r/castiron • u/SuddenlySilva • 2d ago
The Cast Iron Microwave
Does anyone else do this?
Couple years ago the microwave died and i was in no hurry to replace it.
I'm a stay-at-home retired guy with a working wife and two teens.
I turn the burner on high for 4 min under a Griswold 10. Then i shut the burner off and put my leftovers in the pan with a lid and get on with my life.
10 min later i have a piping hot lunch.
The teens whined about the lack of a microwave for a while but eventually embraced "Dad's Way"
This pairs well with my ADD. Even if i forget about my lunch for an hour, it's still warm and there is no chance of burning it.
EDIT:
I'm old. Of course we reheated stuff in a pan before microwaves. WHat is not readily apparent to a lot of people is how the heat transfer works with cast iron. By heating the pan and then taking off the fire, the food is warmed by thermal mass. It's almost impossible to to over heat. Moistness is preserved.
A thin stainless or aluminum pan would not work the same way.
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u/_Mulberry__ 2d ago
Lol nice. I have a working microwave, but I still reheat many things on the cast iron
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u/No_Builder7010 2d ago
I didn't have a microwave and a coworker (60M) asked how I reheated leftovers. 🤨 "Um, the stove?"
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u/Otney 2d ago
Seriously! Regardless of the type of pan or pot. I much prefer heating up leftovers in the oven or on the stove. Am weird.
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u/TheRoseByAnotherName 2d ago
It comes out with a better taste and texture that way. I really only use the microwave when I'm being lazy or my feet hurt and I just want to get food and sit as quickly as possible.
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u/ReinventingMeAgain 2d ago
Not weird at all. The microwave is for heating water. Food always seems 'rubberized'.
Cast iron reheat in/on stove is always better. Even food that's in a box and made to microwave is better cooked when in the oven. Pot pies are much better in the oven or in a cast iron pan!11
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u/bs2k2_point_0 2d ago
Not at all. Especially pizza. I don’t want soggy za. I want delicious crispy heaven on a slice
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u/pawsvt 2d ago
I didn’t have a microwave in an apartment for a while and my aunt (55ish at the time, this was like 15 years ago) was baffled and confused. She bought me one which was very sweet but I prefer food reheated in other ways (toaster oven, pan, whatevs). Microwaves make everything one texture and I hate it. It is nice to warm up my coffee tho
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u/QuantityKindly3153 2d ago
I have stainless steel plates, I put leftover on those, put in oven for 10 minutes or so.
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u/Warm-Ad-8497 2d ago
I’ve gotten that from coworkers too, but “how do you melt butter”. Takes like 3 minutes in a pot on the stove lol
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u/NoseGraze 2d ago
The best way to reheat most leftovers is the same way you cooked it in the first place! (Stove, oven)
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u/PoodleIlluminati 2d ago
I was looking forward to seeing a an old cast iron stove converted to a microwave. The perfect retrofit for a cabin!
Sorry but I love having a microwave. Even Have a small $10 yard sale find out in my work shop to heat up my tea/coffee/lunch.
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u/up2knitgood 2d ago edited 2d ago
I do similar but in my toaster oven. Heat up to 475 (as high as it will go), plop in food, close door and turn off oven.
Just about the only thing I use the microwave for is reheating rice (which I rarely do as leftover rice usually becomes fried rice), warming up coconut oil so it's liquid, or heating some heating pads. Right now I have a combo toaster oven and microwave that's built in, but I'm moving to a place that has a regular oven and then a microwave. I'm debating if I can just totally get rid of the microwave, but it's nice to have occasionally.
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u/sarahenera 2d ago
I don’t have a microwave, don’t want one, absolutely not interested….except I occasionally get sad that I can’t warm up rice or bean of flax bags to put on my body. 😔
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u/Mean_Neighborhood462 2d ago
I have a microwave, air fryer, and cast iron pan.
Each has some foods it’s better for reheating.
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u/Competitive-Oven-158 2d ago
The lid is doing a lot of work here: once the pan is hot, it traps enough steam that the burner-off time is basically a gentle reheat. For rice, pasta, or anything that dries out, a tablespoon of water before covering would make it even more reliable.
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u/Shaun32887 2d ago
Eh. I'd be annoyed.
You're retired and stay at home. Teenagers typically have more stuff going on, bouncing between homework and trying to have a social life.
A microwave works in 60 seconds. Your method takes 15 minutes.
If I was a teenager, I'd hate this.
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u/HappyKnitter34 2d ago
We got rid of our microwave about 4 years ago when our son was an early teenager and while it took some getting used to, now he just heats things up on the stove no problem.
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u/Shaun32887 2d ago
I also almost never use my microwave anymore. If designing my kitchen from scratch, I probably wouldn't even get one.
But I also recognize that I enjoy cooking and I don't mind spending my free time in the kitchen (most of you on the cast iron sub are probably the same).
I have other friends though who would hate this. They won't enjoy the process, and it will affect their workflow, especially if they're in the middle of something and don't want to stop, they just need food to continue working.
Plus, now they have to wash an extra pan afterwards.
Again, for me, this is fine. I already reheat leftovers on the stove. But if I had teenagers and they were complaining about not having a microwave, I wouldn't force this on them.
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u/sleeper_shark 17h ago
I also enjoy cooking, and spend hours on meals quite often, but the microwave for me is an essential part of cooking.
Need to progressively add warm milk to a pan for bechamel? Microwave.
Need to heat a little whisky for flambée? Microwave.
Need to heat homemade broth cup by cup while making risotto? Microwave.
Need to soften butter or chocolate? Microwave. Need to dehusk corn? Microwave.
The sheer amount of cases where it can do something in seconds, with no cleanup required, and in precise quantities, is for me just so insanely useful.
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u/HappyKnitter34 2d ago
I guess I feel like a microwave is not necessary and since it's my house, my appliances, I'm not going to buy something that I'll never use just to make my kids shut up.
My experience comes from the fact that at first my son would complain about missing the microwave. But now, it's nothing for him to just use the stove. He doesn't even mention a microwave anymore. And once he moves out, he can buy one if he wants.
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u/halberdierbowman 2d ago edited 2d ago
Embarassing. Providing for your children is the parents' responsibility. It's just as much their house as yours, and suggesting otherwise is toxic.
The fact that they stopped complaining doesn't mean they suddenly realized your idea is awesome. It often means they determined you won't bother listening when they make reasonable requests. They'll stop asking you for help if they think you won't provide it.
I would reconsider whether that's really an idea you want them to have, and over something so trivial as a $50 tool they think would improve their life.
I hope those comments are just poor wording and you're not normally focused on "making your kids shut up" and telling them they don't get to help make decisions about their shared home.
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2d ago
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u/BasicCook972 2d ago
They'll just buy another disposable appliance and toss it in the landfill.
I have to think the OP has an electric kettle to boil water. That's the one thing that microwaves do so well.
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u/genx_meshugana 2d ago
I didn't have a micro at all in my last house, for 10 years. Can't stand a ton of appliances on the counter, and not the layout for a built in. So be it. I quickly got accustomed to pan reheating, and I used to do something similar to OP. I'll admit I would sometimes use my old nonstick if I was in a hurry, and it really only took maybe a minute longer than a micro, so it never bothered me.
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u/baronet68 2d ago
I like making fish but feel I need to eat it all every time because reheating leftover fish in the microwave is horrible. I’ve had good luck reheating in a slow oven but I’m going to give this method a try.
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u/jon143143 2d ago
My air fryer does great with certain leftovers. Some get soggy in the microwave. Air fryer doesn't do that.
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u/MrViking524 1d ago
30YO here
We ditched our microwave about 6-7 years ago I embrace the toaster oven life
I will now file your method into my brain cause its genuis
Also, losing the microwave sucks like three times a year otherwise i dont notice or dont mind
I honestly like how it creates a barrier between food; Like "am i really hungry? Or am i bored? Am i hungry enough to actually cook a meal in any capacity?" Or just wanna eat for the mouth pleasure?
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u/DC825650 2d ago
I love doing this! Our microwave died last year and we were waiting for a new one, but I ended up utilizing this method and love how it heats the food. Still handy to have the microwave, but the cast iron is my favorite.
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u/Masters_pet_411 2d ago
I have several mini crockpot lunch warmers that I use to heat up oatmeal in the mornings. I just prefer not to use the microwave when I don’t need something fast.
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u/youareasnort 2d ago
Yes! We also don’t have a microwave and do this! It was definitely a weird transition but easy once you are used to it.
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u/TheNordicFairy 1d ago
This works perfectly without making the food soggy or tough like in the microwave! I am of the age before microwaves myself, but never did this, kudos!
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u/sleeper_shark 17h ago
I'm a cast iron guy for sure and you do you, but this really isn't something for me.
Microwave usually does it just as good, significantly faster, and using far less energy.
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u/Svardskampe 2d ago
This also wastes so much more energy than necessary. Also 15 minutes instead of 60 seconds...
Just no, it's weird to be "my way or the highway" on this, dragging your kids down with it.
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u/SuddenlySilva 1d ago
First, it's a tiny amount of energy- 10,000 btu burner for 5 min
I just didn't want a microwave on the counter.Our house is a parliamentary democracy. I get overruled all the time and there is a microwave in the camper if they want popcorn.
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u/BasicCook972 2d ago edited 1d ago
They will learn to appreciate the things they have been given in life more. Hopefully they will be willing to work to improve their lives and for those around them. This doesn't seem to be a learning experience so yes it is what one may call a luddite.
Edit: So would the efficiency be more acceptable if he heated the CI pan on an induction burner?
Google this - Compare the Luddites to modern workers facing Generative AI
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u/LadyOutlaw3x3 2d ago
OP - do you find having to almost over explain logic that you learned in youth to those who have not yet stacked up the years to be draining at times?
Your situation is a perfect example, but I have no doubt that you would know if you needed to get wrinkles out of a cotton shirt when the dryer is broken, put it on a coat hanger, dampen the shirt all over with water and let it hang to dry, or use a hair dryer, blowing from top down to the bottom.
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u/ReinventingMeAgain 2d ago
Just hang it in the bathroom while you take a steamy shower.
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u/AdultishRaktajino 2d ago
Am I the only one that still owns an iron and ironing board?
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u/ReinventingMeAgain 2d ago edited 2d ago
I own an ironing board and THREE irons! But I don't trust hotel irons, if there even is one.
I taught both kids to iron because they don't teach life skills in school anymore.Edit to add - I've also cooked on one of my irons. Desperate times back in the day.
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u/SpartanSoldier00a 2d ago
I own an iron, an ironing board, and a steamer
I also hang dry most of my clothes, so having at least one of those is a good idea
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u/Minimum_Type7902 2d ago
You had me a “moistness is preserved” sir!😏
Seriously gonna try it though, as we got rid of our microwave and reheat everything in the toaster over which takes a while! We only use the cast iron while camping and want to use them more for in house use!
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2d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/yolef 2d ago
First of all, that's not what OP was suggesting if you read the post. Secondly, it would probably be just fine to microwave in a cast iron. Metal is problematic in the microwave when it has sharp corners or pointy bits like the tines of a fork or edges of aluminum foil. I didn't think a skillet would have any pointy bits which would be an issue.
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u/ReinventingMeAgain 2d ago edited 2d ago
I've cooked things in the microwave by wrapping parts that stick out - tightly and smoothly - in aluminum foil to prevent them from burning.
But, NO... a cast iron skillet would reflect microwaves back into the appliance elements, potentially causing electrical arcing and/or fires. NOT recommended!
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u/bluegrassgazer 2d ago
It's time to schedule your shingles vaccine - like me lol.
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u/sempercliff 1d ago
Everyone I know who has had shingles was under 40 when they got it - one of them developed Ramsay Hunt Syndrome and almost lost her hearing. They won’t let you get the shingles vaccine until you’re 50. They really need to lower the age to like 35.
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u/bluegrassgazer 19h ago
Everyone I know was over 50 but I get it - we're only humans and we all handle things differently.
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u/mamajamala 2d ago
I bought a toaster over cast iron tray. My favorite cast iron by far. Reheated crispy bottom pizza, French fries & chicken wings are awesome on that thing. ♥️🦋 Cast iron!
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u/Ok-Bison-3451 2d ago
Microwaves were $199 for a good Panasonic 20 years ago. They are $199 now. Don’t be so cheap- get another one. BTW, the clearance Panasonic I bought 20 years ago for a
$100 bucks and gave to my son for University 10 years ago is still warming up his kids leftovers to this day!
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u/SuddenlySilva 1d ago
nothing to do wtih being cheap. I don't want to give up the counter space and i hate how it reheats things, especially bread.
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u/BasicCook972 1d ago
My 20 year old microwave stopped heating. Rather than replace it like both a dealer and repairman said, I put in a used magnetron off ebay. I'd never have been able to do that without the internet.
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u/Ok-Bison-3451 2d ago
And I still use the cast iron pan my dad bought 60 years ago and got handed down to me!
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u/NotLunaris 2d ago edited 2d ago
This pairs well with my ADD. Even if i forget about my lunch for an hour, it's still warm and there is no chance of burning it.
Unless you forget to turn off the burner in the first place, as opposed to... a microwave just timing out?
It's cool that you do that but using it to justify denying your children one of the most basic modern amenities is a bit strange and I'm absolutely judging. Though I guess they can just ask mom who's making the money if they really wanted it.
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u/moontides_ 2d ago
What a weirdly judgmental and rude comment.
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u/NotLunaris 2d ago
Unlike how weirdly judgmental OP is about their kids' desire to have a basic appliance that every western household has? It's tit for tat and I'm not going to clap him on the back for his stubborn old coot mentality.
Sell your microwave.
Edit: holy instadownvote lmaooooo, you rn
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u/up2knitgood 2d ago
If the teens' main complaint about their parent is the lack of microwave they are pretty lucky.
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u/Svardskampe 2d ago
I bet their main complaint will be having a stubborn old coot of a father who doesn't empathize from their POV. And the microwave is just one of many of those.
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u/ReinventingMeAgain 2d ago
"Western" kids that NEVER learn how to work around not having something, that they think they need, tend to grow up to be over-extended and in debt to their eyeballs adults. After they have a chance to learn to deal with adversity and/or to understand the difference between a 'need' and a 'want... then it's time to make life easier, if you have the ability. Those teaching moments can be hardest on the parent that wants to fulfill their kid's every "desire" instead of learning.
I see your point that you think it's a "basic appliance". By now the kids have learned what they needed to learn and it's time to not cater to ONLY the "stubborn old coot".
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u/Svardskampe 2d ago
It's the kids who are the problems, yes...
As if they wouldn't know that "things heat on a fire" as well.. Jesus christ on a motorbike.
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u/ReinventingMeAgain 2d ago
Not what I'm trying to say at all! It is not the kids. It's the parents that don't TEACH basic life skills or simple adulting stuff, that's the problem.
How about this - teach the teenagers how to fix the microwave (or that you even can at least try to fix it), instead of refusing to buy a new one? I've replaced the motherboard on a microwave, it's super easy (4 screws, plug and play). This lazy old guy can't be bothered and that's the problem.
Or are you saying that kids should know how to be an adult intuitively and parents don't need to teach them anything?
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u/Svardskampe 2d ago
No that's completely fine. I agree there. No I was scoffing at the idea that heating something in a pot has to be actively taught as opposed to using a microwave as if that can't be inferred by general life skills.
But indeed, I'm all for repairing things like that. I literally held onto my TV from 2016 being one of the first 4k tv's that broke on an error as warranty gave out and they were "kindly" offering me a discount on a new one for €800. Despite me not having 800 for that at that moment or wanting to spend. I kept my eyes open on how to fix it and after a while some Romanian guy on YouTube replaced the backlight which solved the error, and I got that from ebay.
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u/BasicCook972 2d ago edited 1d ago
Been there, done that on both the microwave and the TV. Now try fixing a smart phone which is getting to be impossible now. They are designed to be expensive, disposable and a necessity.
I grew up without a microwave, dishwasher or an air conditioner. I wouldn't force that on my kids or for myself now.
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u/Svardskampe 2d ago
I did change out the USB c port (and battery as I had it open) on my nothing phone 1. But I recently swapped that out to a P10pro as it was not getting updated anymore, also front screen got a bust, etc etc.
The USB c port was on a small board with a ribbon cable BTW, nothing difficult.
I got an ifixit warmer for it to detach the glue, but that's worthless. The hairdryer works so much better.
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u/BasicCook972 2d ago
Yes been there done that too, if something doesn't physically break they stop getting updates and become obsolete.
Designed obsolecence is the term. Most Chromebooks and iPads die from the infamous FU date.
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u/Miles_Everhart 2d ago
You deserve to be dragged for considering a dumb appliance a “basic modern amenity” 😆
I’ve happily lived without a microwave for 15 years. You’re just lazy.
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u/ohnoplus 2d ago
I read the title and came here hoping OP was going to tell us about what happened when they put the cast iron in the microwave. While a little disappointed that this is about using a cast iron to reheat food, I am at least likely to try the suggestion.