Metal utensils are safe on well-seasoned cast iron

Metal utensils are safe on well-seasoned cast iron.

Yes, you can — a well-seasoned pan is tough enough to handle metal. The seasoning is polymerized oil, basically a hard plastic-like layer. A metal spatula isn’t going to flake it off unless you’re really hacking at it.

The “no metal” rule comes from nonstick pans, where metal will scratch the coating. Cast iron isn’t nonstick. It’s a hunk of iron with a coating of oil that’s been baked into it. Metal utensils won’t ruin it. In fact, a metal spatula helps smooth out the seasoning over time.

Even if you do scratch the surface, that’s not a big deal. You just cook on it a few more times and the seasoning fills back in. Plenty of professional cooks use metal spatulas and turners on cast iron daily.

Don’t baby your cast iron — it was made to take abuse.