The 7 Best Cast Iron Pans
A Cast Iron Pan is a time-reversed option that comes with a host of benefits. If you want to give your dishes a lovely golden crust each time, this is the pan to get.
Cooking can easily be one of the most soothing yet stimulating hobbies around. When you’re in the kitchen, you get an opportunity to experiment endlessly.
You can play around with different food combinations to develop a personalized dish. However, to do so, you need the right tools.
Cooking without the right tools can be a disaster because no matter how expensive your ingredients are, you won’t get the right results.
A cooking pan or a skillet is one of the essential tools for any cook. However, pans come in many varieties, and you need to pick the right one.
Below, we’ll talk more about the cast iron pan and why you need one.
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Recommended Products
- Double-sided lips
- Even cooking
- Versatility
- Improve iron in the body
- Retains heat for longer
- Easy to clean
- Extra deep
- Money-back guarantee
- It comes with extra features.
- Even heat
- Easy to wash
- Versatile
An Indepth Look At Cast Iron Pans
12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet Set
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12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet Set Review
If a high-quality cast iron pan is what you were looking for, it doesn’t get better than this pan.
If you want a multipurpose product, this is the perfect one. It has an extra deep design, making it the perfect pan to fry, bake, or for searing.
If you’re a picky buyer, you will appreciate the money-back guarantee that this pan comes with. If you experience any problems within a year of using this pan, you can quickly get a refund.
This is a value-for-money product that comes with a set of extra features. You get a glass lid, a scraper, and a silicone handle holder to help you easily grip the pan safely even when it’s hot.
Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
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Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Review
Basic, simple, and all you need for a fine cooking experience.
All you need to get a perfectly cooking meal without worrying about unevenness in the dish! Warm water and a wipe with your hand. That’s about all you need to clean this. NO SOAP! You can cook in a diverse range of ways and over any flame!
Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Frying Pans
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Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Frying Pans Review
When it comes to cast iron pans, you can be sure that you can’t go wrong with something like this. It’s just that versatile!
One of the best things about these pans is that you will get an even cook every time. The heat distribution ensures that the pan cooks the contents evenly, and there the heat reaches all around the base. Because the pans are nonstick, all you need to do is rinse them under hot water!
Grill, sauté, fry or sear; it’s entirely up to you how you want to use this pan. It can do all of what we just mentioned and so much more!
KICHLY Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
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KICHLY Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Review
This skillet is another essential pan that can do whatever you need it to do—nothing too fancy, just a regular cast-iron skillet that gets the job done.
Anaemia is a common problem worldwide; cooking in a cast-iron skillet can significantly increase iron doses. Thus improving your health!
Because of its cast iron, the product is likely to retain heat for longer and keep your food hotter for more extended periods!
A bit of soap and warm water is all you need to clean this product. Just remember to rub it down with a bit of vegetable oil once you’re done with it.
KitchenCraft KCCIRDPLN Cast Iron Griddle Pan
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KitchenCraft KCCIRDPLN Cast Iron Griddle Pan Review
A skillet fit for any cooking, anywhere at any time! It’s versatile, safe, and gives you excellent value for money!
Stick it in the oven, toss it on a flame for a BBQ or place it on the stove at home. This skillet can handle just about any heat source!
The best thing about cast iron skillets like this one is that you don’t need oil or fats to cook the food in!
You don’t need to worry about the handle breaking or falling off when you lift the pan full of contents off of the stove. It’s sturdy, robust and you can be sure it won’t break off.
Lodge L8SK3 Skillet
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Lodge L8SK3 Skillet Review
If you are looking for something to use around the house for everyday use, this is precisely what you need. Simple and effective.
The benefit of double-sided lips is that you can pour contents out of both sides of the pan! Understandably the full pan can be very heavy; thus, moving it around to find the lip can be challenging! Good thing this one has them on both sides!
To make sure that every dish gets the even cooking heat it deserves!
You can cook in any style you look and on a diverse range of flames. Nothing is limiting you!
Amazon Basics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Round Griddle
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Amazon Basics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Round Griddle Review
A griddle plate is essential for any kitchen, and a cast-iron skillet is the best to invest in.
One of the best things about this plate is that it has an extra-large design letting you cook various things without having a crowded pan.
This pan is pre-seasoned, which means that it you don’t need to use much oil when cooking. Even a few drops can go a long way, keeping your food healthy.
The product is made from top-quality materials. You can be sure that this pan isn’t getting spoilt any time soon!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cast Iron Pans
Are cast iron pans better than nonstick?
Yes, they are better because they don’t have a toxic coating and are much more durable than nonstick pans.
How to season a cast iron pan?
Seasoning your cast iron pan is an easy process that takes a few minutes. First, you should scrub your pan in warm water with soap and dry it thoroughly.
Then, add a thin layer of oil to the pan and bake it for an hour at 200 degrees Celsius. Baking your pan like this will help restore its nonstick properties and let you cook with ease.
You season your cast iron pan automatically every time you cook in. It, too, making maintenance much more manageable.
Is it healthy to cook in cast iron?
Cast iron has no chemicals that it can leach into your food. However, it can leech some iron into your meals.
If you cook something acidic, such as a tomato sauce in your cast iron pans, your food will have a high amount of iron. So, it’s generally preferred that you don’t cook anything too acidic in your pan.
While small amounts of iron in your food are alright, a higher amount can be damaging.
What is the difference between a cast iron skillet and a frying pan?
There isn’t much of a difference between the two. You can use both terms interchangeably.
You can use your skillet to fry things, roast them, or make delicious stews, and the same goes for your frying pan. However, some cast iron skillets may be deeper than your regular frying pan, as they have higher sides.
Apart from this and the semantic difference, you can easily use these two interchangeably.
Does Gordon Ramsay use cast iron?
As a seasoned chef, Gordon Ramsay has a set of pans fit for every occasion. He uses all sorts of pans for different purposes.
He uses a cast iron skillet pan for searing steaks and other meats to give them a delicious, smoky taste that is unparalleled. Other frying pans can lose heat too quickly, making them a wrong choice if you want to sear food.
What is the disadvantage of cast iron?
One of the most significant disadvantages of using cast iron cookware is that it leeches iron into your food. As discussed earlier, the amount of iron leached into your food significantly increases if you cook something acidic.
Furthermore, a cast iron pan is slow to conduct heat. Firstly, this means that a cast iron pan takes much longer to heat up than a regular pan.
Secondly, if you have a small burner, your pan may develop hot and cold spots, leading to uneven cooking. So, if you’re cooking on a cast iron pan, be sure to do so with a bigger burner.
Additionally, a cast iron pan can take on the flavour of whatever you cook in it over time.
What will scratch Cast Iron?
Scratching cast iron is pretty tricky, so you don’t need to worry about using metal utensils on the surface of your favourite cast iron pan.
The nonstick surface of your skillet is incredibly resilient, and you can use it any way you like. However, enamelled cast iron isn’t as scratch-resistant as regular cast iron, so you may want to avoid using metal utensils on it.
What should you not cook in cast iron?
Anything acidic can cause your food to have a lot of iron. Furthermore, cooking delicate meats like fish in a cast iron pan can make them burn if you aren’t an experienced chef.
If your cast iron pan isn’t well-seasoned yet, you should also avoid cooking any sticky foods.
Cast Iron Pan Buying Guide
What Are They?
There are many pans that we use in the kitchen. Each variety has its pros and cons and properties.
The most common types are nonstick, ceramic, and cast iron. A cast-iron pan is made from a heavier alloy and is also oven safe.
The Benefits Of Cast Iron
There are various benefits of using a cast iron frying pan for cooking. Here are some of the best ones.
Retains heat for longer
If you struggle with keeping food warm when serving, a cast iron pan can be the solution to all your problems. Cast iron is famous for staying warm and letting you cook food at incredibly high temperatures.
Oven safe
If you’re a baker, you’ll appreciate having a durable cast iron pan in your arsenal. A cast-iron pan can be the perfect way for you to bake various goods.
Cast iron skillets are popular choices for making various sweet and savoury dishes. You can make cookie skillets, mac and cheese, or lasagna in your skillet, alongside various other dishes.
A cast-iron pan is also the perfect way to bake round bread to help them retain a perfect shape.
Durable
One of the most significant benefits of a cast iron pan is that they are much more durable than any other variety. Nonstick pans have an incredibly low shelf life and can lose their coating after just a few uses.
After losing their coating, it can be tough to cook with them. Furthermore, the coating that comes off can be damaging to our health.
Ceramic pans are durable, but they have a lesser shelf life than cast iron pots and pans. A cast-iron pan can be a lifelong investment.
Every time you use your cast iron pan, you’re seasoning it. This means that each user makes the pan better, as opposed to worse.
Use at high temperatures.
One of the most significant drawbacks of using other pans is that they can degrade very fast when used at high temperatures. Nonstick coating, in particular, can quickly degrade if you use it on high heat.
In contrast, cast iron pans are perfect for use at higher temperatures. This makes them perfect for searing meat or vegetables at high temperatures.
Use at high temperatures.
One of the most significant drawbacks of using other pans is that they can degrade very fast when used at high temperatures. Nonstick coating, in particular, can quickly degrade if you use it on high heat.
In contrast, cast iron pans are perfect for use at higher temperatures. This makes them perfect for searing meat or vegetables at high temperatures.
Buyers Guide
Here are some of the factors to consider when getting cast iron pans.
Heaviness
Although you want to opt for a lighter model for most pots and pans, when it comes to cast iron, heavier may be the better option.
A heavier pan will retain heat better and help your food develop a thick, crunchy, delicious crust that can take your cooking to the next level.
Size
Size is an essential factor to consider when buying any pan, including a skillet. If your pan is too small, your food will stick together and start to steam.
Therefore, when buying a pan, it’s better to go with a larger size than a smaller one. Look for a skillet that is at least 11-12 inches in size.
Presentation
Most of the food you cook in a cast-iron skillet will be served as it is, so you want to look for an attractive design. Foods that you would commonly serve in the skillet include pasta dishes and desserts like brownie or cookie skillets.
Seasoning
Although you can season your cast iron pan at home, it’s best to opt for one that is pre-seasoned. The seasoning ensures that nothing sticks to your pan, and you can cook quickly.
Seasoning pans yourself requires some time, and if you haven’t ever done it before, it can be a confusing, somewhat messy process.
Myths about Cast Iron Pans
Several myths surround cast iron pans, with little truth to any of them. Below we will discuss the most popular myths and debunk them.
Cast iron is hard to maintain
The myth suggests that cast iron pans are hard to maintain because they are prone to chipping and rust. It states that you need to be extra careful when using a cast iron pan because you can lose the seasoning quickly.
However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. A cast-iron pot is incredibly resilient, which is why you will often see cast iron cookware in antique stores.
Additionally, most new pans are pre-seasoned. Even if some of the seasonings wear off, you can easily re-season your pan yourself.
A cast-iron pan isn't fully nonstick.
A well-seasoned cast-iron pan can be pretty nonstick, and you can cook quickly without any food sticking to your pan.
However, you can’t compare the cast-iron skillet’s nonstick capabilities to, let’s say, a Teflon pan. You will still need a tiny bit of oil to keep things lubricated on a cast iron pan.
Don't use metal utensils on your pan.
While the nonstick coating on most pans can chip away if you use metal utensils, cast iron skillets are incredibly resilient. The coating isn’t weak enough to chip away simply by using a metal utensil.
It is a chemically bonded layer to the pan, making it incredibly hard to chip off. If you notice some flaking, it may be a layer of carbonized food, but not the seasoning.
Never wash your skillet with soap.
The theory goes that since a cast iron skillet is seasoned with oil, soap should make the oil melt off and leave your skillet bare. However, your seasoning isn’t easy enough to melt away by simply washing with soap.
The oil has bonded to the metal, creating an almost plastic-like layer that won’t melt away when you wash your pan. However, you should avoid leaving your pan in the sink.
Conclusion
Professional chefs and home cooks alike can enjoy cooking with this classic pan for the variety of benefits it has to offer. It is a cost-effective option that can last you a lifetime.
You can sear steaks, cook sauces and bake cookies in this multipurpose tool. The durability of the cast iron skillet ensures that you’ll use it for a long time to come.