Learn how to store cast iron pans properly so you can cook with them for years to come.
I love cast iron cookware and have been cooking in it for many years. I love that cast iron is durable, versatile, timeless, and can last for generations.
The Best Way to Store Cast Iron Pans
Once you know how to season cast iron pans, appropriately storing them is the next step in learning to care for your cast iron pans.
From heavy-duty pan organizers to a wall-mounted pot rack and cast iron skillet hooks, here are some creative ideas on how to store cast iron pans in your kitchen.
Finding the ideal spot to store your cast iron pans can be challenging, given their size, weight, and likeness to rust.
How to Hang Cast Iron Pans
One of the most common questions I receive from my readers is asking for tips on how and where to store cast iron pans.
I watched my mother and grandmother keep their cast-iron skillets right on the stovetop or in the oven in my childhood years.
On occasion, I will do this with my most well-loved and well-used cast iron skillet.
But, over the years, I have found that I enjoy having my collection on display and easily accessible.
Here are some valuable resources to keep in mind when cooking with cast iron cookware:
- How to Season Cast Iron Pans
- How To Clean Cast Iron Skillet After Use
- How To Clean Enameled Cast Iron
How to Store Cast Iron Pans
You can use cast-iron skillets for baking biscuits, frying bacon, and eggs, and even make delicious desserts like blueberry crisp.
After serving the meal and then cleaning up, storing cast-iron requires the following steps:
1. Clean the Cast Iron Cookware
Before putting away your cast iron, clean it immediately after use to remove food.
Stuck-on food can trap moisture and grow mold, which can cause rusting.
Place the cast iron pan under running hot water and use a plastic scraper or wood scrub brush to remove any food particles.
2. Dry the Cast Iron Cookware
After cleaning, use a paper towel or dish towel to thoroughly dry the cast iron pan.
You can also heat the pan on a stovetop to evaporate any moisture that might be remaining.
Removing all water and moisture will prevent rust on the skillet.
3. Oil the Cast Iron Cookware
Apply a very small amount of seasoning oil to the pan.
Use a paper towel or clean rag to rub the oil over the pan’s surfaces, including the inside and outside, as well as the handle.
Wipe away excess oil to leave a dry, matte finish on the pan.
I have made this a habit to protect my pans between use and help build up the seasoning.
4. Store the Cast Iron Cookware
Once a cast iron pan has been cleaned, dried, and oiled, it can be stored away until time for the next use.
Where you store your cast iron pans will depend on your kitchen layout and the amount of space you have available.
Kitchen Essentials
This post contains affiliate links; this means that I make a tiny commission off any purchase that you may make. This small commission helps keep Rocky Hedge Farm going at no additional cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.
You can find my favorite kitchen essentials by clicking on the links below. While I often try to link to the exact products you see in my photos and videos, my pieces are usually vintage and thrifted. However, I try to find and link replicas as much as possible, made in the USA or by other small shops, as I believe in supporting hardworking American families.
- Cast Iron Skillets: While I have used Lodge for years, I am slowly switching over to the beautiful cast iron pans from Field Company. They are lighter, very smooth and incredibly beautiful!
- Cast Iron Seasoning Oil: The best seasoning oil I have found for keeping my skillets in tip top shape.
- Wall Pot Rack: This is the hanging wall rack that I have in my kitchen.
- Cast Iron Skillet Hooks: Forged in Tennessee, these are the best hooks for hanging cast iron pans on the wall.
- Pan Organizer: Heavy duty, this pan organizer can be stored horizontally or vertically to store cast iron pans.
storing Cast Iron
Hanging Cast Iron Pans On Wall
My collection of cast iron pans is one of the most prized collections I have in our home.
Hanging them allows me to display mine as decorative beauties and yet functional pieces I use at every meal.
There are several advantages to hanging cast iron pans.
One of the best reasons is that the cast iron pans are more easily accessible.
In years past, I have stored my cast iron stacked in a drawer, and it was a hassle to get the skillet I needed without unstacking all the pans.
Another great reason to hang cast iron pans is that it promotes air circulation, so moisture doesn’t get trapped inside.
There are two ways to hang cast iron pans.
You can hang them from a hanging wall pot rack or use cast iron skillet hooks to hang them on the wall.
Be sure to secure hanging pans adequately; cast iron is heavy, and you must ensure that the studs or hooks are strong and securely attached to the wall.
Cast Iron Pan Organizer
I had the cast iron skillets stored under my kitchen island in a freestanding organizer before hanging my cast iron pans on the wall above my stove.
Many styles and sizes of pan organizers are heavy-duty enough to hold even a dutch oven.
A freestanding heavy-duty pan organizer is solid and sturdy and can fit on countertops or tucked away in a cabinet drawer.
A pan organizer can be stored vertically or horizontally for storing skillets, pans, pots, and griddles.
Stacking Cast Iron Pans
Stacking will be the best storage option if you do not have the space to hang your cast iron pans.
When stacking cast iron, you can nest the smaller cast iron pans inside the larger ones.
When stacking cast iron, placing a layer of paper towels between each pan is a good idea.
This will help keep them clean and helps to avoid scratching the pans, which can damage the seasoning.
If you live in a damp climate, paper towels will also help absorb moisture.
Storing On The Stove or In the Stove
Cast iron pans can be kept on the stovetop, primarily if you use them frequently.
However, if the pans are seldom used, they may get in the way and must be moved around.
Always be sure that the stove area stays clean and dry.
An oven also makes a great storage space for cast iron. Just remember to remove them from the oven before heating the oven.
FAQ
Should You Oil Cast Iron Before Storing?
Before storing them, I have habitually rubbed a minimal amount of seasoning oil onto my cast iron pans.
Not only does this help protect the pans, but it also helps to build up the seasoning.
Can You Dry Cast Iron on The Stove?
You can dry cast iron on the stove.
Allow to dry for a few minutes, and then use a paper towel to rub the pan with seasoning oil.
After rinsing, dry the pan well and place it on the stovetop over low heat.
Cast iron is a beautiful investment, and learning how to store cast iron pans is an essential step in proper care to keeping cast iron around for many generations.
With this post, I hope you have learned several new ways to store cast iron pans and skillets.