Your friend has been raving about their
cast iron cookware and you haven’t really understood what the fuss is all about. Or perhaps you’ve noticed your favourite celebrity chef using cast iron and you want to replicate the results. Or maybe you’ve just ruined one too many
non-stick fry-pans and are thinking you need an alternative. Whatever the reason you’ve been wondering about cast iron may be - here are 10 reasons why you’ll love it.
1. It has stood the test of time
Cast iron has been used for cooking for hundreds of years, and even though new technology in non-stick surfaces has led to more choice in
cookware, cast-iron still remains the choice of many professional chefs.
2. It lasts a lifetime.
Cast-iron is tough, it doesn’t warp and a well looked after cast-iron pan can last a lifetime.
3. It’s the original non-stick cookware
A well-seasoned cast-iron pan over time will become non-stick.
4. Excellent Heat Retention
Once heated, the pan stays heated and so is more energy efficient.
5. Withstands high heat
Unlike modern non-stick pans, high heat does not destroy the cooking surface. This means it is great for all you serial non-stick frypan killers!
6. No hot spots!
Even heat distribution together with the high heat it handles, this makes cast-iron great for searing and frying.
7. It goes from cooktop to oven.
Not only convenient for transferring from cooktop to oven, your cast iron cookware can also go straight to the table too! With beautiful colors and designs available, French brands such as
Le Creuset,
Staub and
Chasseur all boast eye catching
dutch ovens that can go straight from the stove to the table.
8. Suitable for all cooktops.
Yes, that means induction too.
9. Easy cleaning
With a well-seasoned cast-iron pan, food just lifts off. You just need to wipe clean with a warm damp cloth (no soap!) and then dry.
10. It’s Hygienic
Because it doesn’t absorb bacteria.
One potential disadvantage of cast iron is its weight, so for those of you who have problems lifting heavy pans, something lighter weight might be a better option. It is important to note however, that not all cast iron cookware is created equal – better quality cast iron cookware is lighter than the less expensive alternatives. So now that I’ve convinced you to try cast-iron make sure when choosing your cast iron pan, you compare weights as well as prices.
