Found a vintage cast iron skillet for $8 at a thrift store - swapped out my nonstick after 10 years

I used to buy a new nonstick frying pan every year or two because the coating always flaked off. Then last month I stumbled on a beat up old cast iron skillet at Goodwill for $8. It was rusty and looked gross, but I spent an afternoon scrubbing it with salt and oil. Now I use it for everything from eggs to steaks and nothing sticks anymore. The heat stays way more even than my old pans ever did. I also like that I don't have to worry about scratching it or tossing it when the coating goes bad. Has anyone else made the switch from nonstick to cast iron from a thrift store find? What was the first thing you cooked in yours?

2 comments

2 Comments

williamt4416d ago

Oh man, careful with the salt scrub - that can actually damage the seasoning on cast iron. You want to use chainmail or a stiff brush and just hot water for the real tough stuff.

park.tara16d agoOG Member

Wait, salt can hurt the seasoning? I've been scrubbing my pan with coarse salt and a paper towel for years because that's what my grandma did. I thought chainmail would scratch the surface, not salt. Guess I need to go buy one of those chainmail scrubbers now.