Ever since adding a Lodge cast iron pan to my kitchen arsenal, it’s become a permanent fixture on my stovetop. Like many home cooks, I rely on it for everything from searing steaks to baking rustic desserts. It’s the go-to for crispy hash browns during weekend brunches, oven-roasted chicken nestled with root vegetables, comforting apple crumble, and hearty sausage dishes with beans and greens. The versatility and even heating of cast iron are unmatched, making it an indispensable tool for any serious cook.
However, with all this deliciousness comes a common kitchen challenge: cleaning up afterwards. Those same qualities that make cast iron so great for cooking also mean it’s excellent at accumulating layers of cooked-on food and stubborn char. Finding an efficient and effective cast iron cleaning method that doesn’t feel like a chore is crucial. I’ve experimented with various techniques – kosher salt and paper towels, hot water with scrub brushes, baking soda with scouring pads, even a touch of dish soap followed by re-seasoning (yes, it’s sometimes necessary!). Yet, none of these methods truly became a consistent habit. More often than not, the dirty skillet would simply sit on the stove, a silent testament to my procrastination, until its next use. I was determined not to repeat the tragic fate of my first cast iron pan, a once-loved Le Creuset grill pan that succumbed to the aftermath of a badly burnt steak. Lessons learned, and cookware mourned.
Then, in the midst of an online search for bottle brushes (because, apparently, that’s how I spend my free time), I stumbled upon The Ringer. This seemingly delicate 8″x6″ patch of chain mail, resembling something salvaged from a medieval knight’s armor, turned out to be the most effective cast iron cleaning tool I’ve encountered. It tackles even the most stubbornly crusted-on food with surprising ease.
Crafted from rust-resistant and incredibly durable stainless steel chain mail, The Ringer’s interlocking rings create a textured surface perfectly designed for scrubbing away tough residue. The process is straightforward: once you’ve finished cooking and your cast iron skillet (or griddle, or Dutch oven) has cooled down enough to handle, simply add some warm water to the pan in the sink. Then, put The Ringer to work, scrubbing every part of the pan’s surface. For particularly stubborn baked-on bits, a quick rinse and repeat might be necessary. After scrubbing, just dry and lightly oil your pan as you normally would for seasoning. That’s all there is to it. Cleaning The Ringer itself is equally simple – either rinse off any food particles under running water or toss it in the dishwasher. As someone familiar with the importance of tool maintenance in auto repair, I appreciate the low-maintenance design of The Ringer; it’s built to last and easy to clean, much like the durable tools we rely on in the garage.
If you, like me, tend to be skeptical of single-purpose kitchen gadgets (think avocado slicers or garlic presses), rest assured. The beauty of this chain mail scrubber extends beyond cast iron cookware. It’s equally effective on crusty pizza stones, baking sheets, woks, and even Pyrex dishes. Unlike a typical kitchen sponge, there’s no concern about bacteria buildup, and it’s designed for a lifetime of use. Trust me, if your cast iron skillet sees as much action as mine does, investing in this cast iron cleaner is easily the best $18 you’ll spend. Bring on that pepper-crusted steak – and any other culinary challenge your cast iron skillet might face!
