These pan protectors are easy to make, super cute, and fit perfectly. Learn how to make the perfect protector for your cast iron, ceramic, stainless steel, and non-stick pans.
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If my pan has a chip, scratch, or blemish, I KNOW. Worse I'm annoyed every time I pick up a pan with a blemish. I can even recall avoiding a pan specifically because I know. And while my pan works fine, I decided to donate mine and buy a new set.
Protecting cast iron pans
Protecting cast iron pans present challenges that don't exist with other types of cook wear. For cast iron to cook properly, it needs to be seasoned. And to keep it seasoned, it needs to be cleaned and stored a certain way. Because of this, a well-seasoned pan will have a slightly oily surface, making the pans difficult to stack unless you don't mind grease getting all over the bottoms of each pan and potentially ruining the seasoned surface.
Protecting everyday cookware
Lets face it, cookware can be fragile. Brands market cookware as dishwasher safe, which is often true. However, they don't tell you if reduces the lifespan of your pan by half.
Never use metal utensils regardless of marketing. There are so many options that are 100% safe, toxin-free, easy to clean and easy to use.
Cooking Utensils
I love wooden cooking utensils but there are so many materials that work great. Just stick to brands you know and love. Trust and quality is important!
- wooden are my favorite and quality sets start around $30
- bamboo is another good option starting around $20
- silicone is easy and a good set starts around $25
How to make DIY pan protectors
What you need
- Shelf Liners - select a pattern you love (dollar store)
- Set of Pans - I'm using lodge cast iron pans
- Scissors - just bought these to replace mine
- Pencil - my kids love these
I have 2 rolls of shelf liner, one 20in x 4ft shelf liner in a tan color and one 12in x 6ft shelf liner in white with a reddish flower pattern. Either size would work fine for this project, but I went with the 12in for my pan liners because I thought the color contrast would look great against the cast iron.
Instructions
Step 1
Place your pan on the back side of the shelf liner.
Step 2
Trace the bottom of one of the pans with a pencil onto the inner side of the shelf liner.
Step 3
Cut out the circle making sure to cut INSIDE the circle to account for the thickness of the cast iron because you traced the outside of the pan. And now you know why I replaced my scissors!
Step 4
Repeat for each pan, and place each protector inside the pans.
Easy alternatives
There are more than a few ways to protect your pans. And regardless of what you decide, I'll be happy if your pans are happy.
Pot Racks
The ultimate in pan protection, style, and storage. Pot racks are a great option if you have an island, a ceiling option is functional and looks great. Otherwise, a wall mount pot rack is another great option.
Pot stands
Great for protecting one set of pans, typically 4-5 pans. I've seen pot stands on counter tops and stored in cabinets. Either way works and helps keep your pans safe.
Theresa
Its an excellent idea, and another great tip ,is you can now buy this in the dollar trees. Different colors, and best part is its a dollar. Why spend a lot of money for it if you don't have to. Right?
Mary. Smith
I just use paper plates and replace them When they get dirty.I like the. Shelf paper too or even wall paper
Kim
Paper plates are a great idea too!
Deb
Great idea
Abi
I'm going to tweak this idea for my ceramic pans and stainless steel pots too! Thanks, it's brilliant!
Kim
Ooooh great idea! Thanks!
Sandra
I stack my cast iron pans with the smaller ones on bottom, they stack so the bigger ones are on top of the pan, therefore, not touching the pan. This works perfectly for me, I keep them stored in the oven, easy to get out, easy to put away and no extra expense or work.
merilyn
This is a great idea! Not only cast iron needs protecting...the "new" ceramic lined pans are especially touchy about scratches.
Dee @ Cocktails with Mom
What cute idea Kim! Why not have them protected while looking cute at the same time!
Shell Feis
What an easy fix! We don't have any cast iron, but I'm tempted to make those anyway since my pots & pans all scratch each other up in the cupboards- plus that's just so cute!
Sarah @ Must Have Mom
Simple and easy, yet absolutely GENIUS! Thanks for sharing. These are cute, and would make me store them where others can see for sure!
Kimberly Grabinski
I was honestly surprised by how CUTE they looked.
Chelle @ Oh Just Stop Already
Such a simple idea that many don't think of! Love your cast irons.
Kimberly Grabinski
Thanks!
Tiff @ Babes and Kids
I love how simple this is and it seems like it would be much more effective and easy to use than coffee filters.
Kimberly Grabinski
They really are!
Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting
I seriously love this! You could even do this for lids, too! 🙂
Kimberly Grabinski
ooooh yes! I have a few more pans I need to do, my dutch oven and my tortilla pans.
Valerie Remy-Milora
I LOVE these pan liners! What a simple and beautiful idea. We have been using paded shipping foam sheets we recycledfor that purpose, but there is absolutely nothing pretty about those. I think making these is going to be a fun afternoon project to do with my girls. I can't wait to go shopping for just the right pattern.
Kimberly Grabinski
Ooooh I'd love to see yours when they are done!
Ericka Chatman
I LOVE This Project! It's so simple and easy to make. I never would have thought to use the Duck Brand Shelf Liners to protect my cast iron pans.
Kimberly Grabinski
Thank you, it worked out very well and they are the perfect thickness.
Liz Mays
You're a smart cookie! That's such an easy to do fix for a very common problem.
Kimberly Grabinski
Thank you!
Wendy
oh, isn't that clever? I have inherited both my Moms and my Grandma's cast iron pans,and I love and use them often but you're right, it is a challenge storing them. I'm going to try this!
Kimberly Grabinski
Let me know how it works for you!
Sue
I inherited my first cast iron then added to it. I now have quite a few cast iron pieces. Some are brand new, some are vintage and some I got at the local thrift store. When we lived in our first house I had a walk in pantry with a pegboard on one wall where I hung all my skillets. That’s one house feature I really miss. Now I have no choice but to stack my pots and pans. Love the shelf liner insert for protecting them. I’ve been using old kitchen towels because they are washable but they are little more than rags now and not pretty at all.
Teresa Foskey
I absolutely love this. My dad has a huge cast iron pan collection that this would be perfect for. Going to email this post to him now. Thanks for sharing.
Kimberly Grabinski
Thank you for sharing this with him!
Denine, from We Know Stuff
What a great idea!!
Kimberly Grabinski
Thank you! I admit I kind of impressed myself but I honestly didn't expect it to turn out so well LOL
Digna D.
What a great idea. I would have never thought of something like this for cast iron pans.
Kimberly Grabinski
Thank you! Sometimes the best solutions are the simplest!
Lynsey @MoscatoMom
I do not own a single cast iron pan .... I must fix that soon!
Kimberly Grabinski
Oh wow, yes. The food tastes better cooked in cast iron! And no toxic fumes 😉
Kecia
I never thought to use shelf liners with my cast iron pans! Great kitchen hack!!
Kimberly Grabinski
Ooooh hack! I like that word. Thanks!
Angela S
This is such a clever use for shelf liners. I would cut some circles to go between my plates in the cupboard.
Kimberly Grabinski
I do think it is a versatile idea for many kitchen items.
Kathleen
These are brilliant. I have been using a paper towel when camping, but it blows away all the time.
Kimberly Grabinski
Oh yeah, outside would be a great use for them too!
Rachel @RunningRachel
What a cute and crafty clever idea!! I don't have cast iron pots/pans... BUT hopefully someday... adn when I do I will remember this idea! THanks!
Kimberly Grabinski
We love cooking with them! They aren't a scary as I thought they were either.
Alison
Kim you are so talented! Now I just need to get some cast iron pans so I can think about making these.
Kimberly Grabinski
hah thanks, I really was not at all confident this was a good idea or would even work. Then I saw the pictures and was very happy with how it turned out.
cindy
this is genius!! great idea - pinning it for later 🙂
Kimberly Grabinski
Thank you!
[email protected]
That's so clever! Awesome idea!
Kimberly Grabinski
Thanks!
Robin (Masshole Mommy)
Easy peasy and they look super cute. What a great idea.
Kimberly Grabinski
Very easy, thanks!
Nichol
My type of crafting girl, trace, cut, place! Love how simple this is. Going to do this with mine.
Kimberly Grabinski
I know, right? I was all "I used scissors, I ROCKED this craft" LOL