Find out the benefits of cast iron cookware! This cooking material can handle high heat and retain it for longer periods of time. This makes cast iron cookware an excellent choice for a variety of cooking techniques that require consistent, high heat, from searing to baking.
In this article, we'll explore why cast iron is a popular choice for both professional chefs and home cooks, specifically its ability to get very hot and stay hot. Whether you're searing steaks or baking cornbread, cast iron cookware is a versatile and reliable option. Read on to learn more about why cast iron cookware should be a staple in your kitchen.
What is cast iron cookware?
Cast iron cookware is a type of cooking vessel made from cast iron material. Cast iron cookware is known for its durability, even heat distribution, and versatility in cooking a variety of dishes. It is a popular choice among both professional chefs and home cooks due to its ability to retain heat and create a crisp, golden crust on foods. Cast iron cookware comes in many forms, including skillets, griddles, dutch ovens, and more. Cast iron cookware requires special care, including seasoning and proper cleaning, but with the right maintenance, it can last a lifetime and even be passed down as a family heirloom.
What are the advantages of cooking with cast iron cookware?
Cast iron cookware is a durable and versatile addition to any kitchen. Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure it lasts for generations. Here are some tips on how to care for cast iron cookware:
- Seasoning: Seasoning is the process of coating the cast iron with a layer of oil to protect it from rust and create a natural non-stick surface. To season, preheat your oven to 350°F, rub the cast iron with a thin layer of vegetable oil, and bake it for an hour. Repeat this process several times until the cast iron develops a glossy, non-stick surface.
- Cleaning: After each use, clean the cast iron with hot water and a stiff brush. Avoid using soap, as it can strip the seasoning. Dry the cast iron thoroughly with a towel, and then place it on a low flame to evaporate any remaining moisture.
- Avoid soaking: Cast iron should not be soaked in water for extended periods, as this can cause rust to develop. If food is stuck to the pan, use a paste made from coarse salt and water to scrub it off.
- Store properly: Store cast iron cookware in a dry place with plenty of ventilation to prevent rust. Avoid stacking cast iron pieces on top of each other, as this can scratch the seasoning.
By following these tips, you can ensure your cast iron cookware remains in excellent condition for years to come.
How to Care for Cast Iron Cookware?
These are a durable and versatile addition to any kitchen. Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure it lasts for generations. Here are some tips on how to care for and the procedure for cleaning cast iron cookware:
- Seasoning: Seasoning is the process of coating the cast iron with a layer of oil to protect it from rust and create a natural non-stick surface. To season, preheat your oven to 350°F, rub the cast iron with a thin layer of vegetable oil, and bake it for an hour. Repeat this process several times until the cast iron develops a glossy, non-stick surface.
- Cleaning: After each use, clean the cast iron with hot water and a stiff brush. Avoid using soap, as it can strip the seasoning. Dry the cast iron thoroughly with a cloth towel or paper towel, and then place it on a low flame to evaporate any remaining moisture.
- Avoid soaking: Cast iron should not be soaked in water for extended periods, as this can cause rust to develop. If food is stuck to the pan, use a paste made from coarse salt and water to scrub it off.
- Store properly: Store cast iron cookware in a dry place with plenty of ventilation to prevent rust. Avoid stacking cast iron pieces on top of each other, as this can scratch the seasoning.
By following these tips, you can ensure your cast iron cookware remains in excellent condition for years to come.
Conclusion
Cast iron pans are a must-have for any cooking enthusiast. Its ability to get very hot and stay hot allows for even and consistent cooking, making it perfect for a wide variety of dishes. Whether you're searing a steak, frying up some bacon, or baking a casserole, cast iron cookware can handle it all with ease. So if you're looking to up your cooking game and achieve delicious and consistent results every time, look no further than cast iron cookware. With its superior heat retention and durability, it's a timeless investment that will last a lifetime.
Need help? We've done the research for you and found the Best Cast Iron Cookware on Amazon. Every day, we read hundreds of reviews and try the highest-rated products we have on our list.
Best Cast Iron Cookware - Reviews
The Best
Product information
Looking for a durable and versatile cookware set? Check out the Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 5 Piece Set, which includes a cast iron cover with self-basting tips and easy-grip handles for secure control, and a pair of cast iron skillets. Experience unparalleled heat retention and even heating for all your cooking needs. Note that this set is not dishwasher safe but can last a lifetime with proper care.
A sturdy set of cast iron pans that can be used in any heating environment, whether on the stovetop, in the oven, or on a backyard grill. Works well over an open flame as well. Some users said that this cookware is easy to clean and maintain. Investing in cast iron cookware is one of the best decisions you will make.
Some customers said that they received cast iron cookware with damaged coating and showing spots of rust. A few believe that they were sent already used cookware.
Our Thoughts - If you suffer from Iron deficiency anemia cooking on cast iron cookware may help the condition. This is the best-cast iron skillet that can be used as a grill pan.
Very Good
Product information
Upgrade your baking game with the 9 x 13-inch Cast Iron Casserole by Lodge. This high-quality bakeware boasts high sidewalls that keep everything contained when cooking for large gatherings while providing consistent baking and browning for bakery-quality results. Made in the USA since 1896, Lodge's cast iron bakeware is seasoned with 100% vegetable oil and is ready to use right out of the box. Its heirloom quality ensures that it won’t dent, bend, or warp, so you can keep it in the family for years to come. Invest in the best with Lodge's Cast Iron Casserole for all your baking needs.
Ready to use, and already seasoned. Great for just about everything you need to cook in this size pan. Cleans up in a breeze. Will last for generations if you know how to care for cast iron cookware. Looks good and it works great, no need for any other pans.
Some customers said that they received a cracked casserole, or completely broken in pieces. A few said that the casserole cracked after one or two uses.
Our Thoughts - After careful research, we opted for this pan to create a crusty and perfect deep-dish pizza. This one certainly fits the bill! We love it!
Good Value
Product information
If you're on the lookout for a versatile and high-quality cookware set, look no further than our Cast Iron Skillet Set. This bundle includes three pre-seasoned frying pans of different sizes – 10, 8, and 6 inches – making it ideal for both domestic and outdoor use. With unique handles designed for easy maneuvering and pouring, our cast iron pan set is a must-have for any cooking enthusiast.
While our skillets are pre-seasoned, it's recommended to season them with any vegetable oil before use. After washing, simply rub some oil over the surface of your cookware and place it in the oven at a low temperature to allow the oil to seep in. This will ensure your pan set maintains its non-stick properties and helps prevent rust. Our premium quality cast iron pan set is coated with an extra layer of protection to ensure even heat distribution, providing an improved cooking experience. You can use the cast iron skillets on any heating source, including the grill, for frying, sautéing, roasting, braising, and broiling meats, vegetables, and more.
To keep your cast iron pan set in pristine condition, cool the skillets completely before washing them in hot, soapy water with a sponge using regular dishwashing liquid soap. With proper care and maintenance, your Cast Iron Skillet Set will last a lifetime and make cooking a joyous experience. Order yours today and elevate your cooking game to the next level!
Nice cast iron skillets not much to say but make sure to season before use. After that, they work wonderfully just like a good chunk of iron should. Nothing pre “washed” or pre “seasoned” should ever be believed. It's basic costing for a smooth look done at the factory but you do need to season it with oil plus heat it in an oven. Look it up! It’s sad to see people leave bad reviews because they don’t know how to use or wash a skillet.
Some users said that these pans are not seasoned as stated in the ad. They rust right after the first wash. A few users said that even after following the instructions the skillets still rust.
Our Thoughts - Cast iron grill pans will rust without protection, that's what iron does! It should not rust if treated and maintained properly. You have got to wash the grill pan thoroughly in warm water, wipe it down with a cloth right after you use it, then place it on low heat to evaporate any remaining moisture. To really protected even further coated with high-heat cooking oil.
Good
Product information
These Elegant Enameled Cast Iron Pots are the perfect addition to any kitchen. This Dutch oven set includes a 1.5QT and 6QT enamel pot, one pair of oven mitts, and a silicone mat, offering a perfect combination of two different sizes to meet cooking demands for family gatherings and cooking for single individuals. The sturdy exterior cast iron coating and inner white enamel coating make this Dutch oven set 100% PFOA, PTFE, lead-free, and cadmium-free, making it a healthy option for every family, especially for old men and children.
The bumps on the lid of the enameled cast iron braiser allow for better circulation in the pot, locking in flavor by promoting continuous circulation of heat and moisture, which helps to retain the essential nutrients of the food. With heavy cast iron construction, this enamel stockpot offers superior heat retention and is compatible with gas, ceramic, electric, and induction cooktops. This Dutch oven set is oven safe up to 500°F, making it ideal for stewing, boiling, browning, simmering, and more. Its energetic color also makes it a beautiful landscape on your kitchen table.
Our reliable customer support is always here to provide the best quality product and services for customers. We offer 24-hour customer service, and if you have any problems or questions, please feel free to contact us. We will always strive to find a satisfactory solution for you. Order your Elegant Enameled Cast Iron Pots today and experience the perfect combination of elegance and functionality in your kitchen.
Some users mentioned that they regret not getting a Dutch oven sooner. This has been the most versatile thing in our entire kitchen. We have used it for almost every meal since purchasing it. It has also saved a ton of dirty dishes, which is a huge bonus! It's an excellent cooking pot because cast iron materials distribute heat evenly and fast. The enamel interior makes cleaning easy too.
Some customers said that they received chipped cast iron braisers. Others said that after a few uses the enamel started to chip. A few mentioned that food sticks to the braiser, and food stains are not easily removed.
Our Thoughts - We really like this Dutch oven. It's a good feeling to get rid of all the Teflon pots. Just follow the cleaning and drying instructions and it works great.
Good
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This 10-inch and 12-inch cast iron skillet set is perfect for those who love to cook both indoors and outdoors. These cast iron grill pans can be used on a grill, stove, induction cooktops, and even in the oven, making them the perfect versatile kitchen cookware for your culinary needs. Crafted with seasoned cast iron, these skillets offer long-lasting reliability and durability that lasts through years of regular cooking and washing. It is recommended to season the cast iron skillet before the first use for best results, and hand washing is recommended to maintain its quality.
The precision heat distribution of these skillets provides even heat distribution for improved cooking and frying on any cooking surface, making it easier to cook a variety of dishes with precision. This versatile kitchen cookware can be used for frying, baking, grilling, broiling, braising, and sauteing meats, vegetables, and more. The set includes (1) 10-inch pan, (1) 12-inch pan, and (2) hot handle holders - non-slip, heat-resistant silicone handle covers to keep your hand safe while cooking or serving food. Order your cast iron skillet set today and experience the true cooking versatility and precision heat distribution for perfect dishes every time!
These cast iron pans are a wonderful addition to any kitchen. The quality of the lids and cast ironware is exceptional. We really like how this set feels and looks. It cooks fast and cleans easily. A few users mentioned that they used it to cook steaks, salmon, eggs, and pancakes, and so far everything comes out tasting amazing. Some mentioned that they have used cast iron for years when camping but can't understand why they didn't use them in the house earlier.
Users mentioned that it's not preseasoned, and very disappointed. They were so excited to receive these pans. They took them out of the box and washed them off. The skillets immediately rusted. A few said that as soon as they placed the steak in the pan with butter, the steak stuck to the pan.
Our Thoughts - After so much information on the internet about cast iron cookware, and manufacturer's instructions, people are still writing bad reports about rust and sticky food.
Good
Product information
Looking for high-quality cookware that delivers excellent heat distribution and retention? Look no further than our enameled cast iron collection. Our cookware is ready to use right out of the box and requires no seasoning. The durable enamel resists dulling, staining, chipping, and cracking, making it easy to clean and maintain. Plus, the light-colored smooth interior enamel allows for easy monitoring of the cooking progress. The tight-fitting lids are specially designed to circulate steam and return moisture back to the food, ensuring delicious and flavorful meals every time. Our cookware is compatible with all cooktops and oven-safe up to 500°F, and the ergonomic knobs and handles make for easy lifting. Additionally, the stainless steel knob is safe at any oven temperature, and our cookware is safe for the dishwasher and metal utensils. Experience the superior quality of our enameled cast iron cookware today!
Fall in love with cooking, don't hesitate to save up for and purchase Le Creuset cookware! Some users said that they can't overstate how much these Dutch ovens have given them joy in the kitchen, and brought delicious food from fridge to stove top to oven, right to the table for their family. The enamel is of good quality hence it feels like it has a nonstick coating.
A few customers said that they received damaged Dutch ovens, either the enamel was chipped or it was cracked. Some long-time users mentioned that they believe this Le Creuset oven is not real. Also, others received the wrong color and size.
Our Thoughts - Have cooked a few times with it. Even heating cleans wonderfully (we thought there was no way it would get clean) but it did. it’s beautiful. We run it through the dishwasher and so far so good.
FAQs
What are some popular cast iron cookware recipes?
Cast iron cookware is versatile and can be used to cook a wide range of dishes. Here are some popular cast iron cookware recipes:
- Skillet Cornbread: Cornbread baked in a cast iron skillet is a classic Southern recipe. The skillet creates a crispy, golden crust on the outside and a soft, moist texture on the inside. To make skillet cornbread, heat a cast iron skillet in the oven, mix together cornmeal, flour, sugar, buttermilk, and eggs, pour the batter into the hot skillet, and bake until golden brown.
- Cast Iron Pizza: Pizza made in a cast iron skillet has a crispy, chewy crust and can be customized with your favorite toppings. To make cast iron pizza, heat the skillet on the stovetop, roll out the pizza dough, add sauce, cheese, and toppings, and then transfer the skillet to the oven to bake.
- Dutch Oven Beef Stew: A hearty beef stew is perfect for cold weather, and cooking it in a cast iron Dutch oven ensures even heat distribution and a flavorful result. To make Dutch oven beef stew, brown beef in the Dutch oven, add vegetables, broth, and seasonings, and then simmer on low heat for several hours until the beef is tender.
- Cast Iron Fried Chicken: Fried chicken cooked in a cast iron skillet is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. To make cast iron fried chicken, coat chicken pieces in seasoned flour, dip in an egg wash, and then coat again in seasoned flour. Heat oil in a cast iron skillet, and then fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
These are just a few examples of the many recipes that can be made using cast iron cookware. The possibilities are endless, and the results are always delicious!
Is it healthy to cook on cast iron?
Cooking with cast iron has many health benefits. Not only is it a durable and long-lasting material, but it also offers a number of advantages for cooking.
Firstly, cooking on cast iron can increase the iron content of your food. This is because small amounts of iron leach into the food as it cooks, providing a natural and safe source of dietary iron. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who are at risk of iron deficiency or anemia.
In addition, cast iron cookware is non-toxic and does not contain any harmful chemicals or coatings, unlike some non-stick cookware. It is also easy to clean and maintain, making it a safe and healthy choice for cooking.
However, there are a few precautions that should be taken when cooking with cast iron. For example, acidic foods such as tomatoes or citrus fruits can react with iron and affect the taste of the food. It's also important to ensure that the cast iron is properly seasoned to prevent rust and maintain its non-stick properties.
Overall, cooking on cast iron is a healthy and safe choice for individuals who want to increase the iron content of their food and avoid harmful chemicals. With proper care and maintenance, cast iron cookware can last for generations and provide a natural and healthy way to cook.
Is there any harm to use cast iron every day?
Using cast iron cookware every day is generally safe and can provide numerous health benefits. Cast iron is a durable and long-lasting material that can withstand daily use, and when properly seasoned and cared for, it can become a non-stick surface that makes cooking and cleaning a breeze.
One of the main concerns people have about using cast iron every day is the potential for iron overload. It is true that small amounts of iron can leach into the food as it cooks in a cast iron pan, but this is generally not a cause for concern. In fact, many people may benefit from the additional iron in their diet, particularly those who are at risk of iron deficiency or anemia.
However, it's worth noting that using cast iron cookware every day may not be suitable for everyone. For instance, individuals who have a condition that causes iron overload, such as hemochromatosis, should consult with their healthcare provider before using cast iron regularly.
Another potential concern with using cast iron cookware every day is the risk of rust or damage. To prevent rust, it's important to properly season the cast iron and to avoid soaking it in water or using harsh detergents. Additionally, using metal utensils or abrasive sponges can scratch the surface of the pan and damage the seasoning, so it's best to use wooden or silicone utensils instead.
In summary, using cast iron cookware every day is generally safe and can provide many health benefits. As with any cookware, it's important to properly care for and maintain your cast iron to ensure it lasts a long time and provides you with delicious and healthy meals.
