Theres nothing worse than starting your breakfast cook with long, promising bacon slices and ending with shriveled remains that didnt even make the bacon grease pops worth the trouble. Insert: The Cast Iron Bacon Press.
The heavy-duty Cast-Iron Bacon Press will no doubt upgrade your bacon game. We would say “breakfast game”, but come on, we know bacon is an all-around favorite no matter the meal. So, if youd like to make your bacon better, this is the product for you.
The Cast Iron Bacon Press is super helpful when making the perfect bacon. Its weight holds the bacon slices flat, so they dont curl up and shrivel, making it easier to chop for different dishes, add to your burgers or eat by itself. Its handle makes it easy to press down or pick up and as long as you keep it properly seasoned, it will last a long time.
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. Place it onto a baking sheet and bake it in your oven on 350-375°F for about an hour, so the oil sets into the cast iron. The excess will run off onto the baking sheet. Let it cool in the oven. Never use soap, store it in a dry place and keep it seasoned as necessary. If you ever need to clean it, use hot water and coarse salt, otherwise, simply wipe it off when youre finished using it.
Hey there, kitchen warriors! If you’ve got a cast iron bacon press sittin’ in your drawer, you know it’s a game-changer for makin’ crispy bacon or smashin’ out the perfect panini But, let’s be real—cleanin’ this bad boy can feel like a chore, especially if you’re scared of turnin’ it into a rusty ol’ thing. Don’t sweat it! I’m here to walk ya through how to clean your cast iron bacon press the right way, keepin’ it in tip-top shape for years Me and my trusty press have been through some battles (and a few mess-ups), so trust me, I’ve got the deets to share.
We’re gonna break this down super simple, with steps even a newbie can follow. No fancy jargon, just straight-up advice on gettin’ that press clean without ruinin’ it. Plus, I’ll toss in some tricks I’ve learned the hard way, so you don’t gotta repeat my mistakes. Let’s dive in and get that sizzle back without the stress!
Why Bother Cleanin’ Your Cast Iron Bacon Press Properly?
Before we get to the nitty-gritty, let’s chat about why you can’t just toss this thing in the sink with your other dishes. Cast iron ain’t like your average cookware. It’s tough as nails but picky as heck when it comes to care. Here’s the deal
- Rust is the Enemy: If water sits on it too long or you scrub off its protective layer, you’re invitin’ rust to the party. And trust me, a rusty press ain’t makin’ no bacon magic.
- Seasonin’ is Key: That shiny, non-stick vibe on your press? That’s the seasonin’—a layer of oil baked into the iron. Clean it wrong, and you strip that away, leavin’ it vulnerable.
- Longevity, Baby: Treat it right, and this press could outlast ya. I’ve got one that’s been with me through thick and thin, and it still cooks like a dream.
So, cleanin’ it ain’t just about looks; it’s about keepin’ it functional and ready for action Mess this up, and you’re stuck with a sticky, rusty mess Let’s avoid that drama, shall we?
What NOT to Do When Cleanin’ Your Cast Iron Bacon Press
I’ve made every mistake in the book with my press, so lemme save you the headache. Here’s what you gotta steer clear of if you wanna keep that cast iron happy:
- No Dishwasher, Ever: I thought I was bein’ clever poppin’ mine in the dishwasher once. Big nope! It came out lookin’ like it aged 50 years overnight with rusty spots everywhere. The harsh detergents and water just kill the seasonin’.
- Skip the Soap (Mostly): Regular dish soap can strip that precious oil layer. If you gotta use it, we’ll talk about when, but 9 times outta 10, you don’t need it.
- Don’t Soak It: Leavin’ it in water is like askin’ for trouble. Water and cast iron don’t mix for long periods—rust creeps in quick.
- No Scourin’ Pads or Steel Wool: Them scratchy things will tear up the surface. I tried it once, thinkin’ it’d get grease off faster, and ended up with a press that looked like it got in a fight.
- Don’t Ignore It After Use: Lettin’ grease sit for days ain’t doin’ you no favors. It can attract moisture or get rancid, makin’ cleanin’ harder.
Avoid these rookie moves, and you’re halfway to keepin’ your press in primo condition. Now, let’s get to the good stuff—how to actually clean this thing.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your Cast Iron Bacon Press
Alright, let’s roll up our sleeves and get this done. Cleanin’ a cast iron bacon press ain’t hard if you follow these steps. I’ve broke it down real easy, so you can do this quick after cookin’ up a storm. Here’s the plan:
| Step | What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Cool It Down | Let the press cool completely before touchin’ it. Don’t rush this! | Hot cast iron plus water equals cracks or warpin’. Plus, you don’t wanna burn your fingers, right? |
| 2. Wipe Off Excess Grease | Grab a paper towel or dry cloth and wipe off as much grease and food bits as you can. | This cuts down on mess before water gets involved. Less gunk, less hassle. |
| 3. Use Hot Water (If Needed) | If there’s stuck-on stuff, rinse with hot water. Heat some up in a kettle if your sink don’t get hot enough. No soap yet! | Hot water loosens bits without strippin’ the seasonin’. Keep it quick to avoid rust. |
| 4. Scrub with Salt (Optional) | For stubborn spots, sprinkle coarse salt (like kosher) on the press and scrub with a cloth or sponge. | Salt acts like a gentle abrasive. It cleans without scratchin’ up the iron. |
| 5. Rinse and Dry Fast | If you used water, rinse quick and dry it right away with a towel. Don’t air-dry! | Water sittin’ on cast iron invites rust. Dryin’ it pronto is non-negotiable. |
| 6. Light Oil Coat | Rub a tiny bit of vegetable oil or food-grade mineral oil on the iron parts with a paper towel. | This keeps the seasonin’ intact and protects against moisture. Don’t overdo it—thin layer only. |
That’s the basic cleanin’ routine. Takes maybe 5-10 minutes tops, dependin’ on how messy your cookin’ got. I do this after every use, and my press stays lookin’ slick. But sometimes, things go south—like rust sneakin’ in. Let’s tackle that next.
Dealin’ with Rust: Re-Seasonin’ Your Bacon Press
If your press is lookin’ a bit rusty (maybe you forgot it in the sink or, like me, thought the dishwasher was a good idea), don’t panic. You can fix it up with a lil’ elbow grease and re-seasonin’. Here’s how I bring mine back to life:
- Remove the Rust First: Grab some fine sandpaper or a wire brush (not too harsh) and scrub off the rusty spots. Focus only on the affected areas. If it’s bad, you might need to go at it for a bit. Wear gloves if ya don’t wanna get messy.
- Wash It Good: This is one time you can use hot soapy water. Use a mild detergent and a soft brush to clean the whole press. Why soap now? ‘Cause the seasonin’s already gone in those rusty spots, so you’re startin’ fresh. Rinse well after.
- Dry It Completely: I mean bone-dry. Towel it off, then pop it on the stove over low heat for a few minutes to zap any leftover moisture. Wet cast iron equals more rust, so don’t skip this.
- Take Off the Handle (If Possible): If your press got a wooden handle with screws, unscrew it before the next step. You don’t want that wood in the oven.
- Coat with Fat: Use somethin’ like Crisco, lard, or vegetable oil. Rub a super thin layer all over the iron—top, bottom, edges, everywhere. Too much oil makes it sticky, so go light.
- Bake It: Preheat your oven to 375°F (or around there). Place the press on a rack, workin’ side up. Put some heavy-duty foil on the rack below to catch drips. I’ve used foil-wrapped bricks to prop it up a bit for airflow, but that’s optional. Bake for about an hour, maybe an hour and a half. Turn off the oven and let it cool inside.
- Repeat if Needed: One round might not be enough for a perfect seasonin’. If it looks uneven, do the oil and bake thing again. I usually do two rounds when I’ve had to scrub off rust.
After this, your press should look shiny and ready to roll. Re-seasonin’ ain’t just for rust—it’s a good refresh every now and then if your press starts stickin’ or losin’ its non-stick vibe. I’ve revived mine a couple times this way, and it’s like gettin’ a brand-new tool.
Storagin’ Your Cast Iron Bacon Press Right
Cleanin’ is only half the battle. Where and how you store this thing matters a ton. I learned this the hard way when I left mine in a damp cabinet and found rust speckles a week later. Here’s how to keep it safe:
- Keep It Dry: Always store it in a dry spot. I keep mine in the oven ‘cause it’s outta the way and stays dry as a bone. A cupboard works too if it ain’t near the sink.
- Light Oil Before Storin’: After cleanin’, that thin oil coat we talked about? It’s your rust shield. Don’t skip it, even if you’re usin’ the press tomorrow.
- Avoid Stackin’: If you stack other pots on it, you might scratch the seasonin’. I wrap mine in a clean dish towel for extra protection if it’s gotta share space.
- No Humid Spots: Basements or anywhere damp is a no-go. Humidity is cast iron’s kryptonite. If you live somewhere humid, maybe toss a silica packet near it to suck up moisture.
Simple stuff, but it makes a world of difference. My press lives a cozy life in the oven now, and I ain’t seen rust in ages
How to Use It:
After preheating your Flat Iron®, lay your press on the top to preheat it in preparation for the cook for 2-3 minutes.
Remove the bacon press, then add your bacon strips to the surface.
Once bacon begins to fry, apply the press to the strips.
Allow it to cook for about 1 minute before removing the press, flipping the bacon then applying it once again.
Once the bacon has nearly reached desired doneness, remove the press and continue to cook it. From this point forward, it should not attempt to shrivel or curl and should remain completely flat.
Once bacon slices have reached your desired level of crispiness, remove from your griddle and serve immediately or prepare them for use in another dish.
Alternatively, you can use the bacon press to accomplish grilled sandwiches, smashed burgers and for other meats.
How To Season Cast Iron Bacon Press
FAQ
How to wash a cast iron bacon press?
Never use soap, store it in a dry place and keep it seasoned as necessary. If you ever need to clean it, use hot water and coarse salt, otherwise, simply wipe it off when you’re finished using it.
How to clean bacon grease out of a cast iron?
Just boil a small amount of water in your cast iron, then scrape the bottom with your spatula as the water boils. It should come right up, and then you can just wipe it out.
How to get rust off a bacon press?
Get a plastic tub, big enough to fit your press. Set the press in. Fill until it is over all the rusty surfaces. Cover tub with cling wrap and wait. Check it every couple of hours until you are happy with the rust removal. Then, hit it with water and a plastic bristle brush to remove all the loose rust.