Table of Contents
- Can you spray a cast iron skillet with pam?
- 12 reasons why you shouldn’t spray a cast iron skillet with PAM!
- Presence of lead
- Presence of other toxic compounds
- Unpleasant smell
- Toxic fumes emitted by the oil residue
- Unhealthy for the environment
- Reduced lifespan of the cast iron pan
- Messy pans
- Difficult cleaning
- Leaving residue of pam in food
- Harder to season the pan again
- Cannot be used at high temperature
- Damage to the seasoning
- Related Questions
- Final Thoughts
Can you spray a cast iron skillet with pam?
You might be wondering if you can spray a cast iron skillet with pam. Some people say that it is okay to do so, but others disagree and state that the process of cooking food in a cast iron pan creates its own non-stick coating and does not need anything else added.
Well, to be honest, it’s not the best idea to spray a cast-iron skillet with a pam. There are many studies that confirm the adverse effects it has on health. Moreover, spraying pam oil on a cast iron skillet produces an unpleasant smell, may cause toxic fumes to emit from oil residues, and reduces the lifespan of the skillet.
And this is just the tip of the iceberg. Cast Iron skillets are made of metal and can’t take much moisture or they’ll rust. The food might stick to the surface too because of all the oil residue left behind. So in short, you must be aware of the hazards before using PAM spray on the cast iron skillet!
12 reasons why you shouldn’t spray a cast iron skillet with PAM!
Presence of lead
Some studies show that the spray might contain lead, which can come out in vapors when heated up. Lead is a metallic substance that may be harmful to your health. Not only this but lead when applied to cast-iron skillet or any cooking surface, doesn’t stick to it, instead of leaves a residue on the surface which would be harmful if consumed.
Presence of other toxic compounds
The spray might contain other toxic compounds, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Studies show that this compound can cause many lethal diseases. Some studies have also shown that it may also lead to other respiratory problems.
The PAM spray contains butane, which is known to cause various health issues including cancer and heart pains. And that was just the tip of the iceberg. Spraying PAM over a long time can lead to damage to the nervous system.
Unpleasant smell
When you spray Pam or any other oil-based coating in the skillet, they leave behind some residual oil that gives out an unpleasant smell while cooking food. When heated up more than required, this smell can be harmful to your health.
Toxic fumes emitted by the oil residue
When PAM is applied, toxic fumes are emitted which can prove to be very harmful to you and your kitchen.
Unhealthy for the environment
Most of the pams and oil sprays contain polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is present in Teflon – an unhealthy material for your kitchen and the environment.
Reduced lifespan of the cast iron pan
Spraying PAM or any other substance reduces the lifespan of cast-iron pans, as it damages its nonstick coating properties and creates a layer of sticky dust, which is difficult to get rid of.
Messy pans
Another thing that must be taken into account is the use of pam makes the surface very sticky and messy. Accumulation of residue on the pan’s surface can cause it to break down more easily over time.
Difficult cleaning
Another reason why you should avoid using pam as the spray is that it sticks to the surface of the skillet. If after cooking something in the pan you find that there is a sticky residue stuck on it, then it would be difficult to clean.
Leaving residue of pam in food
Another thing that must be kept in mind is that If you leave the residue of PAM while cooking food, then chances are high that your food might end up having its own share of this residue. So, it is better to avoid using pam on your cast iron skillet.
Harder to season the pan again
Seasoning of the pan is very important as it prevents rust and provides an ideal non-stick coating for cooking food. If you spray PAM or any other oil-based substance then it becomes harder for you to season the skillet.
Cannot be used at high temperature
Since pam is an oil-based coating, it cannot be used for cooking at high temperatures. As the heat level increases, the oil residue emits toxic fumes which can prove to be harmful.
Damage to the seasoning
Another reason why you shouldn’t use PAM to spray the cast iron skillet is that it breaks down the seasoning of the pan. When you season a cast-iron skillet, it seals its pores and prevents rusting.
If you spray pam or any other oil-based coating, then these sprays will prevent the formation of a protective layer on the surface of your cast iron skillet. This can result in rusted pans, which are very difficult to clean and maintain.
So, the bottom line is that you should avoid using PAM as a spray for your cast iron pan as it can prove dangerous and harmful.
Related Questions
What is the safest alternative to PAM for a cast-iron skillet?
Well, the answer is: natural is better. You can use grapeseed oil, olive oil, or walnut oil. Even natural butter gives good results. Just make sure you don’t burn the butter since it melts at a very low temperature (32 degrees Celsius).
What is the cheapest alternative to PAM for cast-iron skillet?
There are a couple of options when it comes to cheap oil for cast iron skillet. Safflower oil is known for being cheap and it does not have a distinctive smell. Moreover, sunflower oil is another budget-friendly option you should know. In addition, you can use other vegetable oils that are not as expensive as the ones just mentioned.
Final Thoughts
In summary, although many people opt for PAM to spray their cast iron skillets, it is better to avoid using them. It is far better to go for natural alternatives such as grapeseed oil, sunflower oil, and olive oil. These oils can provide you with the same non-stick surface as PAM and they are much healthier as well.
If still, you want to use PAM, then make sure you scrub the surface of the pan after using it. This should allow you to remove most of the residue left by PAM.
But remember precaution is better than cure! So next time you shop for oil spray for the cast iron skillet, go for something that is natural, non-toxic, and healthy.
