Why is cast iron so popular in homestead kitchens? The Best Cast Iron Cookware is popular because it’s durable, enriches food with iron, and because you can use it on a stovetop, in an oven, and even over a campfire!
Seriously, how could you not LOVE cooking in cast iron? A well-seasoned cast iron pan is naturally non-stick, it’s pretty easy to care for, and should last for a LONG time. Not to mention food just seems to taste better in cast iron!
There are several great brands out there that can rival the quality of Lodge, but usually not the price. Lodge overall is the best quality and price and it’s the brand I recommend.
Why Cook With Cast Iron?
Cast iron pans can be used for almost every kind of cooking there is. From frying to baking, and even cooking over a fire…These pans can do it all!
When these pans are properly seasoned, there’s no need to worry about the food sticking to the pan. The seasoning provides a natural non-stick coating, that shouldn’t hurt or harm people…Unlike the rumors about Teflon we keep hearing!
A downside to using cast iron is that is it super heavy. But it is very tough material and will last ages!
Here are a few fast facts about why you should use cast iron pans!
- Built to last! These pans can last you a lifetime if you take care of them…
- It might take a while for cast iron to heat up but it stays warm for a long time…So when you go back for a 2nd plate it’s still warm!
- Seasoning gets better every time you use cast iron! As long as you don’t wash them with soap…That would wash off some seasoning…
- Iron! Of course, a little bit of iron makes its way into your food when you cook with these pans.
Some Of My Favorites…
Not all of these are must-haves but there are so many fun and amazing pieces of cast iron cookware…Narrow down your style of cooking, and choose a few pans that fit!
Best Cast Iron Skillets
This is my most used cast iron cookware. We make fajitas in this pan, breakfast, dinner, you name it!
One of my favorites. I have a big family I cook for and having a huge skillet I can cook in really makes a difference! The thing I make the most in this is my famous fajitas! The biggest skillet is about 15" and it's big enough to cook large amounts of food. If you have a smaller family, you might want to check out the 12" skillet, or the 10.25" skillet or 8" skillet.
This is a 10.25" or a 12" skillet that comes with a cleaning brush!
This 8" skillet is perfect for cooking ground beef. It has those great pouring lips built-in. You can cook all kinds of stuff with this skillet though.
This 10.25" skillet is another one of my top favorites. I can make just about anything in this bad boy!
Best Cast Iron Dutch Ovens
Dutch ovens are some of the most popular cast iron cookware around. Mostly because of their versatility.
Dutch ovens are one of the most popular cast iron cookware. The Dutch oven is great for cooking over a fire or even in the oven. Check out my list of Dutch oven recipes!
This Dutch oven can hold 5 quarts, has loop handles. You can cook in the lid too. Use it to sauté vegetables for example.
This 10.25" pre-seasoned cast iron pan from Lodge is a 2 piece. This Dutch oven is a little different because it features a long handle, instead of the loop handles. Additionally, the lid can double as a skillet!
This Deep Camp Dutch Oven, 8 Quart is a giant! My Instant pot is 8 quarts! It's really big, and I love it! Feeding three teen boys means cooking a ton of food!
Dessert/Cornbread Pans Casto Iron Cookware
If you haven't had cornbread made in a cast iron pan, you need to try it. It cooks it to perfection!
This cake pan is perfect for making cake (of course) but also cupcakes, cornbread muffins, biscuits, muffins, and desserts.
I'm sharing these muffin pans because they are a little bit deeper. Depending on what you like to make, these might suit your needs better.
This cornbread pan makes the perfect slices of cornbread!
These oval pans are fun for making desserts or appetizers!
Griddles: Best Cast Iron Cookware
One of my other favorite pans. When you cook breakfast for a whole bunch of hungry boys, you reach for the griddle! I can cook eggs, bacon, hash browns, and more on the griddle!
This reversible griddle is perfect for cooking breakfast either over a fire or even on the grill! Cook more at one time, and save some time!
This 10.5" griddle can be used on all cooking surfaces, even grills, and campfires!
Love a crispy crust on pizza? Grab this pizza pan, and cook a perfect pizza every time!
Loaf Pan - Definitely one of the BEST Cast Iron Cookware pans of all time. Talk about a crispy crust. I love my homemade bread, and cast iron just makes it all the better!
Enameled Cast Iron
Enameled cast iron is typically an indoor cookware, meaning you shouldn't use it to cook on a campfire. An open flame could cause the enamel to soften and get damaged. Ruining your pan.
This is a 7-quart oval Dutch oven. It's perfect for cooking casseroles.
Square Panini Press - We love making hot sandwiches. For a few years, I actually had an electric panini press and we used it just about every day. It was the perfect way to defrost my homemade sandwich bread and make tasty delicious sandwiches!
Five-piece cast iron kit - They call the bottom part a Wok, and the top part a griddle. If you look at all of the pictures in the link you'll see that they even use the griddle to cook a pizza! These possibilities with this unique pan are endless!
You don't need a fancy panini press, this little press will do the work of an electric panini press and so much more.
This thing is also known as a bacon press! Yep, you can keep your bacon from shriveling by using this cast iron press! Neat huh?
Unique Cast Iron Cookware
While I was making this post I came across some unique cast iron pieces and I thought it would be cool to shares these items!
Five-piece cast iron kit - They call the bottom part a Wok, and the top part a griddle. If you look at all of the pictures in the link you'll see that they even use the griddle to cook a pizza! These possibilities with this unique pan are endless!
This 9-inch Mini Wok is perfect for sautéing veggies and meat for stir fry!
I've seen these being used in videos from people in different parts of the world. The Cone-shaped lid forms an excellent seal to keep moisture and heat inside.
I've never seen anything like this. I'm not sure how it works, but it sure is pretty!
I don't know about you but this looks like an amazing piece to have. I love shrimp, and love finding new ways to cook it.
Lodge Cast Iron Sets: Best Cast Iron Cookware
This is a great starter set! If you are looking to start cooking with cast iron, this would be a really great set to start with. It would also make a great gift!
This is a set I wish I had! I just love these designs!
This set features:
- 8" Duck Skillet
- 10.25" Deer Skillet
- 12" Bear Skillet
- 10.5 Fish Grill Pan
- 10.5 Moose Griddle
I don't know what someone might do with 8 mini skillets. Maybe they would make great gifts!
Best Accessories For The Best Cast Iron Cookware
This list is all of the best cast iron accessories. You'll find everything from scrapers to help you clean cast iron to stands for cooking over a campfire.
The Lodge Cookstand is made to stand right in the fire. It fits most of the Lodge cookware. This stand can turn your fire pit into an outdoor kitchen!
Cast Iron Scrub Brush - These make cleaning up a little bit easier.
Silicone Skillet Handle - These will protect your skin from the heat on the handle of a skillet.
Silicone Dutch Oven Handle - Dutch ovens can be hard to pick up when they are hot, but these silicone handles really do help!
Dutch Oven Tote Bag - Take your Dutch oven to-go, with this awesome tote bag!
Cloth Handle Covers - If you don't like the look of the silicone handles, you might like something like this instead.
Cast Iron Grill Press - Or better known as a bacon press. Keep bacon flat while frying it.
Pan Scrapers - I use these the most when cleaning and find them extremely helpful in removing stubborn food particles.
Use this Dutch oven tool to help you carefully lift a hot lid, or for a careful resting spot of a Dutch oven lid.
Make lid living easy as pie! Using this Lodge lid lifter is perfect for using with Dutch oven pans.
This seasoning spray has adjustable spray settings, it preserves cookware, and helps protect the finish.
Learn how to properly clean your cast iron with tips straight from Lodge themselves!
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Source:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/the_many_benefits_of_using_cast_iron_pans
I am asking for enameled cast iron for Christmas! I have a pretty good collection of cast iron, but none that are enameled.
Awesome! I hope you get it!