The Best Cast Iron Cookware Set Reviews
Cast Iron Cookware Set. If you’re looking for the ultimate in long lasting cookware, invest in cast iron pots and pans because they are affordable, versatile and highly durable. Cast iron pans are also excellent conductors of heat and they retain it well. Here is more detailed information on cast iron cookware that will help you decide whether or not it is the right product for your kitchen.
Below is a list a top 5 cast iron cookware set:
- Amazon Basics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Piece Kitchen Cookware Set, Pots and Pans
- MegaChef Assorted Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Cookware Set, 5 Piece, Black
- Utopia Kitchen Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Set 3-Piece – 6 Inch, 8 Inch and 10 Inch Cast Iron Set – Black
- Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 5 Piece Set, Black
Also read: Best Non Stick Cookware Set
Seasoning Cast Iron Cookware Sets
The trick with cast iron cookware is in the way it is seasoned, or prepped, for use. When seasoned properly, the surface is nonstick. So, if you purchase a new cast iron pot, pan or skillet, it is imperative that you season it prior to using it.
It is recommended that you avoid using dish soap to clean a cast iron skillet once it has been seasoned, but prior to seasoning it for the first time, wash the skillet in warm soapy water and dry it thoroughly. Next, coat the skillet in shortening and bake it in a preheated oven at 375° for one hour. After removing the pan from the oven, rub the now melted shortening over its surface to redistribute the oil, and then place it back in the oven for another hour. Finally, remove the cast iron pan from the oven, allow it to cool to the touch, wipe off the excess oil while the pan is still warm, and then store it in a cool, dry place. You may need to repeat the process on occasion, but typically the foods you cook in the skillet will help keep the surface of the pan seasoned.
Uses for Cast Iron Cookware Set
A major benefit of having a cast iron cookware set in your cooking arsenal is the fact that it is so versatile. It can go from stove top to oven, or from the campfire to the broiler. Cast iron can also be used to do everything from baking corn bread or cake, to frying bacon and eggs. Excellent for browning and long slow-simmering recipes, or frying or roasting foods, cast iron cookware is incredibly versatile. The only caveat is that its surface is reactive, so it doesn’t work well with acidic foods.
A cast iron skillet is also ideal for those who cook a lot of solid meat portions, including steaks and pork chops, since it produces a great textured crust on the meat’s surface and cooks foods evenly without hot spots. In fact, cast iron is second only to copper in terms of balanced heat retention and distribution.
While cast iron is highly regarded for its versatility, some people are concerned with the iron that leeches into the food. For those who are iron deficient, it can be a good thing, but be aware that the leeching may cause acidic foods, such as lemon or tomatoes, to change color a bit. Also, do not use your cast iron skillet to boil water because tiny bits of oil will end up floating around in it and water can cause the skillet to rust. Do not store food in the skillet either, as it will cause the food to take on a metallic taste.
Cast Iron Cookware Set Costs
Cast iron skillets can be purchased either pre-seasoned (coated) or unseasoned. The unseasoned skillets are less expensive and more versatile, but require light ongoing maintenance. Regarding the price point, when you consider the versatility of cast iron pots and pans, they are inexpensive. The price of the cookware will vary, of course, depending on quality and brand, but a single cast iron skillet without a lid can range between about $15 and $60. Add another $10 for a pan with a lid.
Many people don’t want to contend with seasoning cast iron, so they opt for the coated variety. Coated cast iron skillets won’t leech iron into foods, but cannot be used when cooking over a campfire. A single coated cast iron skillet can range in price between $25 and $85.
Ideal Consumer for Cast Iron Cookware Set
Since cast iron can be used to bake, fry, broil, sear, and simmer, it is an ideal kitchen tool for nearly everyone. Contrary to what many people believe, cast iron skillets do not require much oil. When cared for properly, food won’t stick to its surface, so cast iron is even a great choice for those who like the idea of cooking with little or no oil, but are concerned about potential toxin dangers from Teflon surfaces.
Durability of Cast Iron Cookware Sets
It goes without saying that cast iron is incredibly durable. When cared for, cast iron can literally last a lifetime. In fact, cast iron cookware is so durable that it is often handed down between generations.
Cleaning of Cast Iron Cookware Set
The surface of cast iron is easy to clean as long as it is maintained properly. Since food won’t stick to the surface of a correctly seasoned cast iron skillet, food removal is a cinch once it’s done cooking. What you will have left is a no hassle, easy to clean skillet. However, what you don’t do is just as important as what you do when cleaning your cast iron cookware set.
Simply wipe out the pan and rinse it in hot water. If food does get stuck to the skillet, use a soft sponge or cloth to clean it out or, for stubborn stuck on food, use a paste of water and coarse kosher salt. Never use abrasive scrubbers or cleaners. In fact, it’s wise not to use any dish soap, if possible, as the soap will break down the pan’s seasoned surface. Also, do not put the skillet in the dishwasher.
Clean your skillet while it is still warm. Do not soak it because that leads to rust. After it’s clean, dry the skillet immediately with a towel or by heating it on the stove. Finally, if necessary, apply a light coating of oil or melted shortening, and then buff it out to remove excess oil.
Cast iron pots and pans have been used for cooking since the 5th century BC, and for good reason. They are versatile and equally durable. If you choose to invest in cast iron cookware, and then pay special attention to keeping it properly maintained, it can easily last a lifetime.