Are those skillets damaged? [duplicate]

I'm posting links to photos on Dropbox of 3 de Buyer skillets I own. They have been placed into the dishwasher over and over again against my advice unfortunately.

I want to know if what I'm seeing on them now is rust, and if so are they permanently damaged or is there something I can do to revive them?

https://www.dropbox.com/s/okzx2s5d68ajegh/IMG_3935.jpeg?dl=0 https://www.dropbox.com/s/3meqro6akl6e15i/IMG_3936.jpeg?dl=0 https://www.dropbox.com/s/gycyjwv5rdsp56f/IMG_3937.jpeg?dl=0 https://www.dropbox.com/s/g01tpvixx6g2fsu/IMG_3938.jpeg?dl=0

cast-iron skillet

Best Answer

These appear to be carbon steel pans. Carbon steel pans are similar to cast iron in that they are raw/uncoated metal and need to be seasoned to maintain a proper (rust free) cooking surface. The big different from cast iron is simply that carbon steel is thinner, and less massive--which makes it more responsive to heat changes, as it holds less heat within itself.

Virtually all advice for care of cast iron pans also applies to carbon steel. How to care for cast iron advice is plentiful on the internet.

Stop using the dishwasher. The detergent in a dishwasher is far too aggressive and will wash away seasoning.
Dry the pan immediately & thoroughly after washing--popping it on the stove to heat it up works great.

To finally answer your question...

Your pans aren't ruined--they just need some love. Your carbon steel pans can be easily saved with re-seasoning. This is simply a matter of scrubbing the rust off, and going through a process to polymerize oil on the surface to prevent future rust.

Then, have an intervention with the person who loves to put them though the dishwasher, and explain that they are abusing these pans and need to start hand washing them.

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How do you know if cast iron is ruined?

4 Signs It's Time to Let Go of an Old Cast Iron Pan

It's cracked.

It has a hole in it.

It's warped or wobbly.

It's covered in dust.

Can you damage a cast-iron skillet?

With proper reseasoning care, years of frequent use can actually improve the pan's \u201cseasoning\u201d\u2014its natural nonstick coating. But sadly, cast iron skillets can indeed break.

Why does my cast iron have spots?

Cooking acidic foods or following improper cleaning procedures can damage the seasoning on your pan, creating spots of dull, patchy, dry-looking metal on the inside of the pan instead of the smooth, rich black of well-seasoned cast iron.

What is the black coating on a cast-iron skillet?

First, the black specks you see coming off into your food are not harmful. They are most likely carbon deposits. This happens due to overheating of fats and oils. Using an oil with a low smoke point will carbonize at high temperatures and cause residue from the pores of your pan to rub off onto your food.

🍳The Worst Cast Iron Pan - Restoration By Hand + Disappointing Ending - DIY

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Images: Ahmed akacha, Hilary Halliwell, Irina Balashova, Ahmed akacha