New Cast Iron Steamer Rust?

[ArsenalDon]

I bought my wife a new cast iron steamer for Christmas.....I am already seeing some rust forming on the rim.
Anyone have any idea how to stop rust from forming on black cast iron?

 

[not on the rug]

don't get it wet?

honestly, If there is an answer to that question, i'd like to know it too.

 

[madison]

As above. Iron and water = rust. Note that the box it came it probably has made in china, so the black paint probably has some nasty chemicals in it as well. Please don't even think about making a cup of tea with that thing.

Used one for one season, the kettle had nasty gooing rust and slime after a couple weeks, the stove top also scratched and rusted.

 

[Slow1]

I'd think that the right paint on there if it coated it well may help slow/reduce the rate of rusting. Enamel would be ideal, ha! Our cast steamer (a dragon) has only a bit of rust on it inside so I presume the paint may be better than the average for protection.

I've been thinking of letting it dry out then try a layer of oil like I do my cooking pans in hope it will seal it off - but I don't leave my cooking pans with simmering water for days on end so I don't know if this will really help or not.

 

[Dakotas Dad]

Stone doesn't rust.

 

[bluedogz]

Just season it with Crisco, and it'll stay rust free for a surprisingly long time.

http://www.wikihow.com/Season-Cast-Iron-Cookware

 

[ArsenalDon]

As above. Iron and water = rust. Note that the box it came it probably has made in china, so the black paint probably has some nasty chemicals in it as well. Please don't even think about making a cup of tea with that thing.

Used one for one season, the kettle had nasty gooing rust and slime after a couple weeks, the stove top also scratched and rusted.

Never! It is for a bit of humidity only

 

[madison]

Never! It is for a bit of humidity only

IMHO, the effort and stove top wear and tear is not worth the little bit of humidity

 

[bluedogz]

Never! It is for a bit of humidity only

A trivet solves that problem.

 

[BobUrban]

Any oil will do but animal based fat is best. Crisco as mentioned or even a little bacon grease will protect it. Clean it - get it hot w/o water in it and wipe a layer on with a paper towel. I would do just the inside and around the rim so it is not getting all over the stove. wipe and excess off with a clean paper towel and let it penetrate by leaving it on the stove w/o water for a bit. The areas with wear around the lid may need a little extra from time to time but anywhere else should keep rather well.

 

[madison]

A trivet solves that problem.

Not really. Tried that as well. Reduced the amount damage from moving the kettle, but still got rust from water and scratches from the trivet