Cast-iron skillets are versatile cookware that can be used on a stovetop or in an oven. They are known for durability and excellent heat retention properties making them highly recommended by most cooks and chefs as an essential part of any kitchen.
According to the findings of an American Dietetic Association study, cast iron cookware can leach significant amounts of dietary iron into food that are cooked on it which can be beneficial to people, especially those with iron deficiencies. A well-seasoned cast-iron pan is also stick-resistant eliminating the need for too much oil when cooking.
While cast-iron cookware is durable, they are not indestructible and can sustain damage with improper handling. Thus, it is important to properly pack these items before shipping to avoid any irreparable damage. Here are some important tips on how to properly pack and ship a cast-iron skillet.
Wrap the entire cast-iron skillet with bubble wrap and secure with packaging tape. The more layers of bubble wrap, the better its protection will be against damages caused by bumps and falls. If it comes with a cast-iron lid, also bubble wraps it generously. Bear in mind that these items are very heavy and letting them bang at each other during transit without sufficient protection spells DAMAGE! Pay particular attention to the skillet’s protruding handle which is prone to damage. Keep its end as rounded as possible to prevent it from puncturing a hole into the shipping box.
Use an appropriately-sized sturdy shipping box that can accommodate the bubble-wrapped skillet with at least 2 to 3 inches of extra space on all sides. Reinforce the bottom flaps and seams with heavy duty packaging tape. Then, place at least 3 inches layer of packing peanuts on the bottom of the box. Lay the skillet on top of the peanuts, with the handle pointing at one corner. Fill the sides and up to the top of the box with more packing peanuts. The skillet and the lid should have at least an inch of packing peanuts between them. The box should be well packed so that the contents do not have room to move or shift around.
Close the box and seal with packaging tape. Make sure to secure all openings and seams with tape to prevent it from bursting open while in transit.
Address and label the box and take to your local postal office or trusted carrier.