Cast Iron Addiction FAQ
Welcome to our FAQ page. This is where we look at some common complaints we hear about cast iron and cast iron cooking. Some of these topics may develop into pages of their own as we research answers to our questions.
Here, we will also look at those Amazon 1- and 2- star customer reviews on products we own or purchase – we all do this don’t we?
Are those customer complaints really an issue? Or, perhaps the customer was new to cast iron cooking?
There are always customer complaints; these seem to be the most common:
● the product was heavy
● it gets too hot
● it arrived rusty
● food sticks
● it cracked
● the handle gets too hot
● problems with the cooking surface
We’ll address comments such as these and their resolution here on our FAQ page. Some of these topics might become future postings of their own.
This cast iron is heavy
Yes, cast iron is heavy. In part, that is what makes it such a durable and versatile cooking vessel. With proper care, a Lodge cast iron piece will last many lifetimes. Our trail-blazing ancestors knew this.
We here at Cast Iron Addiction provide the actual, out-of-the-box weight of the items we review. These are items we have actually purchased and use. I would really like to say we own one or two of everything. Unfortunately, my significant other won’t have any of this.
Folks using cast iron for the first time might not be aware that cast iron is much denser than aluminum or steel cookware, thus it weighs more.
When you buy a cast iron piece, it’s going to be heavier than the aluminum or stainless steel alternative.
It gets too hot
Cooking with cast iron product is different from cooking with aluminum or stainless steel. It’s as simple as that.
Cast iron cookware is known for its optimal thermal conductivity and heat capacity properties. If you want to read more, check out this informative post titled Common Materials of Cookware by Michael Chu.
A point to consider. Many online articles such as this one, and this one, are somewhat informative in that they state that cast iron does not distribute heat evenly. No dispute there. But, we don’t usually get a cast iron pan screaming hot in an instant.
Why, because that is cast iron abuse.
Gradual heating is key when using cast iron. The Lodge Cast Iron Use & Care FAQ makes a similar statement:
I’m not going to risk ruining my vintage cast iron with instant excessive heat. Nor, will I chance it my more modern day Lodge pieces.
In summary, cast iron is a great heat conductor. It absorbs heat quickly. And, cast iron distributes heat across the cook surface more-or-less evenly.
Lastly, the cast iron cooking surface, can have hot spots — as with aluminum or stainless steel. Ideally, your stove top burner should closely match the size of the pan.
Because of these thermal conductivity and heat capacity properties, allow your cast iron cookware time to preheat. Your patience will be rewarded.
It arrived rusty
Hum … not sure about why this might happen. Lodge cast iron products are pre-seasoned, which is protective against rust.
However, unless you’re new to cast iron cooking, we all know that surface rust an easy fix. A good scrubbing with a stiff bristle brush over the affect area will remove that surface rust.
Finally, rinse, dry, and a thin coat of cooking oil are all that is needed to start the seasoning process.
If it’s more than surface rust, then some folks, recommend a salt scrub. Simply pour several ounces of kosher salt into the pan. Use a folded kitchen towel to scrub that rusty area. Give it a good rinse. Dry thoroughly. Then, warm the pan over low heat and apply a thin coat of cooking oil.
If you own many pieces of cast iron, as we do, then you might see a touch of surface rust on less used pieces. No biggie, just routine care will fix the problem.
Food sticks
Coming soon …
It cracked
Coming soon …
The handle gets too hot
Coming soon …
Problems with the cooking surface
Coming soon …
Hi there, this site uses Amazon affiliate links. This means that if you make a product purchase from Amazon using one of the links on this site, not only do you get a great Amazon low-price, but also Amazon will send us a small percentage. In other words, it costs you nothing extra, but it sure does help.
In summary, if you found any of this information helpful in your research, please consider making your Amazon purchase using our affiliate links. Thank you.