Is it safe to never wash your cast iron skillet besides wiping it down? Also, what is the best kind of cast iron skillet and where can I find one?
It is totally safe to just wipe down your cast-iron skillet. The oil residue from whatever you cooked will season the pan and make it act like it's nonstick. Just make sure you wipe it well. If you want to give it a scrub in the sink, just DON'T use soap. Soap will strip the oils out of your pan and make your food stick to it next time. If you do use soap, or scrub it after using, you can season it again by heating a little peanut or vegetable oil in it for a few minutes on low heat, then pouring the oil out and wiping the excess off. You can find a basic cast iron skillet at Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, Department stores, basically anywhere you buy cookware. I don't know about the best. They're all about the same. One more tip: don't let it stay wet after washing. Put it on low heat on the stove for a few seconds until it dries out. Or wipe it down with a paper towel. Otherwise it might rust. I was also told not to cook anything too acidic, like tomatoes in it, but can't remember why.
I'm using 3 skillets a dutch oven. None are less than 50 years old. One of the skillets is at least 80. Never use soap unless you plan to re-season the skillet. I use hot water a 3M Scrubbie if something is stuck. Doesn't happen often with a well seasoned skillet. Don't EVER put them in a dishwasher. The harsh soap hot water make a rusty mess. Don't ask how I know this :-( I like the idea of putting them in a self cleaning oven. I'm gonna steal that idea. Beats my way of putting them in a super hot BBQ grill or using a propane torch to clean them up.
I'm using 3 skillets a dutch oven. None are less than 50 years old. One of the skillets is at least 80. Never use soap unless you plan to re-season the skillet. I use hot water a 3M Scrubbie if something is stuck. Doesn't happen often with a well seasoned skillet. Don't EVER put them in a dishwasher. The harsh soap hot water make a rusty mess. Don't ask how I know this :-( I like the idea of putting them in a self cleaning oven. I'm gonna steal that idea. Beats my way of putting them in a super hot BBQ grill or using a propane torch to clean them up.
It is totally safe to just wipe down your cast-iron skillet. The oil residue from whatever you cooked will season the pan and make it act like it's nonstick. Just make sure you wipe it well. If you want to give it a scrub in the sink, just DON'T use soap. Soap will strip the oils out of your pan and make your food stick to it next time. If you do use soap, or scrub it after using, you can season it again by heating a little peanut or vegetable oil in it for a few minutes on low heat, then pouring the oil out and wiping the excess off. You can find a basic cast iron skillet at Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, Department stores, basically anywhere you buy cookware. I don't know about the best. They're all about the same. One more tip: don't let it stay wet after washing. Put it on low heat on the stove for a few seconds until it dries out. Or wipe it down with a paper towel. Otherwise it might rust. I was also told not to cook anything too acidic, like tomatoes in it, but can't remember why.
