Editorial Policy

At The Iron Patina, we live and breathe cast iron. We restore it. We season it. We stress-test it until it sings—or fails. Our mission is simple: deliver clear, accurate, and unbiased guidance on cast iron cookware, seasoning, and maintenance. No fluff. No recipes. No compromises. As the digital landscape shifts, trust is our ironclad promise. This policy lays out the ethics, standards, and processes behind every word we publish.

1. Independence and Integrity

Editorial Firewall

Editorial decisions are made by our editors—period. Our content is walled off from advertising, sales, and affiliate operations. No sponsor or partner gets copy approval, advance review, or a backdoor edit. Ever.

Gift & Sample Policy

Our writers and testers do not accept cash gifts. For testing, we may receive review units (e.g., skillets, Dutch ovens, seasoning oils, rust removers). Acceptance does not guarantee coverage or a favorable takeaway. Loaned items are returned when feasible; otherwise they are donated or responsibly recycled. If an item is kept, we disclose it in the review.

Affiliate Transparency

Some articles include affiliate links. When they do, we disclose this clearly at the top of the page and/or via a site-wide notice. Our recommendations are driven by hands-on testing and independent research—not commission rates. If a product disappoints, we say so, even if it pays. If a product shines, we explain why, with data.

No Pay-to-Play, No Sponsored Edits

We do not sell editorial placements. We do not publish sponsored buying guides disguised as reviews. Sponsored content, if ever produced, will be unmistakably labeled and kept separate from editorial work.

2. Fact-Checking and Accuracy

Accuracy is forged, not assumed. Here’s how we verify what we publish:

  • Primary Sourcing: We prioritize first-hand testing, manufacturer documentation, official standards, direct interviews, and original research over secondary reports.
  • Verification: All technical claims (thickness, alloy notes, seasoning chemistry, heat tolerance) are cross-checked against manufacturer data, spec sheets, or recognized standards.
  • Reproducibility: We maintain internal test logs detailing conditions (oils used, oven temps, stovetop type, humidity, abrasion media, cycles, and time).
  • Image & Evidence: Photos and measurements come from our lab and workshop unless explicitly credited. We avoid stock imagery for tests and how-tos.
  • Expert Review: When needed, we consult materials specialists, restoration pros, or safety authorities to validate guidance (e.g., rust removal methods, polymerization temps).
  • Correction Policy: We do not stealth edit. If we make a substantive error, we correct the text and append a dated “Correction Log” explaining the change.

3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy

Cast iron care demands human nuance. Texture matters. Patina matters. Judgment matters.

  1. Drafting & Writing: All final articles are written by human authors. We do not publish content that is entirely generated by AI.
  2. Assistance: We may use AI tools for outlining, grammar, or data formatting. These tools never replace editorial expertise or hands-on testing.
  3. Disclosure: If any visual, chart, or dataset uses AI assistance, we will clearly label it.
  4. Review Before Publish: Human editors fact-check and approve all content before it goes live.

4. Conflict of Interest

All contributors sign a conflict-of-interest statement. If a writer, editor, or tester has a financial interest in a company or a personal relationship that could bias coverage, they recuse themselves from that assignment. We also disclose any material relationships that may be relevant to reader trust.

5. How We Test Cast Iron

We test in the real world and in controlled conditions. Short bursts of heat. Long, slow seasoning cycles. We stress adhesion, smoothness, and resilience.

  • Seasoning Trials: Multiple oils and methods (thin-film oven cycles, high-heat stovetop polymerization), tracked across repeated sessions.
  • Surface Assessment: We evaluate casting smoothness, machining, and how quickly seasoning fills microtexture over time.
  • Thermal Performance: Heat distribution and retention checks across burners and ovens, with thermal probes and repeatable timing.
  • Durability: Scrub tests (nylon, chainmail, salt), rust-resistance checks, and controlled neglect to simulate real ownership.
  • Restoration: For vintage and abused pieces, we document rust removal, stripping, and re-seasoning steps, noting risks and best practices.

We don’t just tell you what works. We show our work—and the limits.

6. Reader Feedback, Corrections, and Updates

Your experience matters. If you spot an error, have data to share, or want to challenge our findings, contact us. We review feedback promptly. Substantive corrections are timestamped with a clear note at the bottom of the article. We revisit major guides and how-tos on a regular schedule and after significant product or safety updates.

7. Scope of Coverage

The Iron Patina focuses on cast iron cookware, seasoning, restoration, and long-term maintenance. We do not publish recipes. Our aim is to help you choose well, care well, and keep your iron performing for decades.

8. Ethical Standards and Compliance

We follow applicable guidance for endorsements and disclosures. We avoid unsafe techniques and flag material risks (e.g., harsh chemicals, extreme heat). When we reference standards or safety considerations, we link to primary sources where available.

9. Monetization & Disclosures

The Iron Patina may earn a commission when you purchase through our links. This supports our testing and editorial work. It does not influence our conclusions. If monetization touches a page, we disclose it clearly so you can make an informed choice.

10. Who We Are

Our team includes restoration tinkerers, product testers, and long-time cast iron caretakers. We’ve stripped rust from heirlooms, seasoned countless pans, and logged thousands of hours comparing methods so you don’t have to. Experience. Expertise. Authoritativeness. Trust. That’s our foundation—and our daily standard.

11. Contact The Iron Patina

Questions about this policy? See something we should improve? We’re listening. Reach us at https://ironpatina.com/contact-us/.