's not always the most necessary course of action.

How long should a cast iron skillet last?

After Seasoning or Re-Seasoning a cast-iron skillet, it should last you a lifetime! I believe the best way to maintain good cast iron pans is simply to use them, because the more you use them, the more thin layers of fat and oil get cooked into the skillet. Therefore, the more non-stick they become.

What is the life expectancy of a cast iron skillet?

Don't let that scare you off—a cast iron skillet can last a lifetime (or longer!) and is easy to maintain if you remember a few simple cleaning tips. If you ever mess it up, don't worry: The great thing about cast iron is that it's easy to restore.

Simple rules for cast iron care

Can I use olive oil to season cast iron?

Since olive oil is such a pantry staple, many people naturally wonder if they can use olive oil to season cast iron. You can use olive oil to season cast iron, but you need to choose a high quality extra virgin olive oil, which should have a smoke point close to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can you bring a cast iron skillet back to life?

A cast iron skillet can almost always be brought back to life and its age is often seen as pro rather than a con. That's why thrift stores and estate sales are great places to find cast iron skillets inexpensively.

Should I oil my cast iron skillet after each use?

Some activities may remove a bit of seasoning, such as cooking acidic foods, using excessive heat, or scrubbing with abrasive utensils or scouring pads. That's why our simple cleaning steps have you rub oil into your pan after each use to ensure the seasoning remains for quality cooking.

How do I know if my cast iron pan is bad?

If a crack appears in your cast iron pan, it's time to ditch it. Even a hairline crack will expand and contract when heated and cooled, and ultimately the pan will split—a potentially dangerous situation if it happens during cooking! Plus, cracks are difficult to clean and may harbor bacteria and rust.

How often should you wash a cast iron skillet?

CLEAN CAST-IRON SKILLET AFTER EVERY USE

Wipe interior surface of still-warm skillet with paper towels to remove any excess food and oil. Rinse under hot running water, scrubbing with nonmetal brush or nonabrasive scrub pad to remove any traces of food. (Use small amount of soap if you like; rinse well.)

Do cast irons get better with age?

With proper care, a good cast iron pan can last for generations, becoming even better with age. Whether you're new to cast iron or just need a refresher, this care guide will help you keep your pan in top shape.

Are cast iron pipes still used?

Cast iron plumbing has been around for decades, and we still manufacture it today. It is the old gold standard for drainpipes, and you can find them in many older homes' systems. Newer homes are typically built with PVC or ABS piping as it's cheaper, lighter-weight, and less prone to corrosion.

Is it possible to ruin a cast iron skillet?

This might look intimidating, but remember that you really can't ruin cast iron. Even if you strip away most of the seasoning, you can still rebuild it into the sleek, nonstick skillet you expect.

Which cast iron pan is the best?

The Lodge 10.25-Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet has proven time and time again to be the best overall cast iron due to its unrivaled consistent heating at a stellar price.

What's the best oil to season cast iron?

Common cooking oils like olive oil will gradually produce seasoning, but won't be as effective as grapeseed oil. Canola, other vegetable oils, and shortening are a little better.

When I wipe my cast iron, it's black.?

They are most likely carbon deposits. This happens due to overheating of fats and oils. Using an oil with a low smoke point will carbonize at high temperatures and cause residue from the pores of your pan to rub off onto your food. While unappealing, they won't hurt you in such a small amount.

Do you really need to season a cast iron skillet?

Most cast iron skillets these days come pre-seasoned, meaning they're ready for cooking on as soon as you take them out of the box. However, over time, the seasoning erodes, and you'll need to re-apply it by brushing the skillet with a thin layer of neutral oil and heating it until the oil bonds to the metal.

Can you use too much iron in cast iron skillet?

Cast iron pans can leach a sizeable amount of iron into your food, exceeding dietary intake in some cases. Acidic foods will contribute to much more leaching while an old, heavily-seasoned pan will leach much less iron than a newer one.

Is 350 hot enough to season cast iron?

Place the oiled pan upside down, on a baking sheet and place both in the oven. Then set the oven to 350° F. Heat the pan at that temperature for two hours. Turn off the oven, but leave the pan inside and allow oven and pan to cool completely- about two hours.

Does coke remove rust from cast iron?

Yes, Coke contains phosphoric acid which helps remove rust from cast iron. Pour Coke on the rusted area and wait 15 to 20 minutes for the acid to break down the rust. Then wipe the pan with a scrubby sponge or dish towel. Repeat this process until the rust is completely gone.

What to do with old cast iron?

No problem. Cast iron is totally recyclable. Since iron is the main component of steel, you should refrain from throwing it away. Your used cast iron appliances can be melted down and crafted into something brand new, and you can even get money for it!

Can I use bar keepers friend on cast iron?

The simplest way to remove a lot of rust from cast iron is to make a slurry of Bar Keepers Friend and a couple of tablespoons of water in the pan and scrub the rust off using a stainless steel scrubber. We recommend wearing rubber gloves. Again, wash, dry, and re-season your pan afterward.

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