Cast Iron Storage

[NiagraRising]

We just dusted off the pop-up after a month long storage. We normally keep our cast iron skillet in there but this time is was rusty when we pulled it out. Just wondering how everyone stores their cooking gear.

[racingmom]

I make sure my cast iron is dry, coat with cooking spray inside & out, then store in a Rubbermaid-type tub with paper towels on the inside of the pan and corrugated cardboard in between each pot/pan also.  We starting doing dutch oven meals just this year and LOVE it!  Breakfast is my DH's favorite time (hence, his nickname of 'Bacon Bitch') as he is the main breakfast cook.

Happy Trails, er, Happy Meals!

[AustinBoston]

Why would you want to store a cast iron skillet at all?

We "store" our cast iron skillets in the kitchen, where they have become the only skillets we use.  Stainless, aluminum, and the non-stick materials (T-Fal, Teflon, Silverstone, etc.) all have potential undesireable health consequences, while cast iron naturally increases the iron in food.

Store it in the camper? Only when we are camping!

Austin

[ForestCreature]

Unlike AB, I store the cast iron pans and griddles for camping in one of the insulated padded bags sams club sells, layering newspaper between them, The Dutch ovens are stored in carrying bags designed for them.

All get a very light coating of either crisco shortening or Camp Chefs cast iron conditioner before storing

The rest of my other cast iron is for the home (it's to heavy to drag in and out) That is stored in the kitchen.

[brainpause]

If yours is rusty, it is doubtful that burning it off will get the rust off. If it needs to be removed, try this:

http://www.idos.org/Chapters/tabid/270/Default.aspx#

Then season them again.

To answer your question, we store ours coated in oil, in a Lodge bag, in the camper. Have never had any rust problems since we coat them after EVERY use.

Larry

[BirdMan]

Here in CO we don't have any problems with rust on our cast iron, or for that matter just about anything else as we don't get much moisture.  I store my cast iron camp pans in a box in one of the pup cabinets.  We use a cotton towel between each pan, the same towels we use in the kitchen.  

Someone mentioned they stopped using all the other materials (Teflon, DuPont, Calphalon, ...) and went to all cast iron in the house.  We are looking to do the same thing as all the expensive non-stick eventually start peeling and this stuff is very toxic from what I read.

Besides hitting the garage sales for the older quality (USA made) cast iron pots & pans, does anyone know of a good place to buy cast iron?  Preferably made in the USA.

[badkitty]

Besides hitting the garage sales for the older quality (USA made) cast iron pots & pans, does anyone know of a good place to buy cast iron?  Preferably made in the USA.

Lodge is still made in the U. S., and some of it can be bought pre-seasoned.  You can get it at Sportsman's Warehouse, Gander Mountain, on line, and various other places.  I have seen it at Cracker Barrel, but I don't know if that was a one-time promotion or if it's a regular product.

Kat

[daldricht]

I make sure my cast iron is dry, coat with cooking spray inside & out, then store in a Rubbermaid-type tub with paper towels on the inside of the pan and corrugated cardboard in between each pot/pan also.  We starting doing dutch oven meals just this year and LOVE it!  Breakfast is my DH's favorite time (hence, his nickname of 'Bacon Bitch') as he is the main breakfast cook.

Happy Trails, er, Happy Meals!

We normally have not had much trouble with rust on the Dutch Oven or the 12-inch cast iron fry pan - but I have two old blankets that are used to weave around the cast iron, the wine glasses, and any other fragile glass in one of the storage bins. The electric coffee maker I have always stached paper towels into both the gold coffee filter and the pot itself - thus eliminating any chance of moisture turning to mildew. The only thing I have not been able to control is the sponge. I will wrap that in zip-lock bags between camping trips - but even though we go camping almost every month for a 4 or 5 day weekend.

Would love to hear some of Bacon Bitch's recipes for breakfast - are they done in the Dutch oven or fry pan.

One other pan you may find a great asset in a popup is the electric WOK - we have found this pan a lifesaver when "friends" show up - you can add loads of veggies, sliced chicken and various sauces to extend the food needed for additional family or potluck suppers to join other campers you may meet. With a decent sized pan to cook noodles and/or rice plus the veggies and chicken and you can easily feed about 8 to 10 people - no problem?

Need to hear your cast iron cookware there "bacon bitch".
Thanks
Dave