Gadgets & Gizmos

The Ringer
The Ringer

My cast-iron pots and pans are some of my most prized and used possessions. From baking cornbread and cobbler to searing a steak or roasting vegetables, no pan is as versatile as a cast-iron skillet. But I'll admit, even with a well-seasoned skillet, cleaning and caring for cast-iron can be a chore. Unlike other cookware, you can't simply fill the pan with water and let it soak overnight before cleaning. You can't let them soak, period. Unless you want to perform the dreaded task of de-rusting and re-seasoning. (Very coarse salt and steel wool will usually do the job. And to re-season, heat the oven to 350 to 375 degrees and set baking sheet on the bottom oven rack. Rub the entire skillet or pan -- inside,

outside, handle, every part-- with a high-smoke-point, neutral vegetable oil. Place the skillet or pan upside down on the center rack. Bake 1 hour, then cool in the oven for at least 45 minutes or until completely cool before using.)

For daily cleaning, usually nothing more than wiping the skillet with a wad of paper towels is necessary. But sometimes, something with a little more scrubbing power is necessary, especially if I've cooked something sweet or with a sauce.

I often use a plastic scraper and plastic-bristled brush. But I recently tried The Ringer and was quite pleased with how well it works. The 8-by-6-inch piece of chain mail easily removes stuck-on food without scratching or removing the pan's seasoned finish. Simply add a small amount of water to the skillet and gently rub with the Ringer. (Careful, if you get too vigorous it may make your fingertips a little tender.) Rinse the pan and dry completely and oil as usual. And while your cast-iron skillet may not be dishwasher safe, the Canadian-made Ringer is. The scrubber can be used on other cookware as well.

For more information, visit theringer.myshopify.com

$15

Food on 12/07/2016

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