Cast Iron
Cast Iron Skillets — Cooking Advantages With Traditional Cookware
Not all good things come with a hefty price tag! Whichis very apt when we talk about the cast iron skillets. Often quality skillets can be found discarded at a swap meet or garage sale. And you can find new products at good retailers both on line and at the local mall. However, these new products can have a hefty price associated with them.
You can buy expensive modern cookware made of lighter metals and alloys, but the advantages of cast iron are uniques compared to other cookware. Be it durability, versitility, heat distribution or heat retention, cast iron cookware is definitely the best choice for some applications.
Although it sounds old fashioned, cast iron skillets and Dutch ovens are important kitchen tools. Some of the advantages of using cast iron are as follows:
? Even Distribution of Heat
One of the advantages of using a cast iron is that, while it may take a bit longer to get up to temperature, when it reached the desired temperature the heat is evenly distributed throughout the entire utensil. Also, once heated, it retains heat for some time unlike aluminum and other cookware metals. Cooking in a cast iron skillet or pans would great choices for braising or browning, would provide constant temperature for soups, stews or thick sauces and would be superb for recipes that mix vegetables with roasts for slower cooking. The results would also be tastier meals.
? Durable and long lasting
The durability of cast iron skillets and cookware is yet another advantage. Cast iron cookware has been known to be passed down from generation to generation. With proper care, it will continue to perform well for many more decades. Newer versions include enamel coated cast iron which has the same durability but adds fashion colors along with different shapes and sizes.
? Easy maintenance.
In contrast to general belief, cast iron skillet is fairly easy to maintain. Reconditioning can be done in your oven. After heating to a high temperature for several hours followed by cleaning with baking powder or other biodegradable scrubbing powder, rinse thoroughly and then apply a coating of fat or oil on the surface and allow the oil to fill in the porous surface of the pan. After each use, apply a thin coat of oil to the clean surface. This will create a barrier for protecting the surface.
? Non-stick properties
While aged and conditioned cast iron is not truly non-stick, traditional cast iron does obtain a sheen and finish that has characteristics similar to non-stick.
? Wide variety
Cast iron skillets are available in many types. You can find different sizes of frying pan, griddles, Dutch ovens and roasting pans. The enamel alternatives add an array of colors as well. The versatility of this cookware is unmatched by any other style. Roasting, stewing, grilling and baking are just some of the options possible. Since cast iron can go from stove to oven to table to refrigerator with no special handling needed, you are limited only by imagination
? Health Benefits.
Cooking in cast iron adds marginal amounts of iron into the food. For most people this is a positive result. When compared to some other alternatives, according to many reports, cast iron is a safer alternative.
? Cheap and affordable price.
While it may be possible to find traditional cast iron cookware that is pretty inexpensive, newer versions are no longer really cheap option. Enamel cookware can be expensive as demonstrated by Le Creseut and Lodge. There are other quality brands that are not quite as expensive such as <a href=”http://www.yoursmartkitchen.com/store-categories-Cast-Iron_3242608.html”Chasseur</a> a French manufacture or Color Cast a US producer.
Even though there are multiple benefits of using cast iron skillets, there is one common myth, which needs to be resolved. The myth that says do not use soap to clean your cast iron cookware at it can damage or corrode it, but this is not the case. A mild antibacterial soap and baking soda can be used to clean your cast iron cookware easily.
The effectiveness of cast iron cookware is surely going to continue far into the future. New metals and engineering will continue evolve and cookware will change but cast iron will remain a mainstay in kitchens well into the future no matter what new alternatives are developed.
About the Author
Chasseur and Color Cast are available at Your Smart Kitchen, the place for quality cookware, cutlery, appliances and related. All at reasonable prices. Specializing in Paderno, Mauviel, Fissler, Clay Bakers, and other quality manufacturers. Customer satisfaction guaranteed. Terry Retter
Cast Iron Breakfast: Cooking Eggs
|
|
Horse Door Knocker Cast Iron Western Cowboy Decor New! $6.25 |
|
|
Vintage cast iron metal figural goat or ram bank $9.99 |
|
|
CHINESE VASE LUCKY COIN METAL CAST IRON Simulating WOOD $0.01 |
|
|
Black Metal Cast Iron COAT Plant HANGER Hook Holder $0.01 |
|
|
Black Metal Cast Iron COAT Plant HANGER Hook Holder $0.01 |
|
|
African Design Multi Colored METAL Cast IRON VASE Urn $0.01 |
|
|
African Design Multi Colored METAL Cast IRON VASE Urn $0.01 |
|
|
African Design Multi Colored METAL Cast IRON VASE Urn $0.01 |
|
|
African Design Multi Colored METAL Cast IRON VASE Urn $0.01 |
|
|
African Design Multi Colored METAL Cast IRON VASE Urn $0.01 |
|
|
African Design Multi Colored METAL Cast IRON VASE Urn $0.01 |
|
|
Intricate Iron Sideboard Cast Stone Top Lions Paw Feet $3,435.00 |
|
|
TECHNIQUE RED CAST IRON ENAMEL SKILLET FRY PAN $14.99 |
|
|
Custom Handmade Cast-Iron Tattoo Machine Liner Gun $19.95 |
|
|
CAST IRON NAPKIN HOLDER..APPLES $7.99 |
|
|
Vintage Wagner ware Sidney -0- Deep Cast Iron Pan $19.99 |
|
|
VINTAGE ART DECO CAST IRON GREEN TREE STAND WITH DECOR! $39.99 |
|
|
Antique & Vintage Bookend Guide Metal Bronze Cast Iron $25.46 |
|
|
Antique 1907 Commemorative Cast Iron HATCHET w Indian $102.50 |
|
|
Toy Stove book Antique Little Lady Cast Iron Cook Tin $49.00 |
|
|
2 Lot Custom Handmade Cast-Iron Tattoo Machine Gun Set $36.95 |
|
|
Cast Iron Melting Pot – Made in USA – Bullet Lead Ladle $30.00 |
|
|
VINTAGE ANTIQUE CAST IRON 7 EAR CORNBREAD PAN $2.99 |
|
|
Cast Iron LILY FLOWER toilet paper tissue tp holder $8.46 |
|
|
1930’s Cast Iron Deco Smokers Stand $9.99 |
|
|
Cast iron Water meter Box Cover New Orleans Louisiana $20.49 |
|
|
WAGNER WARE #10 CAST IRON SKILLET 1060S $45.00 |
|
|
CLIMAX CAST IRON SEWING MACHINE STAND SEX SHOP DISPLAY $125.00 |
|
|
Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Reversable Grill FREE S&H $59.99 |
|
|
Custom Handmade Cast-Iron Tattoo Machine Liner Gun $19.95 |
|
|
Cast iron griddle grill double burner griddle grill pan $29.99 |
|
|
GEN III V8 Cast Iron Engine Mechanical Sierra Silverado $22.95 |
|
|
Victorian Cast Iron Betsy Ross 3pc Outdoor Garden Set $1,750.00 |
|
|
824765 Weber Q 6505 Cast Iron Griddle with Handles $53.29 |
|
|
Antiqued Cast Iron Dragonfly key hook , 5 hooks $0.99 |
|
|
Housewares Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 15 Inch Skilet New $44.00 |
|
|
Vintage Gold Painted Cast Iron Decorative Plant Stand $99.00 |
|
|
Large Western Heavy Cast Iron Star Door Knocker Set New $15.99 |
|
|
Adam Zwig ,Cast Iron Letters $1.99 |
|
|
ANTIQUE ELK DOORSTOP CAST IRON HUNTING ART DOOR STOP $750.00 |
|
|
Hoosier Flint & Walling Cast Iron Pump, vintage $79.99 |
|
|
ANTIQUE CAST IRON # 18 KETTLE CAULDRON WASH HANGING POT $239.99 |
|
|
VINTAGE WAGNER WARE SIDNEY 10″ CAST IRON SKILLET 1058c $25.00 |
|
|
2 Lot Custom Handmade Cast-Iron Tattoo Machine Gun Set $36.95 |
|
|
Yale Cast Iron Pump, vintage $179.99 |
|
|
NEW BEAUTIFUL CAST IRON BRICK FINISH OUTDOOR FIREPIT $99.95 |
|
|
Waage Travelers vintage cast iron style electric unique $39.96 |
|
|
105370 Weber Q300 6506 Porcelain Cast Iron Griddle $49.99 |
|
|
cast iron 2 birds on branch towel ring rack holders $9.99 |
|
|
Cast Iron Garden Tools Watering Can Coat Hat Key Hook $21.99 |
|
|
cast iron set of 2 rustic sunflower brackets 71/2″x13″ $15.00 |
|
|
Stunning Cast Iron Victorian Garden Urn Lamp-Doorstop $95.00 |
|
|
ViNtAgE Moms HOT SAUCE PAN -CAST IRON POT-NR $2.58 |
|
|
Horses on Plant Hanger , Cast Iron $9.99 |
|
|
*ANTIQUE* NUTCRACKER: CAST IRON DOG $49.99 |
|
|
Custom Handmade Cast-Iron Tattoo Machine Liner Gun $19.95 |
|
|
HUBLEY DOG DOORSTOP CAST IRON BOSTON TERRIER DOOR STOP $750.00 |
|
|
Brown Cast Iron Giraffe TOILET PAPER STAND Holder Towel $28.90 |
|
|
Cast Iron Spur Toilet Paper Holder WESTERN HOME DECOR $18.95 |
|
|
Trivet/Circle & Star Cast Iron Cool Grey Porcelain Coat $17.50 |
|
|
NEW CAST IRON FISHERMANS BANK- REPRODUCTION- GREAT FUN $9.32 |
|
|
Vintage GRATER Cast iron Lorraine Metal MFG Co NY USA $29.00 |
|
|
RARE CAST IRON QUEEN’S 1953 CORONATION THRONE MONEY BOX $7.79 |
|
|
LOT Cast Aluminum/Iron PANCAKE MOLDS Egg Rings Dinosaur $6.95 |
|
|
dozer tractor cast iron $10.45 |
|
|
HUBLEY SCOTTY DOG DOORSTOP CAST IRON TERRIER DOOR STOP $495.00 |
|
|
Vintage Light Blue PRIZER-WARE Enameled Cast Iron Pan $54.95 |
|
|
Roof Mount Cast Iron Green Bird Weathervane 35″ tall $65.00 |
|
|
VINTAGE CAST IRON OWL napkin letter holder colors 1960s $12.32 |
|
|
VINTAGE CAST IRON GONE WITH THE WIND BOOKEND SCARLETT $29.99 |
|
|
Southwestern boot cast iron towel ring rack lot of 2 $12.99 |
|
|
Cast-Iron Griddle Pan $19.95 |
|
|
Barrel Wood Stove Full Set Double + Standard Cast Iron $124.85 |
|
|
6 1/8″ DIAMETER CAST IRON PULLEY – 5/8″ BORE $16.99 |
|
|
824922 Weber 7526 Porcelain Cast Iron Cooking Grates $79.99 |
|
|
rare cast iron painted wolf head bottle opener Wilton $72.00 |
|
|
Vtg Miniature Cast Iron Frying Pan/Taiwan $3.99 |
|
|
Southwestern boot design cast iron towel bar rack $10.99 |
|
|
GRISWOLD cast iron skillet 699B 6″ Erie PA NICE $9.99 |
|
|
Vintage 1800’s Cast Iron Union Small Oil Burner Heater $29.99 |
|
|
ART DECO BOOKENDS NUDE LADY CAST IRON BUST BOOKENDS $395.00 |
|
|
cast iron green w/gold & brown lizard flower pot hanger $0.99 |
|
|
824906 Weber 7524 Porcelain Cast Iron Cooking Grates $69.99 |
|
|
Patio Living Concepts Decorative Planter – Cast Iron $24.99 |
|
|
Aztec Cast Iron Chiminea w/ Rain Cap – Bronze Finish $159.99 |
|
|
(6) “Fleur-De-Lis” Rust Cast Iron Double Hat/Coat Hooks $4.99 |
|
|
GRISWOLD CAST IRON DUTCH OVEN #8 $20.00 |
|
|
Lodge Logic 12-Inch Pre-Seasoned Skillet $17.94 The one thing that probably discourages more people from purchasing and using cast iron is maintenance. Like carbon steel woks, cast iron cooking pieces require “seasoning.” To many this is a mysterious or overly time-consuming process. Even if you treasure fond memories of eggs and pancakes cooked in grandmother’s ancient, blackened skillet, you might have no idea how to turn your new pan into su… |
|
|
Lodge Logic Pro 20-by-10-7/16-Inch Cast-Iron Grill/Griddle $35.00 The one thing that probably discourages more people from purchasing and using cast iron is maintenance. Like carbon steel woks, cast iron cooking pieces require “seasoning.” To many this is a mysterious or overly time-consuming process. Even if you treasure fond memories of eggs and pancakes cooked in grandmother’s ancient, blackened skillet, you might have no idea how to turn your new pan into su… |
|
|
Lodge Max Temp Handle Mitt, Black $2.99 Heavy-duty Pyrotex outer fabric resists scorching and burning. Steam barrier, heavy cotton batting, and thick terry lining all combine to provide ultimate heat protection. Protection to 650 degrees F…. |
|
|
Chicago – The Musical (1996 Broadway Revival Cast) $3.91 “Chicago’s plot was cynical and satirical in 1975, but today feels like a documentary.” So says Walter Bobbie, the director responsible for this revival of the Kander, Ebb, and Fosse “musical vaudeville,” which began as a minimalist concert staging for New York City Center’s Encore! series before moving on to Broadway, critical acclaim, and Tony Awards. Actually, it’d be hard to go wrong with any … |
|
|
Varèse Sarabande – A 25th Anniversary Celebration $11.50 … |
|
|
Kiss Of The Spider Woman: The Musical – Original Cast Recording (Original London Cast) $5.72 … |
|
|
Gigi (1956) [VHS] $2.69 Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe’s 1958 direct-to-screen follow-up to their My Fair Lady was–miraculously–every bit as memorable as that stage smash. Set in fin-de-siècle Paris and based on a Colette story, Gigi also is about a girl (Leslie Caron) on a lower rung of society who blossoms into Cinderellahood before our eyes and ears. Thank heaven for Hermione Gingold and Maurice Chevalier as h… |
|
|
Swing Time [VHS] $3.93 If you only had one Fred Astaire-Ginger Rogers film to watch,this classic musical from 1936 would be your best bet. It was the dance duo’s sixth film together, and director George Stevens handled the material with as much flair behind the camera as Fred and Ginger displayed in front of it. This time out, Fred plays a gambling hoofer who’s engaged to marry a young socialite (Betty Furness), but whe… |
|
|
Anna & King of Siam [VHS] $4.58 The story of British teacher Anna Leonowens and her sojourn to the court of 19th century Siam has proved irresistible to many generations–as book, movie, or Broadway show. Arguably the most beloved version of the story is the 1946 Fox film Anna and the King of Siam, an elegant and bittersweet drama. Irene Dunne plays the widow Anna, who arrives in Siam in 1862 with her young son in tow. Her osten… |
|
|
Week-End in Havana $6.99 Nan Spencer (Faye) has saved up for years for her vacation to Havana and is sorely disappointed when the cruise ship runs aground near Florida. While the other guests accept vouchers for another trip, Nan refuses because this was her only opportunity to get away. When she intimates that the failure with the ship was the captain’s fault, the cruise company’s vice president, Jay Williams (Payne), pe… |
Tags: cast, cast iron cooking, cast iron cookware, cast iron dutch oven, cast iron seasoning, cast iron skillet recipes, castiron, cooking, food, iron
Leave a Comment