Cooking with a cast iron skillet will make you a better cook simply because food tastes better. But how can one skillet have such a favorable effect on what you eat?
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What Exactly is a Cast Iron Skillet?
For clarification, cast iron skillets and frying pans are the same. Other than the name there is absolutely no difference.
With that said, the infamous cast iron skillet is probably the most popular of the cast iron cookware collection. It can easily cook a variety of foods, including meats, vegetables and even baked foods. Likewise, it works great for frying, searing, sautéing, cooking, grilling and so much more.
Uses of a Cast Iron Skillet
Whether it be breakfast, lunch, or dinner, a cast iron skillet will guarantee a successful cooking experience. As a matter of fact, you can cook just about any type of egg dish with your cast iron skillet.
Cast iron is the preferred way for searing a steak or other meats. Their ability to retain high heat and distribute the heat evenly makes for a perfect, crusty sear you can’t get with regular skillets. Homemade pizza, skillet meals, fried chicken, hamburgers, baked goods, grilled sandwiches—the list of foods you can cook in your cast iron skillet is endless. One of the best uses of a cast iron skillet is the convenience of being able to start cooking on the stove top and then move the skillet directly into the oven to finish it off. Even more, it can go from the oven to the table.
Cast Iron Pan Sizes
When it comes to cast iron skillets, you have the benefit of choosing from a variety of sizes and styles to suit your cooking needs.
Sizes typically range from 3½” all the way up to 20″. Depending on what you are cooking and the number of people you intend to serve, you are sure to find an ideal size.
The 3½” cast iron skillet is this cute little baby skillet that shouldn’t be underrated. It can come in real handy for cooking small portions. Basically, it’s ideal for preparing single servings of sautéed vegetables, scrambled eggs, or even mini omelets. On the other hand, these mini skillets are a great asset for cooking delicate sauces or melting butter. It also lends itself well to tasks such as toasting spices or nuts for enhancing various dishes.
Alternatively, the 20″ cast iron skillet is great for cooking bigger than normal meals or using on a campfire or grill. While the small single-serve skillet and the much larger 20″ skillet may be a little extreme, there are a whole lot of sizes in between to choose from.
Styles vary as well. Maybe you want a skillet with a covered lid, in which case you have the option of a glass lid or a cast iron lid cover. Some designs have handles on both sides as opposed to a longer handle on one side.
These differences are important because a huge benefit of cast iron cookware is its durability and long-life expectancy. In other words, your cast iron skillet will be around forever.
Do Cast Iron Skillets Come Pre-seasoned
The majority of cast iron pans you purchase come factory pre-seasoned. The manufacturer will state that they are ready to use straight out of the box. However, some extra home seasoning is recommended in order to give the seasoning a good base.
Overtime, the seasoning does eventually wear down, however, and will need to be reapplied. Proper seasoning should not be ignored as it will prevent rust from occurring and keep the pan from sticking.
Easy Way to Clean and Maintain Cast Iron
Use the Caron & Doucet Cast Iron Maintenance Kit and you will know your cast iron is well cared for.
The Caron & Doucet maintenance kit for cast iron cookware is designed to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your cast iron items. This comprehensive kit includes essential tools and products specifically formulated to clean, season, and protect your cast iron surfaces, thereby enhancing their cooking capabilities and preventing rust. With a focus on quality and effectiveness, the kit provides users with everything necessary to maintain their cast iron cookware in pristine condition, ensuring that it remains a reliable and cherished kitchen staple for years to come.
3 Easy Steps
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- Clean with cast iron scrub: Made with sea salt, 100% coconut oil and essential oils, this scrub is formulated to remove rust and food residues without scratching while protecting your natural cast iron seasoning.
- Wash with cast iron soap: 100% natural soap— no sulfates, phosphates, parabens and petrochemicals. Gently cleans and maintains the natural seasoning on cast iron cookware with no chemical aftertaste. Lightly scented with our proprietary blend of lemongrass and rosemary essential oils.
- Season with cast iron oil: Premium cast iron oil made exclusively from 100% coconuts. Designed to season and condition cast iron while protecting cookware from moisture that leads to damage & rust. No sticky or rancid residue.
The only all-inclusive cast iron maintenance kit you will ever need for cleaning and protecting all your cast iron cookware.
What to Look For When Buying a Cast Iron Skillet
Your cast iron skillet will be around for a long time. For that reason, you want to make sure you make the best choice for your needs.
Cast iron skillets comes with a choice of two finishes—traditional and enameled.
The traditional feature reveals an apparent seasoned finish for a natural nonstick surface. It’s more durable than the enameled finish which means it will last longer—possibly forever. However, the traditional feature requires more maintenance as far as cleaning and seasoning.
The enameled cast iron gives you the benefit of cast iron but without the maintenance. Its finish presents a protective layer of enamel on the surface which acts to coat the cast iron core and enhance the non-stick feature. These skillets are easier to clean and can even be put in the dishwasher if you choose to do so. They also don’t require seasoning as their counterpart. Plus, if you’re looking for style, the enameled comes with color options that you won’t find with the traditional cast iron.
That’s not to say that one is better than the other. It depends on what your intentions are for using the skillet. For example, your preference for maintaining the skillet and how often you intend to use it.
