A cast iron bacon press is a must-have for any bacon lover. Pressing bacon while cooking keeps it flat and evenly crisp. But like all cast iron a bacon press requires some special care to keep it in good condition.
Cast iron is porous and can absorb old food and odors if not cleaned properly The good news is that with the right techniques, keeping a cast iron bacon press clean is easy.
In this article, I’ll share tips on cleaning and caring for a cast iron bacon press so you can keep it looking and working like new.
Supplies You’ll Need
To clean and care for your cast iron bacon press, it’s good to have these supplies on hand:
- Hot water
- Mild dish soap
- Scrub brush or sponge
- Clean towels
- Kosher salt
- Vegetable oil or shortening
Avoid using metal scouring pads or abrasive cleansers which can damage the seasoning on the cast iron.
How to Clean a Cast Iron Bacon Press
Here are the steps to clean grease and residue off your cast iron bacon press:
1. Scrape Off Debris
After cooking, remove any stuck-on pieces of bacon or grease drips with a metal spatula while the press is still warm. Don’t use anything abrasive.
2. Rinse With Hot Water
Place the warm press under hot running water from the tap. This will dissolve any remaining grease and residues.
3. Scrub With Salt
For tougher spots, sprinkle on some kosher salt and scrub gently with a sponge or brush. The salt will help lift grime without damaging the press.
4. Dry Thoroughly
Dry the press immediately and thoroughly with clean towels. Letting it air dry can lead to rust.
Tip: If odors linger after cleaning, sprinkle some baking soda on the press and let sit briefly before rinsing.
And that’s all it takes! Your bacon press is now clean and ready to use again.
What NOT to Do When Cleaning
There are some cleaning methods to avoid with cast iron bacon presses:
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No dishwasher – it will strip off seasoning.
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No harsh detergents – use mild soap only.
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No steel wool pads – they are too abrasive.
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No soaking – can lead to rust.
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No abrasive scrubbing – it damages the seasoning.
Stick to the simple cleaning steps above to keep your bacon press in great shape.
Seasoning and Caring For Cast Iron
Seasoning is the process of building up layers of oil on cast iron cookware. This gives cast iron its natural non-stick properties.
If your bacon press is brand new, you’ll need to season it first before using. Even pre-seasoned presses benefit from an extra layer.
It’s also important to re-season if your press gets rusty or the seasoning wears off.
Here’s how to season a cast iron bacon press:
1. Wash and Dry
Wash new or stripped cast iron with mild soap and water. Rinse and dry thoroughly immediately.
2. Coat With Oil
Rub a thin layer of vegetable oil or melted shortening all over the press, including the handle and sides.
3. Bake Upside Down
Place a sheet of aluminum foil on a baking sheet. Set the press upside down on the foil.
4. Heat in Oven
Bake at 350°F for 1 hour. Turn off oven and let cool completely before removing.
Repeat seasoning 2-3 times to build up a good layer. Frequent use will also naturally boost seasoning over time.
Storage and Maintenance
Follow these tips to take good care of your seasoned cast iron bacon press:
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Always dry thoroughly after cleaning or rinsing before storing.
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Apply a very light layer of vegetable oil before storing.
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Store in a dry place. High humidity can cause rust.
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Avoid scrubbing or using metal on the cooking surface to prevent seasoning loss.
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Re-season immediately if rust appears to protect the iron.
How To Season A Cast Iron Grill Press In (MINUTES)!
How do you clean a cast iron Bacon press?
Instead, what you should do is use some plain hot water. No detergents or scouring pads are required either. Perhaps use a soft sponge with hot water. Be certain you are gentle when washing your cast iron bacon press. Do You Need a Cast Iron Bacon Press?
How do you use a cast iron Bacon press?
The first step in using a bacon press is to season it properly to get the best results in all of your dishes. Wash your new cast iron bacon press with warm water and no dish soap or detergent that breaks down the cast iron. Don’t use a scouring pad of any sort because it can scratch the press and it will then stick to anything you place it on.
How do you clean a bacon press?
Some users place paper towels in a shallow pie pan and place the press standing upright with the handle pointing up on the paper towels to keep the press oiled. If you have something stuck on your bacon press, pour kosher salt on it and rub it with a kitchen towel until the food comes off.
How do you prepare a bacon press?
To prepare your Bacon Press before your first use, be sure to thoroughly rinse it in hot water, wiping it down. Coat it all over with flaxseed oil or a seasoning oil of your choice. Be sure all cast iron parts including nooks and crannies are coated.
How much does a cast iron Bacon press cost?
No matter which brand or shape cast iron bacon press you buy, you will not be spending a lot of money, as prices start at under $10. Plus, you can expect it to last a lifetime with care we described above. This might not make you the world’s greatest chef, but it improve a lot of your meals.
How do you clean an iron cast press?
Seasoning adds a very thin layer of oil so the iron cast press doesn’t stick to the food. As for cleaning, it must be done after every use. Given that it is iron cast it has a few pecularities, such no submerging in water, removing food stuck with a plastic brush while it is hot and drying them completely after washing them.