A pan made of cast iron is an absolute requirement for any kitchen because it has many uses. Even if you’re a mediocre cook, cast iron will improve the flavor of your food. Why? You can get a great sear on meat because it warms up gradually but evenly, and vegetables cook quickly without needing constant attention because the pan retains heat well.
You can bang on it and use it for outdoor cooking without worrying about damaging the material. As you continue to cook with your durable pan, the iron in the pan will gradually permeate your food, adding flavor and health benefits.
Seasoning (by applying a light fat layer to seal the iron) is required for cast iron to develop its characteristic non-stick coating. You can either buy a pre-seasoned pan or season it yourself (by coating it with cooking oil and baking it at 350 degrees for an hour). Cast-iron pans have a natural non-stick quality once properly seasoned, making them convenient for cooking and cleaning.
You should clean cast iron immediately after use by rinsing it in hot water and, if necessary, a mild dish soap. Use a stiff, non-metal brush to remove any food that has become stuck. You can avoid rust by drying the item while it is still warm and applying a thin layer of vegetable oil. Rust can be easily removed if observed. Steel wool the pot, and then season it again.
Which pan should you choose? Continue reading for information on a ribbed pan that creates expert-looking sear marks, a set with three different sizes, and more.
Norpro Cast Iron Plett Pancake Pan
This exquisite piece of cast iron features seven 2-inch cavities, allowing you to make perfectly portioned mini pancakes and boast about them to your friends. Recipes for savory and sweet toppings to go inside of pancakes are included. Likewise, it’s excellent for baking cornbread.
Lodge L8SK3 10-1/4-Inch Pre-Seasoned Skillet
This skillet has received over 105,000 five-star reviews, making it the top-rated cast-iron skillet on Amazon. It was made in the USA (South Pittsburgh, Tennessee, to be exact). For a good reason: it comes pre-seasoned with vegetable oil, is built to last, has excellent heat retention, and has a helper handle for stability.
Furthermore, it is produced by a family-owned business that has been around since 1896.
Calphalon Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Cookware
This skillet’s generous 12-inch diameter makes it ideal for feeding a gathering. According to some reviewers, this cast-iron skillet is thinner and lighter than comparable options. Its deep design and rounded corners make it a breeze to move around and flip food. There is no time limit on the warranty, and it lasts forever.
Bruntmor Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven
You can use dutch oven whenever you prepare food over an open fire, whether at a campsite or in your home. This sturdy lid is perfect for preserving the flavor of your signature stew, pot roast, or chili.
The Pioneer Woman Timeless Beauty Cast Iron Set
You can finally stop worrying about not having a pan big enough! The 6-inch, 8-inch, and 10-inch pans in this set have already been seasoned, and the entire set is coated to prevent rust. The even heating and simple maintenance earned high marks, and the large handle, which features a butterfly design, was a particular hit with reviewers.
Lodge Cast Iron Griddle
This pre-seasoned, low griddle is perfect for pancakes, quesadillas, or pizza due to its thin profile and high cooking efficiency. Crepes, dosas, chapati (Indian flat bread), and fried eggs are just some of the dishes that have been successfully cooked in it, according to reviewers.
Lodge 12 Inch Square Cast Iron Grill Pan
The ribbed bottom of this 12-inch square pan creates beautiful grill grates on chicken, fish, vegetables, or anything else you cook in it.
Reviewers are raving: “I once prepared a steak for a girl, and SHE MARRIED ME.” While I would love to share my recipe with you, it would take up too much space on this page (the thing is seven pages long), so instead, I will say that the steak I make on this grill is the best in the world. The outside of my steaks are ever slightly salty and crunchy.
At the same time, the insides are soft, tender, and so yummy and flavorful that you might think a geyser of flavor blew up in your mouth. There are few things you can buy for under $50 that will remain indispensable companions throughout your life, but this is one of those things.
Camp Chef Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Single Square Cooking Iron
Over a campfire or even just a fire pit in the backyard, you can make delicious pizza, omelets, pies, toasty sandwiches, and of course, s’mores with the help of this handy tool that has two sides. The 30-inch-long grip is insulated to prevent overheating.
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