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
Lodge cast iron Manufacturing
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INTEGRA 90-01 EF EG EK SWAP B-SERIES T3/T4 TURBOCHARGER+CAST IRON TURBO MANIFOLD $223.00 |
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Stansport 2 High Output Cast Iron Stove – 30,000 BTUs $49.49 |
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VINTAGE/MID CENTURY DRU HOLLAND CAST IRON ENAMAL CASSEROLE/SERVING DISH W/ LID ~ $39.99 |
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FLORAL CROSS rust cast iron WALL PLAQUE $17.99 |
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Kay Home Cast Iron Fireplace $269.99 |
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CHASSEUR 8.5 QUART CAST IRON DUTCH OVEN $129.99 |
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ANTIQUE CAST IRON ELEPHANT MECHANICAL CIGARETTE CASE/DISPENSER 1930′S $105.00 |
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Vintage Uncle Sam Cast Iron Mechanical Drop Coin Bank! USED! $20.00 |
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USSR PROPAGANDA Cast iron AVANT-GARDE by IVANOV $29.99 |
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CAST IRON CAMEL FIGURE-CHECK OUT THE ARROGANT EXPRESSION! $59.00 |
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12V Portable Cast Iron Fuel Transfer Pump With Nozzle And 12′ Hose For Kerosene $118.95 |
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antique cast iron french GARDEN vase $199.00 |
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Bayou Classic Square Cast Iron Griddle $129.99 |
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Bayou Classic Cast Iron Reversible Griddle $149.99 |
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Bayou Classic 4-Gal. Stew Pot w/ Cast Iron Lid, Stand $159.99 |
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Vintage Uncle Mose Cast Iron Coin Bank 10″ $18.99 |
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Bayou Classic 21 Inch HP Cooker w/ Cast Iron Fry Pot $139.99 |
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RUSTY OLD CAST IRON DUTCH OVEN SKILLET ONLY MARKED “G” HEAVY & NEEDS A CLEANING $12.99 |
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ANTIQUE GRISWOLD CASTIRON PATTY WAFFLE MOLD WITH HANDLE $4.99 |
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VINTAGE CAST IRON METAL WOODPECKER TOOTHPICK DISPENSER $25.00 |
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Vintage Black Cast Iron Brooms Trivet $10.99 |
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Cast Iron Doll Chair Large Heavy Upholstered Solid, Chippendale 18 Inches TALL $99.00 |
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Cast Iron Spur Toilet Paper Holder Western Horse NIB $18.95 |
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8-Q Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron Lodge Logic Camp Dutch Oven $95.99 |
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CAST IRON MONKEY FIGURE 4 3/4 INCHES – CALL HIM THE ANTIQUE PROFESSOR $58.00 |
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ANTIQUE CAST IRON ALLIGATOR NUT CRACKER cIRCA 1920 $115.00 |
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Hampton Olympic Grip Cast Iron Weight Plates 35 lbs $52.99 |
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Cast Iron Flat Iron Trivet Artillery Symbol $9.99 |
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Tim Love Cast Iron 13″ Universal Pan w/Flavor Roaster $79.90 |
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Brand New Drake Design “Fleur de Lis” Cast Iron Paper Towel Holder $28.50 |
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Stellar Cast Iron Grill Pan, 28cm x 28cm, Black – SX20 $55.31 |
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Heavy Antique Painted Cast Iron Lamp Base (Oil ?) – ca. 1900 $34.95 |
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Antique Vintage Ornate Coat & Hat Hook Cast Iron Old Coathook Decorative Hooks $19.99 |
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GRASSHOPPER RIDING MOWER CAST IRON PTO PULLEY 415650 $52.99 |
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ROWE CAST IRON EXHAUST GUIDE 4 HARLEY DAVIDSON $6.00 |
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cast iron skillet 6 3/4″ cooking camping $22.50 |
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cast iron skillet 9″ cooking camping $30.00 |
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VTG AMERICAN Eagle Cast Iron Trivet ornate pot holder tea party DECOR PATRIOTIC $9.99 |
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Vintage SOSK 8 D Cast Iron Square Fry Pan Made In USA $28.99 |
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RUSTIC CASTIRON 38mm Oval KNOB Heavy Old Reclaimed Pull $3.79 |
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CELESTIAL SUN PLAQUE rust cast iron GARDEN PATIO WALL $24.99 |
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Comp Cams GEAR, OLDS CAST IRON (.491″) NITRIDED 20442 $110.85 |
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VINTAGE ANTIQUE CAST IRON METAL MODEL T SEDAN TOY $9.99 |
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VINTAGE ANTIQUE CAST IRON METAL 40’s TAXI TOY $9.99 |
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Rustic Cast Iron Bull Head Coat Hat Hook Rack Towel Holder Western Cowboy Decor $29.99 |
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SET OF 8,CAST IRON,FLAT, FLEUR DE LIS, WALL HOOKS, NEW ORLEANS,PURSE HOOK,FRENCH $34.98 |
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Mermaid Mirror, Vanity-Cast Iron. Lucite Fish Ornament $28.95 |
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Cast Iron Skillet Lodge USA 10″ Heat Ring 2 Pour Spouts $6.50 |
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4-Piece Enamel Cast Iron Red Cookware / Cooking Set. $129.99 |
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vintage dansk cast iron 7 inch pot with lid blue $9.99 |
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PAIR 19th Century Antique Cast Iron Posts Finials $295.00 |
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NEW 8″pipe Wrench Cast Iron Handle Each Pipe Wrenches 02808 017197028083 $22.21 |
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MANUAL CEREAL + MULTI GRAIN MILL ( MANUAL HEAVY-DUTY CAST IRON) BY WESTON BRAND $43.99 |
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NEW Lodge Logic Seasoned 5 Qt Dutch Oven Cast Iron Loop $44.99 |
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Lodge L8SGP3 – Lodge Logic Square Grill Pan, 10.5 in, Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron $32.05 |
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Lodge Logic Seasoned 4 Qt Cast Iron Dutch Oven w/ Cover $58.99 |
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COAT HAT RACK GOTHIC cast iron KING ARTHUR ZEUS mythic $24.99 |
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Vintage Cast Iron Bear Bank $20.00 |
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OLD DUTCH 27 OZ CELERY & GOLD CAST IRON SERENDIPITY TEAPOT BRAND NEW TEA KETTLE $53.35 |
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OLD DUTCH 32 OZ DUSTY PLUM CAST IRON FELICITY TEAPOT DECORATED TEA KETTLE NEW $53.20 |
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OLD DUTCH 32 OZ MUSTARD CAST IRON CLARITY TEAPOT SUPERB DURABILITY TEA KETTLE NU $54.15 |
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OLD DUTCH 34 OZ MUSTARD UNITY CAST IRON PROSPERITY TEAPOT BRAND NEW KETTLE $53.10 |
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OLD DUTCH 34 OZ TEA GREEN UNITY CAST IRON PROSPERITY TEAPOT BRAND NEW KETTLE $55.15 |
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10 Units of Cast Iron Train Muffin Pan New Bulk Wholesale Lots $29.24 |
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NEW Lodge Logic Pre-Seasoned 5 Qt Dutch Oven Cast Iron $49.99 |
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OLD DUTCH 38 OZ COPPER CAST IRON NOBILITY TEAPOT NOT INTENDED FOR STOVETOP USE $54.15 |
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OLD DUTCH 38 OZ MOSS GREEN CAST IRON NOBILITY TEAPOT FOR BREWING AND SERVING TEA $51.55 |
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Lodge Pro Logic Double Cast Iron 14″ Pizza Pan NEW! $49.99 |
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Cast Iron Lab Triangular Support Stand Biology Chemistry 62 cm (24″) Height, New $21.99 |
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NEW Drop Biscuit Pan Each Cast Iron L7B3 075536377001 $38.34 |
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Lodge Logic Pre-Seasoned 9 Qt Dutch Oven Cast Iron NEW! $99.99 |
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Lodge Logic 8-Quart Camp Dutch Oven Griddle Cast Iron $79.99 |
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Lodge Logic Pre-Seasoned Round Cast-Iron Grill Press $33.88 |
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Bench Table Hand Arbor Press Cast Iron Unknown tonnage Made in China $55.00 |
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APW Wyott GCRB-18H-CE LP – 18-in Countertop Char-Rock Charbroiler w/ Cast Iron $1,189.19 |
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old industrial WILCO LIGHT LATHE MACHINERY SWITCH Cast Iron 500v 3 Phase nos $19.72 |
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Kohler K-5848-2U-7 Black Single Basin Cast Iron Bar Sink from the Napa Series $461.08 |
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Three Vintage Cast Iron Brass Metal Ornate Lamp Base Parts Restoration Rebuild $8.00 |
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shabby chippy cast iron soap dish or business card holder $22.00 |
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2 Vintage Nestor Martin Cast Iron Maidens Candlesticks $459.00 |
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Standing Cast Iron Bird Bath $39.00 |
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Clawfoot Tub – Cast Iron $1,800.00 |
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Sun Valley Cast Iron Gas Stove Heater Townsend II $989.99 |
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Sun Valley Cast Iron Gas Stove Heater Townsend II $989.99 |
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Super top Cast iron 10 Wraps Shader Liner Tattoo Machine gun kit supply F TIP $14.46 |
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Lodge Enamel Cast Iron 6 Qt Dutch Oven Pot Seasoned NEW $63.88 |
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Lodge Enamel Cast Iron 6 Qt Dutch Oven Pot BLUE NEW! $74.88 |
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Cast Iron Strong Tattoo Machine Gun for Shader Liner YL41 $13.95 |
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BEAUTIFUL Antique Fixed Seat Stool with Cast Iron Cabriole Legs – SUPER $250.00 |
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New Cast Iron Tattoo Machine Gun Shader Liner 10 Wraps Coils White M1043-4 $14.99 |
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Custom Cast Iron Tattoo Machine Liner Shader Gun HM27 $28.00 |
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HONDA CIVIC CRX 1988-2000 D-SERIES T3/T4 TURBOCHARGER+CAST IRON TURBO MANIFOLD $215.00 |
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Set of 2 Cast Iron Western Hanging Hooks $23.38 |
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Set of 2 Cast Iron Cowboys & Horses Hooks $23.38 |
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Set of 3 Cast Iron White Dolphin / Fish Hook $28.05 |
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2 * CAST ANTIQUE IRON 3½” H HINGE HINGES + Screws $10.43 |
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BEAUTIFUL Antique Fixed Seat Stool Cast Iron Base Black Leatherette Seat – SaLe! $75.00 |
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Weld in a Tube Liquid JB WELD bonds cast Iron & Steel $29.59 |
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PIG DOOR PORTER STOP rust cast iron COUNTRY FARM PIGGY $27.99 |
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Set of 2 Black Cast Iron Swivel Hook $18.70 |