5 Benefits of Cooking with Cast Iron

The first thing we do before starting to prepare a meal is choose the cookware in which we’ll be cooking it. The cookware we use is important for a few reasons. In fact, one of the more common questions you’ll find asked by beginners on internet forums that deal with the subject of cooking and kitchenware is what type of pans they should buy. Often, those asking the questions are looking for strong, durable pans that are versatile and cost effective. Those replying to these questions will recommend cast iron pans for these reasons and more.

It’s Non-Stock without the Chemicals

Most pans you’ll find these days will feature some form of non-stick coating, likely by using Teflon. New studies link the use of these coatings to some associated health risks relating to things like liver problems, brain health and even some hormone imbalances. When heated, these non-stick coatings release chemicals called perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), particularly when the pan is dry, or the non-stick coating is scratched. It really is best to just avoid these coatings and opt instead for the naturally non-stick properties found in cast iron cookware.

It Can Last a Lifetime

If you’re looking for cookware that is going to stand up to the test of time, then cast iron is often considered the best choice. You might even have inherited some of your cast iron cookware from a parent or grandparent because it’s just that strong and durable. With proper care, cast iron cookware simply lasts forever. Because of this, it makes them cost effective. They’re affordable too. You also don’t need to worry about scratching off non-stick coating with a metal spatula or vigorous stirring because there aren’t any layers to scratch off. Plus, you can say goodbye to plastic cooking utensils that melt and become brittle over time and start using good quality metal ones.

It’s Cost-Effective and Affordable

Cookware endorsed by celebrity chefs or manufactured by big name brands can run into the hundreds of dollars per set or even per item. Inversely, cast iron cookware can be some of the most affordable cookware you’re likely to find. Couple this with just how long they’ll last and serve you, they’re one of the most cost-effective cookware choices on the market.

It’s Easy to Clean

Some people hold the misconception that cleaning cast iron requires hours of soaking in water and some real elbow grease to scrub clean with steel wool, but the opposite is, in fact, true.  If you use the correct methods for caring for and cleaning your cast iron cookware, you’ll barely feel like you’re washing pots at all. Do some reading about how to properly season and care for your cast iron pan and you’ll discover that you can wash a cast iron pan in 30 seconds right after you’ve used it with no hassle. You should, however, avoid putting them in the dishwasher to avoid them losing their seasoning. 

It’s Versatile

You can use a cast iron pan literally anywhere. Whether you’re frying a meal on the stove, making a hearty stew in the oven, or frying up some onions on the barbecue outside, cast iron cookware will be right at home.

For these reasons, cast iron cookware, in many ways, makes the perfect cooking pot. Not only are they naturally non-stick, but if you care for them properly, they’ll last for many, many years. You can use them on the stovetop, in the oven and even outside on the barbecue too, making them one of the most versatile pieces of cookware you own!