they are the universal helper of every cook, whether you are a professional, an enthusiast or a beginner. They could be compared to a quality Swiss Army knife: They are robust, durable and truly versatile. With a little care, they can accompany you throughout your life and become an indispensable tool in your kitchen. They are ideal for preparing a wide range of dishes, from the perfect steak to fragrant pastries.
But what makes cast ironso special that it continues to return to our kitchens centuries later? Let's take a look at its history, benefits and how to care for it properly.
History of cast iron cookware
Cast iron cookware has a long history, going back thousands of years. The first cast iron objects appeared in ancient China around 220 BC and soon spread to other parts of the world, including Asia, Europe and America.
Cast iron became popular in Europe during the Industrial Revolution, when it began to be mass-produced. While cast iron was an essential part of every household in the past, its popularity declined with the advent of modern non-stick cookware. However, today, at a time when people are increasingly turning to traditional and sustainable cooking methods, cast iron is enjoying a renaissance.
Cast iron has a high heat capacity and perfect conductivity.
This ensures that your food is evenly cooked and heated.
A cast iron skillet can be part of your heritage for generations to come, it will last a really long time.
Cast iron can withstand really extreme conditions, cook in it on an open fire.
It is compatible with all types of cookers, including induction, of course!
If you put it in a highly visible place, everyone will think twice about pissing you off.
The above is not enough? Read on for 12 reasons that will convince you that cast iron is simply love!
3 minor PROTES
Compared to aluminium, for example, cast iron is heavy. But this also makes it durable and dimensionally stable.
Although they're the Superman of the kitchen, cast iron pans need a bit of TLC. They need to be dried properly after each use and definitely not washed in the dishwasher.
Before first use, we recommend that some cast iron pans be thoroughly fired to obtain a protective patina and that the firing be repeated from time to time. But don't worry, we've got a complete guide to the right cast iron pan care that will help you get the job done.
Best cast iron pans according to customer reviews
Care of cast iron pan
Caring for cast iron pans may look complicated at first, but once you've mastered the basic steps, it becomes a regular part of your kitchen routine. Proper maintenance involves several steps:
Burning (seasoning): This is a key step that protects the pan from rust and creates a natural non-stick surface. Firing is done by rubbing a thin layer of oil on the pan and then heating it above the smoke point.
Regular cleaning: After each use, clean the cast iron pan with warm water and a soft brush or sponge. Avoid aggressive cleaners that may damage the oil coating. Never wash the cast iron pan in the dishwasher!
Safe storage: Make sure the pan is completely dry before storing to prevent rust. The pan can also be dried perfectly on the stove or in the oven. After drying, apply a thin layer of oil to the surface.
Refresh burn: Even with the best of care, cast iron may need re-firing from time to time. If you notice rust or if the pan has lost its shine, it's time to re-season. The process is the same as for the initial firing.
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The complete guide to caring for cast iron pans
From the initial firing to the daily maintenance: Learn how to care for your cast iron cookware so it lasts forever.
Cast iron pans are ideal for various types of cooking, especially those that require a high and stable temperature. Here are some tips for getting the most out of cast iron:
Preheat the pan: The cast iron heats slowly, but once it is hot, it maintains the temperature evenly. A preheated pan is ideal for roasting meat, vegetables or preparing crispy chips.
Use of suitable fat: When cooking on cast iron, it is important to use oils and fats with a high smoke point, such as rapeseed oil or lard. Avoid oils with a low smoke point, which can burn through.
Maintenance of the non-stick surface: To keep cast iron non-stick, it is important to fire it regularly, clean it properly and keep it dry. The use of improper cleaning agents can damage the protective oil layer.
Proper use: Cast iron is great for preparing steaks, grilling vegetables, frying, baking bread and even making desserts such as skillet pie. However, avoid cooking strongly acidic foods such as tomato sauces, which can break down the protective layer and cause a metallic taste in the food.
How does cast iron compare to other popular materials?
Reactivity with acidic foods (without surface treatment)
High
High
None
Ease of cleaning
Medium
Medium
Excellent
Price
Low
Medium
High
Honza Hajný, chef of the Chefparade cooking school:
Cast iron pans (along with steel ones) are ideal for steaks. If you also want to achieve a grilled meat effect on your steak, you won't go wrong with one of the wide quality grill pan offersto ensure that the steak, or even the grilled vegetables or cheese, will not only be cooked properly but also visually appealing.
Health and environmental benefits of cast iron pans
In addition to the practical advantages, the use of cast iron also has a positive effect on health and the environment:
Health benefits: Lithium can add a small amount of iron to food, which is especially beneficial for people with iron deficiency or vegetarians. Cast iron pans also do not contain harmful chemicals that can be released during cooking.
The ecological choice: Lithium cookware is durable and sustainable, making it a great choice for anyone trying to reduce waste and the use of disposable or short-lived kitchen utensils.
Cast iron pans are a versatile and durable tool that can enhance your kitchen for many years. Whether you are an avid cook who loves to experiment or someone looking for a reliable tool for everyday cooking, cast iron is a great choice. With proper care and maintenance, a cast iron skillet will serve you not only as a functional but also aesthetic addition to your kitchen.
FAQ
Cast iron frying pans FAQ
What is the difference between cast iron and steel pans?
In the kitchen, you won't notice the differences between these materials. Chemically, both steel and cast iron are ferrous metals, differing only in their carbon content. The care of a carbon steel pan and a cast iron pan is therefore almost the same, and in the kitchen they do not differ so much in their practical properties.
How to fire a cast iron pan?
Some pan manufacturers supply their products already fired, some you will have to take care of the seasoning yourself. The firing is about securing the protective oil layerwhich also ensures that the non-stick properties increase with each cooking.
Wash the pan well with hot, clean water.
Dry the cast iron pan well.
Place the pan on a heat source (stove or open fire) and pour in the sunflower or rapeseed oil - cover the entire bottom with it.
Heat the oil until it starts to smoke, let it fry like this for at least another 2 minutes - the surface of the pan will blacken.
Then let the oil cool in the pan, drain it and wipe the pan with a paper towel.
You can also season the cast iron pan in the oven by brushing it thoroughly with oil or lard and letting it bake at 180°C for about 2 hours. Always make sure that the pan handle is not made of a material that will be damaged in the oven!
Fire the cast iron pan as you would fire the steel one:
What is the best oil for firing cast iron?
It is best to use a high smoke point oil such as canola, sunflower or linseed oil. These oils polymerise well and produce a solid non-stick surface.
How to remove possible rust from cast iron?
Cast iron pans are prone to rusting if not properly maintained. However, this is not a harmful phenomenon. The rust can be gently removed from the pan, for example, with a coarse sponge or a wire brush, then the pan can be washed again with hot water, dried thoroughly and coated with a new layer of oil.
Can I wash a cast iron pan in the dishwasher?
Avoid washing cast iron in the dishwasher. Cast iron should be kept as dry as possible to prevent rusting, plus detergents and tablets could damage the protective oil layer.
How about a cast-iron pot?
We already know that cast iron pans are great. But equally great are the cast iron pots! Thanks to their sophisticated design, quality workmanship and solid lid, you can conjure up delicacies such as homemade crusty bread.
