Pinholes in new cast iron pan
I just received my new cast-iron skillet and noticed two little pinholes (1-2mm) in the inside bottom of the pan (see pic below). As I live outside the USA, it is a hassle getting it returned and replaced. Will the pinholes become a food contamination hazard? Are there specific things I should avoid doing or consider doing because of the pinholes?
Best Answer
Have you seasoned the pan yet?
https://www.southernliving.com/food/how-to/how-t0-season-a-cast-iron-skillet
I think the oil you use for seasoning will fill up those holes. The other thing about a pan is that it gets hot and it is going to be hot in the holes. No germs will survive down there.
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Quick Answer about "Pinholes in new cast iron pan"
Pinhole. Pinholes are a common casting defect found in all cast iron products, including cookware. These holes are almost always visible to the human eye but don't appear on the product until after mechanical processing.What causes pitting in cast iron?
There are several ways a piece of cast iron cookware can be damaged, as noted above: chipping, cracking, warping, and pitting. The first two can be caused by physical impact; the second two by improper rapid heating or cooling, also known as thermal shock.How do I fix the pits in my cast-iron skillet?
It's caused from cooking over a coal fire, there is a lot of sulfur in coal. Of course, the worst the pitting, the less value it has but I believe there is no way to "fix" it. You could sand or grind it down but then the pan is worth even less than it is right now. Looks like you did a good job in the cleaning!What causes sulfur pitting on cast iron?
So, why does cast iron look splotchy after seasoning it? Splotchy, patchy, or uneven cast iron is caused by using too much oil during the seasoning process. To fix it, scour the pan with steel wool to remove old seasoning. Wash and dry the pan.What To Do With New Cast Iron Pans? (and info about them)
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