How long do cast iron pans last? Contrary to popular belief, cast iron pans don't always last forever. Many factors can affect the longevity of your cast iron pans, including overheating, thermal shock, lack of maintenance and old age. The older your pan is and the more you use it, the more likely you will see signs of wear. So what wear is bad for your pans, and at what point should you replace your cast iron pans?
Find out how to know when to throw away cast iron pans and what alternatives you could replace them with.
When Should You Throw Away Your Cast Iron Pan?
Like any other metal cookware, cast iron pans will wear down over time and with heavy use. Many people prefer cast iron cookware because it's versatile and durable — it can be used for everything from frying to baking. While many cast iron pans can have long life spans and can be salvaged in some situations, certain defects warrant replacing your pan. Here are a few signs it's time to replace your cast iron cookware.
Cracks
Many cast iron pans develop cracks over time, especially when used frequently at high temperatures. If you notice your cast iron pan starting to crack, you should start looking for a replacement.
Several potential problems arise when your cast iron pan begins to crack. Heat will make the metal expand and contract, growing even the tiniest of fractures. This can become hazardous, especially if the pan is hot or is full of hot food.
Cracks also harbor bacteria because they're more difficult to clean. Cooking with cracked cast iron pans increases the risk of bacteria and iron particles leaching into your food. Rather than take that risk, replace your pans when they start cracking.
Chips and Holes
Your cast iron pan could start chipping for various reasons. If some food particles burn in the pan and stick to the bottom, you may need to scrape them off and accidentally chip the pan in the process. Or it may get bumped against other cookware in storage and chip. Regardless, once your pan starts chipping, it can be hard to stop.
Similarly, holes can develop with improper care and use, especially over time. Holes can worsen as the metal chips away, so it's best to replace your cookware in these cases.
Warping
Another sign of cast iron damage is warping. While cast iron is mostly made of solid iron, extreme heat and rapid heat fluctuations can cause the pan to bend and warp. When this happens, your pan will wobble rather than sit flat.
While slight warping isn't cause for immediate action, you should monitor it. If the warping becomes severe, your pan will be more likely to tip or get knocked over. It also won't heat evenly, which makes it more difficult to cook with.
Should You Throw Away a Cast Iron Pan With Rust on It?
One aspect of cast iron pans that's relatively controversial is whether you should still use a cast iron pan if it's rusted. Rust occurs when moisture gets into the pan's pores. Some say rust can typically be repaired after scouring and re-seasoning the pan. While this may improve the appearance of your pan, it's difficult to tell how deep the rust goes and whether you got it all out. A rusty pan can pose health risks.
Cooking with a rusted cast iron pan leaves the door open for rust and iron particles to leach into your food. 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.
Risk of Using a Rusty Cast Iron Pan
So, what's really the risk of using a rusty cast iron pan? As mentioned above, rust means iron can leach into your food. While iron is a necessary mineral for the body, ingesting too much iron can be harmful. Most people need relatively small amounts of iron, which is often consumed through iron-rich foods, drinks or iron supplements.
Most often, a rusty cast iron pan could cause an upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, ulcers, an inflamed stomach and other abdominal issues from the excess iron entering your body.
Consuming too much iron becomes problematic because the body cannot eliminate excess iron, which can increase the risk of various diseases — such as heart disease or liver cirrhosis — in some people.
A Safer Cast Iron Pan Alternative
Is it time to replace your cast iron pan? If you want to avoid iron and other metals and toxins from leaching into your food while cooking, consider a safer, healthier alternative like pure ceramic cookware. Pure ceramic cookware is made with inorganic, natural materials and most importantly, no metal core. This means there's no risk of leaching toxic metals and other materials into your food.
Ceramic cookware is beneficial in many other ways, including:
- Better tasting food: Cooking with ceramic means you get the most authentic versions of your food. Ceramic cookware like Xtrema won't chemically react with your food, which prevents flavor alterations that are common when cooking with acidic foods. You get what you put in when cooking with pure ceramic pans.
- Versatile: Ceramic pans are a great alternative to cast iron pans because they're highly versatile. From the dishwasher and microwave to the stove and grill, pure ceramic cookware can be safely used anywhere, unlike cast iron.
- Stain and scratch resistance: Unlike other metal cookware, Xtrema ceramic cookware is stain- and scratch-resistant. While metal utensils can leave marks on ceramic cookware they will not scratch or damage the surface. These marks happen because ceramic is harder than metal. They can be easily scrubbed away with a scouring pad.
Purchase Ceramic Cookware From Xtrema
If you're looking for a reliable replacement for your cast iron or other metal pans, consider ceramic cookware from Xtrema. Our cookware is intentionally designed to encourage healthier cooking in everyday kitchens. From skillets and saucepans to Dutch ovens and more, we offer a large inventory of pure ceramic cookware to benefit you and your family.
Learn more about why you should cook with ceramic and place an order today to replace your old cookware.
