What to do: Transfer your food to a storage container once it cools down. Then clean and dry the skillet properly. Never pour cold water into a hot cast iron skillet.
It can crack the pan.
Sudden temperature changes cause thermal shock, which can warp or even split your beloved skillet. Cast iron skillets are powerful tools in the kitchen — if you know how to use them right.
Avoiding a few common mistakes can make the difference between a skillet that lasts a lifetime and one that ends up rusted, sticky, and frustrating. So remember: stick to cast iron-friendly foods, treat your pan with care, and it’ll reward you with delicious meals for years (or even decades) to come.
