Metal Utensils On Cast Iron Pans: Safe Or Harmful?

Is it safe to use metal utensils on cast iron, or will they damage your pan? This question has been a topic of debate among cast iron users for some time. Some people say using metal utensils on cast iron scratches the seasoning and should be avoided. Others claim to solely use metal utensils with their cast iron cookware without issue. So, what’s the deal? Can you use metal utensils on cast iron?

The fact is, metal utensils are safe to use on cast iron pans that have been properly seasoned. For newly seasoned or under-seasoned cast iron pans, use wooden, nylon, or silicone utensils until a stronger seasoning layer is built up. Then, using metal utensils without sharp edges is fine.

As an avid cast iron user and restoration professional, I regularly use metal, wood, and silicone utensils with my cast iron pans. I just make sure to avoid using cooking tools with sharp edges to prevent accidentally scratching my pan’s seasoning layer.

In the following sections, we’ll discuss the use of metal utensils on cast iron pans in greater detail and answer some frequently asked questions.

What Is Cast Iron Seasoning?

Cast iron seasoning is essentially multiple thin layers of oil baked onto the surface of the pan. This is done at a high temperature, which causes the liquid oil to bond with the iron on a molecular level and transform into a slick, hard surface through a process called polymerization. 

A strong seasoning layer is a cast iron pan’s best defense against rust, scratches, and chipping or peeling. When seasoned correctly, a cast iron pan will have a smooth, black finish that helps prevent food from sticking.

Need help seasoning your cast iron? Check out my helpful article: Seasoning Cast Iron Cookware: A Step-By-Step Guide. Or, for the short “Cliffnotes” version, here’s my Cast Iron Seasoning Quick Guide, complete with a printable seasoning “cheat sheet.”

Will Metal Utensils Scratch Cast Iron?

A cast iron pan’s resistance to scratches from metal utensils depends largely on the quality of its seasoning layer. A well-seasoned pan will hold up just fine to the use of a metal spatula or spoon for flipping or stirring, provided the utensil doesn’t have any sharp or jagged edges.

However, metal utensils can scratch cast iron if the pan has a new or flimsy seasoning layer, such as the thin pre-seasoning applied to a pan by the factory. For this reason, I always recommend seasoning new cast iron pans an additional two or three times prior to use to build up a strong, protective seasoning layer.

It’s also wise to avoid applying excessive pressure and performing vigorous scraping or stirring motions with metal utensils. This preventative measure can help extend the life of your pan’s seasoning.

Can You Scrape A Cast Iron Pan With A Metal Spatula?

It happens to all cast iron users at some point. You cooked a meal and food stuck to the pan. Can you use a metal spatula as a scraper to remove stuck-on food?

Scraping a cast iron pan with a metal spatula isn’t recommended. The repetitive scraping motion and pressure of the metal edges against the pan can scratch or wear away the seasoning layer. Instead, use a bamboo spatula, a nylon scraper tool, or a chainmail scrubber to remove stuck food.

Is A Scratched Cast Iron Pan Still Safe To Use?

Unlike a Teflon-coated non-stick pan, a scratched cast iron pan is still safe to use. However, if the scratches are large enough to cause the seasoning to flake off, you should thoroughly scrub, rinse, and re-season the cast iron pan prior to continued use.

It’s important to note that a small amount of flaking seasoning is not harmful if accidentally consumed, as it is simply carbonized oil. If you notice more severe cast iron flaking, this article can help you fix and prevent it.

Can You Use Metal Utensils On Enameled Cast Iron?

Metal utensils should not be used on enameled cast iron dutch ovens and skillets. They will cause metallic scratches and streak marks that can be difficult to remove. It is best to use wooden, silicone, or nylon utensils on enamel-coated cast iron cookware.

The Best Utensils To Use On Cast Iron

To make choosing the best utensils for use on cast iron easy, I’ve listed my top picks. These are utensils I use on my cast iron cookware regularly without issue.

Wooden or Bamboo Utensils

Bamboo cooking utensils have been my favorite choice for many years. They are ultra-durable, won’t scratch any type of cookware, and don’t stain or retain smells.

I’ve been extremely pleased with the quality and performance of this organic bamboo utensil set.

Silicone or Silicone-Coated Utensils

Silicone cooking utensils, like these made from silicone-coated acacia wood, withstand heat well, won’t scratch pans, and are very easy to clean.

Metal Utensils with Rounded Edges

I personally love this stainless steel spatula. It has a rubberized handle for improved grip and heat protection, and the rounded edges help prevent accidentally scratching or gouging cookware.

Cast Iron Cleaning Tools

There are a few specially designed tools that are super helpful for cleaning cast iron cookware without scratching it. Here are my favorites:

Chainmail Scrubbers

A chainmail scrubber is a scouring device made of several small metal rings interlinked together to form a mesh, usually in a square or rectangular pattern.

Chainmail scrubbers are known for their ability to remove stuck or burnt-on food residue from cast iron without damaging the seasoning layer. Most cast iron cookware manufacturing companies promote the use of chainmail scrubbers to routinely clean pans.

Pan Scrapers

Typically made from nylon or polycarbonate material, these pan scrapers have differently shaped and sized edges to help remove stuck-on food from the bottom, sides, and edges of cookware. They are quite strong and durable, yet the material does not scratch or damage cast iron seasoning. Pan scrapers are a must-have in my kitchen!

Nylon Bristle Brushes

Nylon bristle dish brushes are effective for scrubbing away food and grease, but gentle on your cast iron’s seasoning layer. While there are several shapes, styles, and stiffness levels of dish brushes on the market, I recommend using one with stiff bristles for better cleaning ability.

Polymer Scrubbers

These scrubbers are made from a special synthetic material that does an excellent job of removing food residue while not damaging the cast iron’s seasoning. The most well-known polymer scrubber is probably the Scrub Daddy brand. I use these regularly on all of my cast iron cookware and I’m always pleased with how easy it is to clean my skillets with them.

The best part about these scrubbers is that they change firmness based on water temperature. If you’re using cold water, the scrubber is a more firm texture. This is great for heavy-duty scouring. In warm water, the scrubber softens. I often use a combination of the firm scrubber texture for the initial cleaning of my cast iron, then the softer texture to finish washing it.

Common Cast Iron Pan Problems and Fixes

You might also be wondering how to fix common cast iron pan problems, like splotchy, sticky, peeling, or smoking pans. Here are some of my most helpful articles to make fixing and preventing these issues easy.

• Why Is My Cast Iron Flaking? How To Fix and Prevent It

• Splotchy Skillet? How To Fix Uneven Cast Iron Seasoning

• Why Is My Cast Iron Sticky? How To Fix and Prevent It

• Is Your Cast Iron Skillet Smoking? Here’s Why and How To Fix It

Summary

In summary, metal utensils are safe for cooking on cast iron pans. Just make sure your pan is appropriately seasoned, and avoid being heavy-handed with the edges of metal spatulas.

Also, don’t forget to check out the Recipes section of the blog for delicious and easy recipes you can cook while camping or at home, complete with allergy-friendly modification instructions.

Happy cooking! 🙂