Cast iron cookware is the best type of cookware to to invest in when you cook from scratch. Cast irons pots, cast iron skillets, and even dutch ovens are solid and heavy, making them hard to store like the cheaper, modern cookware. This DIY cast iron storage shelf is the perfect solution to take care and store your cast iron collection. It even acts as a beautiful decor piece for your kitchen as well!
The Right Way to Store Cast-Iron Cookware
There are a few ways to store each of your cast iron pots and pans correctly. It may be tempting to fit them all into one cupboard, but I promise you, if give them the proper care and store them correctly, these cast iron pieces will last you a lifetime.
Storing Cast Iron Skillets and Heavy Cast Iron Pans
Stacking: Avoid stacking cast iron skillets directly on top of each other, as this may cause damage to the seasoning. If you need to stack them, place a layer of paper towels or kitchen towels between each cast iron skillet.
Hanging: If you have enough storage space, consider hanging your cast-iron skillet using a sturdy pot rack or wall-mounted hooks. This not only saves space but also allows air circulation to prevent moisture buildup.
Storing Cast Iron Dutch Ovens
Nested Storage: If you have multiple Dutch ovens, store smaller ones inside larger ones to save space. Place a paper towel or cloth between nested pieces to prevent scratches and protect the seasoning.
Display Storage: Dutch ovens are gorgeous pieces, especially enameled cast iron. Consider put your enamel-coated dutch oven out to be stored on display on your stove, open shelving, or countertop.
Cast Iron Griddle Storage
Vertical Storage: Store cast iron griddles vertically to save space. You can use dividers or padded cloth between stacked griddles to prevent scratching.
Hanging: You can store your cast iron griddles if they have handles using strong wall-mounted hooks. This not only saves space but also allows air circulation to prevent moisture buildup.
General Tips for Storing Cast Iron Cookware
Dry Thoroughly: After cleaning your cast iron cookware with warm water and a mild dish soap, rise throughly and ensure it is completely dry before storing. Excess moisture can lead to rusting.
Season Regularly: Maintain the seasoning of your cast iron by applying a thin layer of oil after each use. This protective layer helps prevent rust and enhances the non-stick properties. You can season with many different types of cooking oil including bacon grease, canola oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil, grapeseed oil and vegetable oil!
Use Cloth or Paper Towels: When stacking or nesting cast iron pieces, place a layer of cloth or paper towels between them to prevent scratches and protect the seasoning.
Avoid Moisture: Store cast iron cookware in a dry place to prevent rust. If storing in a cabinet, ensure it is well-ventilated.
Our DIY Cast Iron Storage Solution
We have a small kitchen, and I don’t like to fill out kitchen cabinets too full so we needed to find a way to store our cast iron skillets in a way that was functional, but also served as a beautiful feature area. I sent Ryan a few inspirational pieces from my Pinterest and he got busy planning. Using wood we already had in the garage and a few pieces of black steel piping he made a gorgeous storage solution for our cast iron skillets. This left me lots of room to store our pots in the corner cupboard.
Tools You Need:
Supply List:
- x3 1/2″x4″ black steel pipe nipple
- x3 1/2″ fitting black iron tee
- x3 1/2″ fitting black iron floor flange
- x2 1/2″x24″ black steel pipe nipple
- x2 1/2″x8″ black steep pipe nipple
- x2 1/2″ fitting black iron cap
- x12 heavy duty screws
- Gorilla wood glue
- 18 gauge 1 1/2″ brad nails
- x4 hangers (optional)
Lumber Cut List:
- 6′ pine 2×4
- 3x 4″ pine 2×4
- x3 6′ 5″ x1″ oak plank
- x2 7.5″ x1″ oak plank
How to Make Our DIY Cast Iron Storage
- Cut all of your wood following the lumber cut list.
- Secure the 3 4″ 2x4s to the 6′ 2×4 equally spaced at x
- Secure the 6′ floating shelf bracket to the wall. Level and screw into studs.
- To create the oak beam start by gluing the oak planks to form a box. Ensure the front plank is exposed and the top and bottom planks are secured on the back of the from plank. Fit the 7.5 planks on either side. Secure the beam with finishing nails.
- Once the wood glue has cured begin fitting the steel piping. Build the steel pipe hanger in the following order: cap, 8″ pipe, iron tee, 24″ pipe, iron tee, 24″ pipe, iron tee, 8″ pipe, cap.
- Add the 4″ steel pipe and floor flange to each iron tee. (This will allow you to equally space out the floor flanges).
- Center the middle floor flange on the bottom part of the shelf box. Secure with screws. Repeat with the left and right floor flanges and secure with screws to hang the skillet holder onto the shelf.
- Fit the oak shelf box onto the 2×4 wall bracket that you built. It should be nice and snug.
- Once fitted onto the bracket, secure at 2 points on each bracket from the top of the shelf.
- Hang cookware and enjoy!
More Post You Might Like:
- How To Start Planning Your Urban Homesteading Goals
- How to Season A Cast Iron Skillet With Bacon Grease
- Quality Kitchenware You NEED That Will Last a Lifetime
- Urban (Suburban) Homesteading for Beginners