What is cast iron cookware?
We can all agree that cast iron cookware is versatile, virtually indestructible, and can last a lifetime with proper care. All cast iron main components are made from melting blocks of iron and steel. The main components are then mixed with other chemical ingredients into a mould made of sand, water, and powdered clay. However, the whole process of each cast iron brand differs from one another.
Cast iron is usually dark, heavy, and comes in many forms. The options are plentiful, from small, single-serve skillets to family-size pots and pans. You may often see a cast iron pan or pot on campsites as they are the perfect go-to cookware for camping. Use them to get the perfect sear on your steaks, make the ultimate tender beef stew or bake a decadent apple pie with a crusty edge.
What are the benefits of cast iron cookware?
There are many reasons why cast iron cookware is the preferred choice for home cooks and professional chefs:
Cook almost any type of recipe
These pots and pans are highly versatile and can withstand high temperatures better than other cookware material. Use your seasoned cast-iron skillet to make a pizza in a wood-fired oven, on direct flames on a grill, or over a campfire.
Incredible durability - designed and guaranteed to be long-lasting
With proper care, even your grandchildren or great-grandchildren may be using the same cast iron pan as the one you currently have in your kitchen. What's even greater is that cast iron tends to get better the more you use and season it.
Superb heat retention
A quality cast iron pan can reach high temperatures and retain heat extremely well. This means that once your pan is hot, it stays hot. For instance, you can cut the heat under a stew and your stew will still cook for several minutes more. Cast iron has superior heat retention and is suitable for use on all heat sources. This also helps to reduce energy use and allows you to keep your dishes hot for a longer period of time. With a cast iron pan, you can sear large juicy steaks, get crispy fried chicken, flavourful roasted veggies, or make tasty pancakes with confidence.
What are the disadvantages of cast iron cookware?
Cast iron is heavier than other cookware materials
Unfortunately, for many cooks, it may be difficult to handle cast iron cookware especially if it is full. In such cases, your loaded cookware will require two-handed operation. If you're using a cast iron skillet, be sure to use silicone handle protectors for a better grip on the handle while keeping your hands safe from the heat.
It requires time to heat up
Cast iron material is thick and requires pre-heating for at least 10 minutes or more while rotating the pan every few minutes. The nature of cast iron takes up a longer time to heat compared to stainless steel pans. However, you can always rely on your cast iron cookware to stay hot for longer as it retains heat exceptionally well.
What's the difference between enamelled and seasoned cast iron cookware?
Cast iron with an enamel coating enhances the durability of your cookware and takes the hassle away from seasoning. With a non-stick enamel coating, you'll require less fat or oil to cook compared to regular stainless steel cookware.
Seasoned or raw cast iron cookware, however, does not have a non-stick coating so it requires seasoning. Nevertheless, don't be intimidated by the process. Seasoning your cookware is a surprisingly easy task and you can quickly learn how to season a cast iron pan here. Seasoning also helps prevent your pan from rusting. With continued seasoning over time, your cast iron will develop a natural non-stick coating.
Which brand is suitable for my kitchen?
It ultimately depends on which type of cast iron cookware you are looking for and how much you are willing to spend on one. We have a wide selection of some of the best cast iron cookware brands on the market. Here are a few great options we recommend:
1. For indoor and outdoor cooking: Lodge
Lodge Cast Iron cookware is seasoned and ready to use right out of the box. Lodge skillets aren't just ideal for use on the grill, but also a popular option for camping trips. Lodge's cast iron skillets have superb heat retention and distribution for perfect searing, sautéing, simmering, baking, roasting, and frying. The brand's cast iron cookware is great for beginners, home cooks of any level, and professionals.
Features of a Lodge skillet:
- Foundry seasoned, ready to use upon purchase
- Ideal for use on all cooking surfaces, grills and campfires
- Oven safe
- Sauté, sear, fry, bake and stir fry to your heart’s content
- Made in the USA
2. For the best quality enamel: Staub
We love Staub because of its unique patented matte black enamel. The matte finish of Staub's cooking interior has a slight porosity that eventually fills up when seasoned with hot cooking oils. Over time, this creates a non-stick patina to deliver improved coating and better sears compared to glossy enamel coatings. Staub's internal basting lid also features dimpled surfaces on the interior sides to promote condensation that eventually drips back into your dishes for a continuous basting process. The result: wonderfully cooked dishes with flavours and moisture well retained through the self-basting process.
Features of a Staub French Oven:
- Made from top quality enamelled cast iron
- Quick and even heat absorption, distribution, and retention
- Enamelled matte black interior brings out the natural flavour of your food
- Innovative self-basting lid
- Suitable on all cooktops, including induction
- Made in Alsace, France
3. For the luxe cookware fan: Le Creuset
Le Creuset is by far one of the most popular brands on the market for quality cast iron casseroles in the brand's signature striking colours. Their signature design has become a cult favourite in the cooking community and is well-loved around the world for its durability, functionality and style. The brand offers a range of cookware designed to cook different types of food at different temperatures and styles. Popular ranges include the Le Creuset's Signature Cast Iron Casseroles and the Le Creuset Toughened Non Stick.
Features of a Le Creuset casserole:
- Improved enamel coating for added durability and cleaning convenience
- Enamel coating does not retain food stains or flavours
- Energy-efficient: low to medium heat required only
- Improved lid with built-in stabilisers to seal in heat and flavour
- Made in France
4. For the best value: Chasseur
If you're looking for a more affordable option but do not want to compromise on quality and style, Chasseur makes the ideal choice. Chasseur's cast iron cookware features two layers of enamel while brands such as Le Creuset and Staub have three layers. Nevertheless, the brand still delivers beautiful results and there's a variety of cookware options to accommodate whatever dish you are cooking.
Features of a Chasseur casserole:- A wide selection of colours to choose from
- Lighter interior enables you to gauge your cooking progress easily
- Offers both French Oven and shallow Round Casserole options
- Self-basting rings under lid
- Handcrafted in France
- Ideal for indoor or outdoor cooking
- Comes pre-seasoned with oil to prevent rust
- Twin curved spouts for drip- and mess-free pouring
- Versatile, long-lasting and rugged
- Ultra-smooth, 3-layer enamelled cast iron
- Improved technology for cookware that is up to 40% lighter than competing brands
- Tight fitting lid retains moisture and enhances the flavour of dishes
- Enamel surface that is resistant to acidic and alkaline foods
Next Read: Le Creuset vs Staub Casserole
