To ensure your cast iron lasts for years, it’s important to learn how to store it inside your kitchen. In fact, knowing how to store cast iron is just as important as how to cook with it.

Improper storage can lead to early rust buildup, cutting years off the lifespan of your cast iron cookware.

Before storing your cast iron…

Rinse it.

Make sure that all the food particles are cleaned from the cast iron cookware. You don’t want to store it with baked-on food. Then next time you cook with it it’ll be difficult to clean. Abrasive cleaners chip away at the seasoning. So, rinse your skillet after every use. You want to keep the seasoning intact for as long as possible.

You can reseason your skillet but you should only have to do it about once or twice a year.

Dry it.

This is the most important step to take to prevent rust from forming. When iron comes into contact with water, it oxidizes, forming rust. If you don’t dry your cast iron cookware quickly, it will rust in no time. You can use paper towels or a dish towel to dry your cast iron.

Oil it.

Before you store your cast iron for the first time, make sure to season it. Your cookware should be seasoned before you cook with it. The layer of seasoning offers great protection against rust. It alone, with proper care, is enough to protect your cast iron from rust.

On top of the layer of seasoning, add a thin layer of oil after each use for extra protection. If your seasoning begins to wear down this can help keep your cast iron rust-free. This is especially helpful if you cook a lot of acidic foods, which break down the seasoning quickly.

Layer the pan with paper towels.

The key is to keep the amount of moisture down. Add a paper towel to the top and bottom of your cast iron to keep it nice and dry. If you’re stacking pans, add a paper towel in between each one.

Where to Store Cast Iron

In the Pantry

If you’re not using your cast iron often, you can store it in a dry pantry. Take it out whenever you’re hosting a gathering or holiday party and tuck it away when you’re not using it.

In the Oven

The oven is a great place to store your cast iron. It’s naturally a low-moisture environment and has plenty of space for your cast iron cookware. Just make sure that you take it out before you turn your oven on. Unless of course, you’re cooking with it!

In a Cabinet

Kitchen cabinets are a great place to store your cast iron. The best place is probably your lower cabinets since cast iron can be quite heavy. Make sure to put big skillets on the bottom shelves so you don’t break the cabinet.

On an oven rack or the wall

If you don’t want to take up room in your cabinets or oven, invest in an oven rack. Some racks are mounted on the wall while others are mounted on the ceiling. They work well with smaller skillets. You may want to store larger skillets in cabinets if the oven rack can’t support them.

After installation, make sure that the wall hooks are secure because cast iron cookware is quite heavy.

How to Store Cast Iron Cookware for Camping

If you’re going on a camping trip, invest in a cast iron skillet storage bag like this one from Amazon. Find a bag that fits your skillet and you’re all set. Storage bags are a great way to store your cast iron cookware on the go. You can also store other camping accessories and tools in the bag.

How do you store a cast iron skillet after use?

You can store your cast iron skillet in a cabinet, pantry, oven, or on an oven rack. Make sure that the pan is completely dry before storing it and it’s kept in a dry environment. This will keep rust from forming.

Is it safe to store a cast iron fry pan on the top shelf?

It depends on the weight of your fry pan. Heavy cast iron pans should be stored on  lower shelves so they are easily accessible.

How do I keep my cast iron in good shape?

Before you store your cast iron pan, rinse and dry it thoroughly. Add a thin protective layer of oil and put it away in a dry place. This will keep your cast iron in great shape for years to come.

Should you store cast iron oiled?

Yes, oiling your cast iron before storage is the best way to help protect it from rust. Add a thin layer of oil after every use of your cast iron cookware.

Can I put my cast iron in the fridge?

It’s not recommended to place cast iron in the fridge. A hot pan may crack the shelves in the fridge and raise its temperature, warming up all your other food. You could even crack the pan. Fridges have a lot of moisture in them too, which can lead to rusting.

The acid in foods may break down the seasoning over time, so it’s best to cook, not store, food in cast iron.

Can you store food in cast iron?

It’s not recommended to store food in cast iron. Warm food reacting with the cold air of the fridge produces condensation. This may produce rust in your cast iron pan. Acidic foods slowly eat away at the layer of oil on your cast iron pan. So it’s best to put your leftovers in a plastic container or bag.

How to Store Cast Iron Long Term

Find a stable, dry place in your pantry to store cast iron long term. This way you don’t take up valuable space in your kitchen cabinets. If you’re storing your cast iron for a while, it doesn’t need to be accessible.

Best Oil for Cast Iron Storage

Apply oil with a high smoke point to your cast iron cookware. Great oils include avocado oil, grapeseed oil, flaxseed oil, canola oil, and peanut oil.

How to Stack Cast Iron Pans

Place a paper towel in between your cast iron pans to absorb any excess moisture. This helps prevent rust from forming. Stack a few paper towels between the pans to protect them from getting damaged in storage.

Now you know how to store your cast iron cookware. For more information on cast iron cooking, check out the articles below.

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