When you are cooking with cast iron, how you transport your cookware can make a big difference in what kind of culinary adventures you have!
Cast iron is known for being heavy, but this also means that it loves getting cozy at home, especially when used for baking or frying. That said, because cast iron is such a versatile tool, there are many ways to carry it around when you don’t want to use it.
This article will talk about some great strategies for transporting your most beloved skillet. So put down those tongs and pick up one of these our favorite handbag-style cookware carriers! We hope you enjoy reading them as much as we do!
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Transporting Your Cookware Like A Pro
It might sound trivial, but knowing how to handle and carry your cookware can save lots of headaches later! Luckily, we have some tips for you here. Read on to learn more about the different styles of cookware carriers, and get inspired to try one out for yourself.
Use a heat-resistant bag
When transporting your cast iron skillet, you will need to make sure that what kind of bag or container you use is heat resistant. Most bags designed for leaving outside are not thermal insulated so they may burn up from hot pans being carried in them.
You can buy thermal insulation bags but these will cost quite a bit more than regular plastic food storage containers. If you have this type of bag, then great! But if you do not, then it’s okay to use something simple like an old nylon lunch box cover or even a heavy blanket to protect your pan.
Remember, when carrying any cookware anywhere be careful not to drop it or hit it with anything as this could potentially damage it.
Use tongs
When transporting your skillet, use appropriate utensils. You do not need flat-bottom lids or plastic ware to cook with this material!
Instead, have some sturdy ovenware that can hold the pan up while you are transferring it and cooking in it. This includes heavy duty pots and/or bowls that have solid handles. These types of containers are ideal for taking care of your iron skillet because they will keep it safe and sound.
Ovensafe glass dishes work great as well since you can easily see what is going into the pan.
Be careful not to burn yourself
When transporting your skillet, make sure you are aware of where it is in relation to other things and what kind of surface it will hit. If you have no idea what we’re talking about, then don’t transport the pan!
We know that hot cast iron pans can be tricky to handle, which is why there are so many tips and tricks for how to best transport yours. Luckily, most of these tips include something like “don’t” or “be careful not to.” That’s good advice because unfortunately, accidents happen.
But before you start letting go and leaving the house with this tip, there are some things you need to know about how to safely carry and use your skillet.
First off, never put soap (or any type of liquid) into a hot pan. This could cause burning or even fire. Also, never pull out the lid of a hot pan suddenly- the weight may shatter the pan.
And lastly, always keep your hand at least six inches away from the edge of the pan. Even if the pan isn’t very tall, that extra distance helps prevent accidental burns.
Keep it on the stove
When transporting your skillet, keep it on the stove. This way you can easily re-warm the pan if needed, or even use it later.
Most people transport their skillet in the oven or warm car seat areas, but this is not ideal for keeping the pan hot! If the handle of the pan gets cold, it will no longer feel good to hold, and you may lose confidence in the tool yourself.
If the pan does get cool, you can always place it back onto the burner to restore heat. The best way to do this is by using a fork to poke some holes in the lid of the pan so that some air can circulate under the cover. Then slide the cover back on top and wait for the iron to react and warm up again!
This article has discussed several foolproof ways to carry around your cookware.
Make sure it doesn’t touch the pan
When transporting your cast iron skillet, make sure you have checked that it is dry! If it is not, then transport with plastic wrap or parchment paper placed between the handle and the pan to prevent any water from moving around.
If taking your car along, ensure there are no leaks in the vehicle. You do not need rusty food due to poor transportation!
Never put greasy hands directly onto the pan as this could cause burning or stickiness. Use some paper towels if needed.
Place on a cool surface
When transporting your cast iron skillet, make sure you have a sturdy handle! You do not want to risk losing the handle when trying to transport in a vehicle or boat.
You can also try wrapping it in several layers of paper towels to prevent rusting.
Once you get where you’re going, drop off the pan at its destination and let it air dry. Make sure to wash the pan with soapy water after transportation as this will remove any burnt onto food bits.
Reminder: Never put a hot cookware item on cold surfaces like cement, marble, or granite! This could cause burning or even fire.
Make sure it’s sealed properly
When transporting your skillet, make sure that it is fully airtight so that any moisture in the pan can’t escape. You should also ensure that it does not touch anything wet or salty as this could cause damage to the handle or skin of the pan.
If using box spring sliders, you can cut several small holes in the lid to allow for some steam to vent out.
General tips: when lifting heavy objects, use both strength and muscles of your body correctly! Chances are if you have trouble, then someone more experienced than you has done it before. Take a few minutes to research how to do it safely and efficiently.
Use a pan handle
When transporting your skillet, make sure you do not use the lid of the pan as a carrying case. If you have to transport it that way, then simply buy another matching pan so you can keep using that one!
Instead, carry the pan by its handle. This way, you can easily put the pan down if necessary or take it somewhere warmer to cook some things in it.
If you are buying a new handle for your pan, be sure to check whether there are any universal handles that fit many different makes and models of pans.