Cast Iron for Cooking - Benefits and Disadvantages
Should you be using cast iron for your cooking or is it just a bunch of hype?
In this article we share the benefits of using cast iron for cooking as well as the drawbacks.
What is Cast Iron Cookware?
Simply put, it is a durable, heavy-duty cookware made of cast iron. It gets its recognition for its ability to retain heat and maintain high temperatures for long periods of time.
Most cast iron cookware comes pre-seasoned from the manufacturer to prevent sticking. This means you can use the pans right away without having to treat them.
However, the seasoning does weaken and wear out over time and will need to be reapplied. With proper maintenance, cast iron cookware can last a lifetime and is often passed down through generations.
How Long Has Cast Iron Been Around
Cast iron cookware has been around thousands of years. In 1707, a man by the name of Abraham Darby developed an inexpensive method for casting iron into somewhat thin pots and kettles to be used over an open fire.
As kitchen stoves evolved over the years, so did cast iron cookware, which is still popular today. In fact, it appears it’s going to be around for many more years to come.
Cooking Your Favorite Foods
Cast iron has the ability to employ just about all of the basic cooking methods you would ever need for everyday home cooking. From a perfectly seared juicy steak cooked on a skillet to a braised beef stew in a Dutch oven, cast iron has a way to handle all your cooking needs.
What Are the Different Types of Cast Iron Pans?
Due to its affordability, durability and versatility, using cast iron for cooking is a popular choice for home cooks. In fact, you can find cast iron cookware for preparing just about any type of food.
The most popular of the cast iron category include the skillet/frying pans, Dutch ovens, griddles, flattop grills, and waffle maker. Below you will find a description of each of these cast iron cookware items and a quick summation of their uses.
Later in the article is discussion on the pros and cons of using cast iron for your cooking needs.
Cooking with Cast Iron Skillets
For clarification, cast iron skillets and frying pans are the same. Other than the name there is no difference.
With that said, the infamous cast iron skillet is probably the most popular of the cast iron cookware collection. It can be used to cook a variety of foods, including meats, vegetables and even baked foods and is great for searing meat and other foods.
You can pick from a variety of sizes and styles to suit your cooking needs. Skillets typically range in size from 6″ to 12″. Some come with lids and some come with handles on both sides as opposed to a longer handle on one side.
Cast Iron Dutch Oven Uses
Cast iron Dutch ovens have been around since the beginning of cast iron. Still popular today, they are known for being sturdy and durable which is why they too get passed along through generations.
A Dutch oven is not really an oven but could maybe be considered a mini-oven. After all, it is a hearty vessel that is capable of making a variety of foods.
As its design is wider and heavier than a typical stockpot, it is ideal for braising, roasting, slow cooking, searing and even deep frying. It has the ability to endure high temperatures as well making it compatible for outdoor cooking.
The Dutch oven will feel right at home on the stovetop. But it doesn’t stop there. Completely ovenproof, you can start cooking on the stovetop and finish in the oven. From there the pot can go straight to the table. As a bonus, its tight-fitting lid will keep foods warm for a long time.
How to Use a Cast Iron Griddle
A cast iron griddle is used on the top of your stove. It has a flat surface with slightly raised edges that occupy more than one stovetop burner. Their vast cooking surface allows convenient cooking for foods such as pancakes, French toast, eggs, and grilled sandwiches.
To achieve the best cooking results for so many different foods, it is important to learn how to regulate the appropriate heat. It’s best to start with a medium heat and work your way up.
The griddle comes in handy for cooking foods that are too large for a normal skillet. Also, it works great for keeping foods warm.
What is a Flat-Top Grill
A flat-top grill is essentially that—a flat grill that goes over the top of the barbecue. They are designed to be used on either gas or charcoal grills. This allows for the barbecue enthusiast to cook to their heart’s delight with the benefits of even cooking, versatility in food selection, precise temperature control, and ease of use. Not to mention, the flat surface is so easy to clean.
Cast Iron Maker for Waffles
If you are crazy for waffles, the cast iron waffle maker puts out some incredible waffles. This waffle maker differs from typical waffle makers in that instead of plugging it in to an outlet you cook it on your stovetop.
There is a bit of a learning curve to making these waffles. If you have never used a cast iron waffle maker before, controlling the temperature can be a little tricky. You also have to flip the waffle-maker pan over on the burner to cook both sides.
But with some practice, you can turn out some very tasty old-fashioned waffles. A nice perk for this waffle maker is it works great on a campfire.
Benefits of Cooking with Cast Iron
Cast iron cookware is the preferred choice because it is versatile, tough, and hearty. With proper care, this infamous cookware will last a lifetime and beyond.
Here are some of the reasons you might want to start using cast iron cookware for your cooking needs.
- Cost effective. With its touted reputation, you may expect a high price tag for cast iron. Actually, that’s not the case. When compared to other quality types of cookware, cast iron ranks relatively high for low cost. You will find high-quality cast iron cookware at a very reasonable price.
- Consistent heat retention. Cast iron soaks up the heat and distributes it evenly throughout the cookware. The consistent heat means no fluctuating temperatures and an even heating area for cooking regardless of the surface.
- Highly versatile. Stove-top friendly and completely ovenproof, it can easily go from the burner right into the oven. It is also highly compatible for outdoor cooking.
- Natural non-stick surface. You never have to worry about chemical-based coatings that can seep harmful chemicals into the food you eat. Cast iron’s natural non-toxic, non-stick surface keeps foods from sticking to the pan even without the use of oils or fats.
- Oven to table. No need to transfer food to another dish that you’ll have to wash. The artful design of the cookware allows you to move from the oven right to the table. Plus, it keeps food warm for much longer.
- Easy to clean. With the exception of seasoning, cookware is easy to clean. Simply rinse with mild soapy water and dry. An occasional seasoning with oil is recommended.
- Lasts for decades. With proper care and avoidance of any disastrous falls, your cast iron cookware is durable and hearty enough to benefit many lifetimes.
Disadvantages of Cast Iron for Cooking
While the benefits significantly surpass the downsides of using a cast iron pan, the good always comes with some bad. Here are some of the disadvantages people have found cooking with cast iron.
Cast iron pans are heavy. There’s lots to be said for durability, but these pots and pans are definitely not light weight. In fact, they can be awkward to maneuver if you are moving them around. Something to keep in mind when choosing a size.
Handles are hot. Pan handles do get very hot especially when coming out of the oven. It’s imperative to use potholders made specifically for the handles or use an oven mitt to protect yourself from getting burned.
Seasoning is essential. Most pans sold now are pre-seasoned. However, you still need to give it a bit more punch in order to build up a good base and reach the non-stick level you want. Due to its porous nature, if not seasoned properly the pans are susceptible to rust and its life will be cut short.
Interaction with acidic foods. Until you build up a good seasoning base, acidic foods like lemons and tomatoes should be used with caution. The acid can actually work against the seasoning efforts and find its way into the porous surface of your skillet making it susceptible to rust. Once you have a good seasoning base, you won’t need to worry so much about using these types of food.
Must be washed by hand. No dishwasher for these babies. All cast iron cookware must be washed by hand with warm water and a mild soap if needed. The dishwasher can only harm your cookware by damaging the seasoning and causing rust.
Favorite Friendly Foods
Can Cast Iron Be Used for Cooking Eggs
Some people are hesitant to cook eggs on a cast iron skillet for fear of sticking. That reluctance is justified because eggs do tend to stick to cast iron. There are theories as to why this is so, such as reacting with the metal, being in contact with the porous surface, and the high heat. For some reason, the egg proteins are attracted to the uneven surface and like to cling to it.
Nevertheless, there are some tricks to cooking different kinds of eggs just the way you like them using cast iron cookware.
Outdoor Cooking
Outdoor cooking using cast iron is the only way to go to cook some really great meals. That’s because it’s tough and can withstand hot coals and fire. Plus, it retains heat so well.
So, whether you are camping or just hanging out in the back yard, try some of these popular outdoor cooking ideas that are easy to cook and delicious to eat.
The forever infamous hamburger. Everyone loves a big juicy hamburger. But, cooked on cast iron over a fire just takes it to the next level.
Of course, everyone’s favorite is steak. Cook up a juicy, flavorful steak in a cast iron skillet over an open fire with a perfect sear…yum! Add some butter and you’ve gone to heaven.
Do you every so often just get a craving for a succulent tender pork chop? When grilled, a good bone-in pork chop is almost like eating a steak but without the price tag.
No more blase chicken. Cooked in a skillet or on the grill, cast iron works magic with chicken.
And last but not least, if you are ever lucky enough to get a hold of some fresh-caught salmon… oh yeah, you know where I’m going here. Drizzled with butter and lemon is like no other.
Those are just a few outdoor meal ideas for cast iron cooking outdoors. Cast iron is a powerhouse and can withstand just about anything and brings foods to a whole new level.