Will cold water crack cast iron?

Author: Prof. Wiley Donnelly  |  Last update: Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Never rinse a hot cast iron under cold water, as this can warp or crack the pan, and never soak a pan in water or put it in a dishwasher, as this will ruin its seasoning layer and rust the pan.

Will cast iron crack in cold weather?

Cast iron is particularly susceptible to the stress caused by freezing temperatures and are more likely to crack than less brittle materials.

How to keep cast iron from cracking?

By heating and cooling your workpiece evenly, it is less likely to gain stresses and crack. Avoid long localized exposures to high heat. Move the workpiece around and make small welds at a time. Cool your workpiece slowly, in an oven.

Is it OK to use water on cast iron?

Soaking cast iron in water is a recipe for rust. If you need to remove sticky or stubborn stuck-on food, use a nylon scrubbing brush or a pan scraper and rinse under warm water. Be sure to thoroughly dry your pan. Note: If you do accidentally leave your pan in water for too long and it develops rust, don't panic!

Is it okay to run cold water on a hot pan?

The problem with cooling down a pan with cold water is that it will cool down parts of the pan very rapidly while other parts of the pan is still hot. So as some of the metal contracts while others is expanded you get a lot of forces going through the metal. This may cause it to warp or crack.

Is it Bad to Pour Cold Water On A Hot Pan?

Can you put cold water in a hot cast iron skillet?

Never rinse a hot cast iron under cold water, as this can warp or crack the pan, and never soak a pan in water or put it in a dishwasher, as this will ruin its seasoning layer and rust the pan.

Is it OK to put a cold pan in a hot oven?

To avoid this, try to prevent wild swings in temperature. For example, don't take a cold glass pan straight from the refrigerator and place it directly into a hot oven. This dramatic change from icy to piping hot puts too much strain on the glass, and could cause it to break.

What ruins a cast iron skillet?

You let your skillet soak.

Soaking your cast iron skillet in your sink is a recipe for rust, as is washing it in the dishwasher. Instead, clean it ASAP, even using simple soap and water if you must.

How hot can cast iron get before cracking?

Because it can withstand high temperatures (up to 650˚ F, in fact!), it's a great option for almost any heat source.

What is the lifespan of a cast iron skillet?

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. Taking care of cast iron cookware is as easy as 1 – 2 – 3.

Is cast iron prone to cracking?

Becuase cast iron is comparitively brittle and prone to cracking (compared to steel), the control of heat is critical to achieving a successful weld.

How often should I wash my cast iron skillet?

CLEAN CAST-IRON SKILLET AFTER EVERY USE

(Use small amount of soap if you like; rinse well.) Need to remove stubborn stuck-on food and grime? See our more intensive cleaning tips for tackling them.

Why is the black coming off my cast iron skillet?

The Cause:

Occasionally, the seasoning on your pan may break down and leave black specks, especially if the cookware is not well-seasoned, but it is not harmful in any way.

What temperature does cast iron break?

Lodge, a popular brand that makes cast iron products, says its pans can safely heat up to 650 degrees Fahrenheit, while some Staub-brand cast iron skills can handle up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can you leave cast iron outside in winter?

If you leave your cast iron furniture outside in the rain, sleet, snow, and ice unprotected, it will rust — and you'll see its lifespan decrease. At Lazy Susan, we would strongly advise against leaving your furniture outdoors in bad weather.

How easy is it to crack cast iron?

The expansion and contraction forces in the weld zone can easily crack all cast iron types because they are not ductile enough to endure the welding-induced stresses.

Can you put cast iron in a pizza oven?

In conclusion, cooking with cast iron in an Authentic Pizza Oven is a celebration of tradition, flavor, and innovation. With the right recipes, care techniques, and a dash of creativity, you can unlock the full potential of this dynamic duo and create memorable meals that transport you to culinary bliss.

Should you use water on cast iron?

Cast iron is a big hunk of iron, after all. Too much exposure to water will cause it to rust. You can still salvage a rusted pan by scrubbing and re-seasoning it, but it's more of a pain than just wiping the skillet dry every time you use it.

Why can't you cook eggs in cast iron?

Eggs fall into the category of sticky foods that are not ideal for cast iron skillets that haven't built up their seasoning yet. While cast iron can become non-stick with sufficient use over time, a newer skillet will almost certainly cause your eggs to stick to its porous surface.

Is a little rust on cast iron ok?

Cooking with a cast iron pan that has a little bit of surface rust on it isn't likely to hurt you. If your pan is seriously rusty or has visible rust flakes, you shouldn't cook with it until the rust is removed and the pan is washed and re-seasoned.

Is it OK to put cold water in a hot cast iron pan?

Never shock a hot cast iron pan with cold water because it can crack. 5. Don't soak or leave a wet pan in the dish rack because this will promote rust. Always dry it over a low burner, then re-season with a quick wipe of shortening or vegetable oil on a cloth or paper towel before storing.

Is it bad to pour cold water in a hot pan?

Though they take a long time to heat up, once heated, it is important to take it off the stove before adding cold water or other liquids. The sudden change in temperature can cause the pan to warp or crack.

What is the real Pyrex logo?

The Bottom Line

pyrex: Lowercase indication of containers that should not be heated in the oven or microwave. These are most likely made of soda-lime glass. PYREX: Uppercase label on cookware that is made of borosilicate glass and can be heated in a microwave or oven.

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