Cast iron bacon presses are a staple in many kitchens. These simple yet versatile tools allow you to evenly press sandwiches paninis, meats and more to get that nice crispy texture. But like all cast iron cookware, they require some special care and cleaning to keep them in tip-top shape.
Cleaning a cast iron bacon press isn’t difficult, but there are some key things to know to prevent damage and keep it well-seasoned In this article, we’ll walk through the dos and don’ts of cleaning a cast iron bacon press so you can keep yours working like new for years to come
Don’t Use Soap on a Cast Iron Bacon Press
The number one rule of cleaning cast iron is to avoid using soap whenever possible. Soap breaks down the seasoning on the surface of the cast iron, which is essential for providing a natural non-stick coating.
Seasoning is the layer of oil that has been baked into the pores of the cast iron material. This is what gives cast iron its natural non-stick properties and prevents rusting. Using harsh soaps strips away this protective seasoning.
Over time, repeated use of soap can remove the seasoning entirely requiring you to re-season the bacon press from scratch. So avoid sudsing up your cast iron with dish soap instead opt your for more cast iron-friendly cleaning methods.
How to Clean a Cast Iron Bacon Press After Use
A stiff brush or scrubbing pad, hot water, and coarse salt are all you need to clean every day. Here’s a simple process to clean your bacon press after use:
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Remove extra grease—Use a paper towel to wipe off any oil or grease that’s left over while the pan is still hot after cooking. This prevents greasy build up.
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Use hot water to rinse the press. This will loosen up any food that is stuck on it. Avoid cold water as it can cause grease to solidify.
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Scrub with salt – For stubborn stuck on food, sprinkle coarse salt onto the press and use a stiff brush or scrubbing pad to gently remove. The salt provides abrasion to lift residue without damaging the seasoning. Rinse clean.
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Dry thoroughly – Completely dry the press with a towel right away. Never let it air dry, as moisture can lead to rust.
And that’s it! With just hot water, salt and scrubbing, you can clean your bacon press while preserving the seasoning.
How to Clean a Rusty or Damaged Cast Iron Bacon Press
If your bacon press has developed rust spots or the seasoning has worn off, more extensive cleaning will be required. Here’s how to clean and re-season a rusty or damaged cast iron bacon press:
Supplies Needed
- Coarse salt or cast iron scrubbing pads
- Dish soap
- Paper towels
- Oven safe oil (canola, vegetable, crisco)
- Aluminum foil
Instructions
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Remove rust spots – Sprinkle coarse salt onto any rust spots and scrub vigorously with a brush or scrubbing pad. Rinse and repeat until all rust is removed.
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Wash with soap – Since you’ll be re-seasoning after this process, go ahead and use dish soap and warm water to thoroughly wash the entire press. Rinse well and make sure to get into crevices.
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Dry immediately – Dry the bacon press very well with clean towels. Get into crevices and openings. Any moisture left can lead to flash rusting.
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Apply thin oil coat – Using a paper towel, wipe a very thin layer of high smoke point oil over the entire press, including the handle and edges. Too much oil can lead to a gummy finish.
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Bake seasoned press – Place aluminum foil on oven racks to catch any drips. Bake press upside down at 375°F for 1 hour. Let cool fully in oven.
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Repeat re-seasoning – For best results, repeat steps 4-5 two more times, allowing to fully cool in between. This will build up seasoning for better protection.
Follow this process to remove rust, strip seasoning and start fresh with re-seasoning. Be patient, as it may take several rounds of re-seasoning to build up an optimal non-stick surface.
Proper Cast Iron Bacon Press Storage
Another key to keeping your bacon press in great shape is proper storage. Follow these storage tips:
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Store in a dry place – Moisture is the enemy of cast iron. Always store in a dry spot, never nestled in a damp sink or drippy cabinet.
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Let cool before storing – Don’t put away a hot press. Always let it cool fully before storage to prevent moisture condensation.
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Coat lightly in oil – Wipe a thin layer of oil on before storage for extra protection.
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Use a press liner – Place a paper towel or bacon press liner in between the press plates to absorb moisture and prevent rusting.
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Hang if possible – Hanging cast iron prevents moisture damage. If you can, store pressed hanging from a pot rack or hook.
With the right techniques, cleaning and caring for a cast iron bacon press doesn’t have to be difficult. Avoid soap, let it cool before storing, and re-season periodically. Follow these tips and your press will provide years of crisp, even pressing for sandwiches, meats and more!
HOW TO SEASON A BACON PRESS
FAQ
How to clean a cast iron press?
Can you leave bacon grease in a cast iron skillet?
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 cook a bacon Press in a cast iron oven?
Place the bacon press on a cookie sheet or baking sheet and “cook” it in a 350-degree oven for 1 hour. The sheet underneath the bacon press catches the excess oils that melt and are not absorbed by the cast iron. This keeps your oven clean while you season items.
Why do you need a cast iron Bacon press?
Bacon and other meats have a tendency to curl during cooking. This makes it harder to cook evenly and that’s cast iron bacon presses come in. By flattening the bacon, meat, sausages, or even sandwiches, the heat is transferred more evenly. The result is an evenly cooked and not partially dried-out baconsausage or steak.
How do you lubricate a bacon press?
Use your fingertips to work the lubricant into the bottoms of the channel grooves on the bottom of the bacon press surface. Place the bacon press on a cookie sheet or baking sheet and “cook” it in a 350-degree oven for 1 hour. The sheet underneath the bacon press catches the excess oils that melt and are not absorbed by the cast iron.