Can You Ruin a Cast Iron Pan With High Heat?

Many people love to cook with cast iron because it is inexpensive, holds heat well and is virtually indestructible. No matter what you may do to your cast iron pan, it is incredibly difficult to ruin it, even with high heat.

Melting Point of Cast Iron

The melting point of cast iron is between 2150 and 2350 degrees F. That means that a standard home oven will be unable to reach heats high enough to ruin a cast iron pan.

Seasoning

The seasoning on a cast iron pan will begin to break down at a temperature far below the melting point. Because of this, manufacturers recommend not using your cast iron pan in an oven hotter than 400 degrees F.

Reseasoning

If you should heat your cast iron pan to over 400 degrees, it is possible to salvage it simply by reseasoning the pan. Apply vegetable oil or shortening to the inside and outside surface of the pan then place upside down in a 300-degree oven for an hour. Place a piece of foil on the bottom of your oven to catch any drippings. Let cool in the oven.

Thermal Shock

One thing that can warp or break a cast iron pan is thermal shock. Thermal shock occurs when a hot pan is placed in a cold setting--either a sink full of cold water or a freezer.

Fun Fact

When you cook with a cast iron pan, you are actually increasing the amount of the nutrient iron in your diet.

References

• Metals- Melting Temperatures
• Cast Iron Cookware