Are there Advantages to Using Cast Iron Cookware?
Should you be using cast iron cookware for your everyday cooking?
Maybe you want to get started using cast iron cookware but are on the fence as to whether it is worth the investment. In this article, we hope to set the record straight as to whether it is advantageous to cook with cast iron. After all, there are numerous pots and pans out there. What could possibly be so special about cast iron cookware?
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Highlights in this Article
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.
Conveniently, most cast-iron cookware comes pre-seasoned from the manufacturer to prevent sticking. In other words, 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. Importantly, with proper maintenance, cast iron cookware can last a lifetime and is often passed down through generations.
Cast Iron Cookware - What Exactly is it?
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.
Conveniently, most cast-iron cookware comes pre-seasoned from the manufacturer to prevent sticking. In other words, 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. Importantly, with proper maintenance, cast iron cookware can last a lifetime and is often passed down through generations.
3 Most Popular Ways to Cook with Cast Iron Cookware
How Long Has Cast Iron Cookware 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.
Best Cast Iron Cookware for Everyday Cooking
Due to its durability and versatility, using cast iron for cooking is a popular choice for home cooks who want to cook better. As you will see from this cast iron collection, you can find cast iron cookware for preparing just about any type of food.
Is it Worth Buying Cast Iron Cookware?
The value of cast iron cookware is often debated among culinary enthusiasts and home cooks alike. Its durability and ability to retain heat make it a favored choice for various cooking methods, from frying to baking.
Additionally, cast iron pans can improve with age, developing a natural non-stick surface when properly seasoned.
While the initial investment may be higher than other cookware options, the longevity and versatility of cast iron can justify the cost, making it a worthwhile addition to any kitchen.
However, there is a large variety of less expensive cast iron cookware available which makes it possible to benefit from cooking with cast iron without paying the hefty price tag.
Affordable Cast Iron Cookware
Popular Affordable Brands of Cast Iron Cookware
Mainstays Cast Iron Cookware (view here)
Mainstays cast iron cookware offers benefits such as:
- superior heat retention for even cooking
- versatility for stovetop, oven, grill or over a campfire
- pre-seasoned finish creates a natural non-stick surface that improves with age and proper care
- made from heavy-duty durable cast iron, built to last for decades
- easy to clean and maintain
Mainstays is particularly known for its affordability and practicality. While it may not be positioned as a luxury brand, its products are generally well-received for their functionality and cost-effectiveness, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious shoppers.
Lodge Cast Iron Collection (view here)
Lodge is an excellent and recommended brand for cast iron cookware. It’s known for producing durable, affordable, and high-quality pieces. Lodge cookware is also non-toxic, made without PFAS, and comes pre-seasoned, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced cooks.
Performance and Cooking:
- Excellent heat retention and distribution: Cast iron heats slowly but holds heat exceptionally well, leading to even cooking temperatures and a beautiful, crisp sear on meats.
- Versatile: Lodge cast iron can be used on the stovetop, in the oven, on a grill, or over an open fire, making it suitable for a wide range of dishes.
- Natural nonstick finish:
With proper seasoning, cast iron develops a natural slick surface that prevents food from sticking, with the Lodge website noting this is achieved by baking oil into the iron’s pores.
Durability and Maintenance:
- Built to last: Lodge cast iron is known for its durability and is often considered an heirloom that can be passed down through generations.
- Easy to clean: While it requires care, cleaning is simple. Good Housekeeping suggests a gentle sponge and warm water are usually sufficient.
Other Cast Iron Cookware Uses
The cast iron family cookware is impressive to say the least. Here are a few of the other top-rated items that are definitely worth considering.
Made In® Enameled Cast Iron Cookware Set
Save when you shop the complete Made In® Award-Winning Enameled Cast Iron Collection. This deluxe set features two sizes of the Dutch Oven plus the Skillet and Saucepan.
- Made in France
- Hand-Enameled Cast Iron
- Induction Compatible
- Oven Safe Up to 580F
- Lifetime Warranty
Enamel Cast Iron Saucepan
The Saucepan mirrors the heat retention and durability characteristic of all Made In® Enameled Cast Iron Cookware. On the stove, its ability to circulate heat evenly makes it easy to simmer and reduce sauces and gravies—otherwise, take it outside to make BBQ sauce, baked beans, and more right on the grill.
Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven Pot
This Dutch Oven’s exceptional heat retention and circulation transforms even tough cuts into tender, fall-off-the-bone braises. The non-stick enamel makes it easy to clean Our proprietary Cloud Cover Lid boasts pea-sized dimples to trap steam and return moisture to your food.
Enamel Cast Iron Skillet
Versatility of a southern-style cast iron Skillet with the easy-to-care-for enameled surface that made the Dutch Oven famous.
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 with Cast Iron Cookware
A cast iron BBQ 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. These grill tops serve a multitude of culinary purposes, particularly if you cook outdoors. Its robust construction allows for even heat distribution. This is essential for achieving perfectly seared meats, vegetables, and other dishes.
The flat surface is ideal for preparing a variety of foods. Serve up pancakes and eggs for breakfast, grilled sandwiches for lunch, burgers or stir-fries for dinner. Additionally, the grill’s ability to retain heat ensures that food cooks evenly and efficiently. At the same time, the non-stick properties of seasoned cast iron facilitate easy food release and cleanup.
Furthermore, the versatility of a flat-top grill allows for both direct and indirect cooking methods, enabling chefs to experiment with different techniques and flavors. This will definitely enhance your overall outdoor cooking experience to another level.
Grill and Griddle
Chefspot is a good, affordable brand that offers a high value for the price, especially for beginners and average users.
- 20-inch pre-seasoned iron griddle.
- Functions as a griddle pan and a grill plate for flexibility in grilling and cooking.
- Rust resistant finish for durable and non-stick cooking.
- Easy grip handles make it safe and versatile for stovetops, ovens and open flames.
- Even heating with no hotspots.
- Fits seamlessly over two stovetop burners, providing an expansive cooking surface.
When it comes to outdoor cooking using cast iron is the only way. 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 home cooked 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.
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.