If a cast iron cleaner can make Jennifer Garner this happy, I'm adding it to my cart, stat. (Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)(Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
When it's cold outside, Jennifer Garner's comically self-deprecating "Pretend Cooking Show" on Instagram makes me feel like I've got the month of May. (Oh wait, it is the month of May ... but you get the idea.) The down-to-earth star of 13 Going on 30 — which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary! — might be best known for her films, but she has a passion and talent for cooking, with enviable kitchen tools to match. That's why I was delighted to discover that one of her prized culinary possessions is the unassuming, affordable Knapp Made Chainmail Scrubber, which you can grab at Amazon for just $15. Celebs: They clean just like us!
Ina Garten herself is a fan of this durable pan, which is made of sturdy cast iron that'll last for decades. It has excellent heat retention for achieving the perfect sear, and since it comes pre-seasoned, you can use it right out of the box. It's compatible with all stovetops, it can be used for campfire cooking and, at just $20, it's an affordable kitchen workhorse you'll reach for again and again.
Check out our full Lodge Cast Iron Skillet review for more.
Is it just me, or does this scrubber have major medieval vibes? As long as it royally cleans my pans, I'm here for it.
"This cast-iron scrubber will reignite your love for your cast iron," Garner said in an interview with The Strategist. She continued, "It is so hard to clean, but this takes care of it in a way you didn’t know was possible. Plus, it just keeps your sponge from getting gross. I accidentally put one down the garbage disposal once and broke the disposal and the scrubber. I was sadder about the scrubber. That's how strongly I feel about it."
You might be thinking, "Jen, I love you — but won't a metal scraper ruin my pans?" And while that's a perfectly rational question, the Knapp Made Chainmail Scrubber was designed to dislodge stubborn crud without damage. Made up of mini stainless steel rings, this 4-inch square is safe to use on cast iron because both are metal. While you shouldn't use metal utensils with nonstick pans, the same isn't true of super-durable cast iron, and the smoothness of the rings makes them less prone to harmful scratching. In fact, keeping your pans residue-free means you won't have to season them as much.
The manufacturer recommends gently scrubbing your pan with warm water, no other cleaning agents necessary. And to wash the scrubber itself, warm water and soap will do, or you can put it in the dishwasher. Oh, and cast iron isn't the only material this scrubber can work its magic on — it's compatible with stainless steel, hard anodized aluminum and more.
Over 2,700 Amazon customers share Jen's enthusiasm about this scrubber.
"This little scrubber is the absolute best!" exclaimed one fan. "Works great, easy to clean and makes washing dishes so much better. Unlike the other scrub pads, food doesn't stick to it, and no sharp pokies from bits of metal ends poking out from those stainless steel scrub sponges."
"This thing works on stainless steel, glass and anything else that I need to scrub," raved another happy buyer. "Easy to use and way less 'elbow grease' than any other scrubber I have used. Just an amazing product."
Even the pros approve. Said this reviewer, "I'm a chef and take good care of my cast iron pans. When I first saw this product, I was intrigued. I purchased one, and it is a staple in my home. I've bragged about how well it works to many people. The rounded chainmail removes all the debris without gouging the seasoning on the pan or scratching the surface."
One generally satisfied shopper did have this note: "It is sometimes a little slippery in the hand," they wrote, "but a quick grip readjustment always gets everything off easily!"
"Almost perfect," said a final reviewer. "My only gripe is that it is just about an inch or two too small. Little hard to grab onto, but it works great and otherwise no complaints. Might even get the bigger one someday, but this does great for now." (Psst: It also comes in 6" x 6" and 9" x 6" dimensions.)
Wait, what's that? You don't own a cast iron pan? Well, we've got to remedy that — this is the one I (and Ina Garten!) have and love.
If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $25 or more.)
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
