The best cast iron pan - how to choose

Cast-iron frying pans have been used since ancient times, since then they were the only possible varieties. After that, dishes of more modern materials began to be produced, which allowed young housewives to learn how to cook. But the benefits of cast iron are not forgotten, and more and more customers are buying pans made of this material. Today they are improved, but the principle of their "work" has remained the same. Next, questions will be discussed why the demand for the dishes presented is growing day by day, as well as how to choose a cast iron pan correctly.

Advantages and disadvantages of cast iron cookware

The selection and purchase of a cast-iron frying pan should take place only after studying all the characteristics of the dishes presented. The positive factors include the following factors:

Cast iron cookware of standard round size

• Cast iron types of pans make it possible to quickly cook a wide variety of dishes - the surface heats up quickly and evenly holds heat, which saves energy and gas.
• The presented material does not produce toxic components during heating.
• Cast-iron cookware is universal - it can be used for cooking on any gas and electric surface.
• The dishes are characterized by the presence of non-stick properties.
• Cast iron is durable.
• The material does not deform with prolonged heating.
• For a long time, the original appearance is preserved.

The disadvantages of cast iron utensils include:

• Cast iron utensils will have to be carefully looked after - such a pan cannot be washed with cleaning agents, or left wet to prevent rust formation.
• These pans are heavy, so you will only have to use them in the kitchen for cooking certain dishes.
• The presented kind of model has large diameters, therefore it is difficult to manage with them inexperienced hostess.
• Cooked food cannot be stored in a cast-iron pan.

Choose dishes carefully. It is better to hold the pan in your hands for a long time. This will help determine the choice if hand movements are required in cooking.

Types of Cast Iron Pans

Modern technologies do not stand still, and today we can distinguish the following types of dishes:

• Designed for induction cookers. This is the most popular type of pan, because it allows you to use it everywhere. Immediately after removal from the surface, the dishes cool down almost instantly.

For induction cooker

• Uncoated - this type of cookware is designed for use in all conditions, such pans can be used for cooking on an open fire. From such an impact the surface of the dishes will not be damaged and its service life will not be reduced. Most of the products offered for purchase are Russian-made.

Uncoated kit

• With non-stick coating - a special non-stick coating is created to make it easier to care for pans. You can use a standard dishwashing detergent. The special layer additionally provides protection against the absorption of smells of cooked food into the material.

Non-stick model

• With enamel treatment - the special coating presented makes it possible to fry food with minimal effort and experience. Cast iron warms up faster due to the presence of enamel.

With enamel finish

The disadvantages of cast-iron coated pans are fear of damage to the enamel or non-stick layer. So, the slightest blow can lead to a chip, which will later crumble. If a shard gets into the esophagus, you may encounter additional health problems.

The choice - what to look for

The best pan is the one that suits the hostess. Therefore, the choice is in accordance with her wishes. But one cannot but pay attention to the main indicators and characteristics. So, when choosing, you need to consider the following points:

• Type of pan - stewpan, crepe maker, mini pan or deep fryer. The choice depends on the destination. There are universal options that are advised to buy for novice housewives. In such dishes you can cook any dishes. With experience, it is recommended to acquire new options.

Cast iron stewpan

• Diameter - is also selected in accordance with the preferences and wishes of the family in terms of consumed food and ready meals. Modern models can have a diameter of up to 50 cm, which allows you to cook dishes for a large family. Standard crepes have a diameter of only 25 cm. You should choose according to the volume of the dishwasher.
• Type of non-stick coating. Modern dishes have 5 varieties of coating. It is teflon, ceramic, enameled, titanium and excaliburic. The coating in this case acts as a protection for cast iron. Some of them have unique properties that allow you to fry meat and fish to create a golden crust without adding vegetable oil. When choosing, it is necessary to take into account the features of the care of the coating. All varieties, except metal, can be cleaned with standard dishwashers.
• Wall and bottom thickness - cast iron pans have layers from 3 mm to 20 mm. All of them are intended for the preparation of certain dishes. For example, a thin layer is necessary for cooking sauces, and thick protective layers have an additional property of grilling. Choose the wall thickness in accordance with the preferences of the family in the prepared dishes.

Additionally pay attention to the presence of a cover or a removable handle. It all depends on the family’s cooking preferences.

Cast iron skillet care, non-stick properties

Modern cast iron pans have special protective layers - non-stick coating of various materials. All of them have the property of protection against burning foods during cooking. Despite the advantages presented, care for such dishes differs from standard cleaning.

Everything is explained by the property of the metal used: after the first calcination of the pan, the oil used in the preparation penetrates into the pores of the coating. As a result, the “oil effect” remains in the pan for a long time and is used as a natural lubricant. This protects against burning, but requires thorough and accurate cleaning to maintain the effect. Similarly, it is possible to restore the non-stick properties of an already obsolete cast-iron pan, but only if there are no cracks and chips in the coating.

Cast iron frying pans are subject to the following warnings and tips:

• The need for regular prevention. For this, immediately after cooking, the pan is washed with a soft cloth using a small amount of salt. Use of cleaning products is not recommended. Then the moisture is removed with cloth or cotton, but it is better to calcine it again on fire until it dries. After that, grease the inner surface of the pan with vegetable oil and remove for drying and subsequent storage in the cabinet.
• During prolonged use, a layer of fat and soot forms on the surface of the pan, which makes it necessary to wash the dishes with special care. There are two ways to do this. The first is to put the pan in a preheated oven for 2-3 hours.The presented method is applicable only to those varieties that do not have a handle, otherwise it may melt. After a short cooling, the carbon is removed, and its residues are cleaned with a metal sponge or brush. The second one is less long - the pan is kept under hot water for several minutes and then the dishes are washed using laundry soap and a metal sponge.
• Removing the resulting rust, which occurs due to improper washing, is a common problem in young housewives. Most of them make a mistake using emery and other materials. They allow surface damage. This is strictly forbidden, since in the cleaned places in the future the products will burn. To get rid of rust, the pan is soaked in water with vinegar, diluted in a ratio of 1: 1. Next, clean the rust with salt and a sponge and calcine the dishes, followed by lubrication with vegetable oil.

The basic rule in caring for a cast-iron pan that cannot be cleaned with standard dishwashers is to clean the compounds used to clean the hob. Such products do not have a large amount of abrasive substances, so they will not spoil the protective non-stick coating.

Well-known manufacturers of cast-iron pans

Today, manufacturers produce a huge number of cast iron pans. This leads to confusion for buyers. The following rating of the best manufacturers can help them further:

• BergHOFF is a Belgian company that currently pleases with the production of all kitchen utensils. Pans in this case are represented by three series, which have all types of coatings and types of designs. The company offers long-term guarantees for cast-iron pans - up to 10 years. The cost of such dishes from the presented manufacturer varies from 2500 to 3500 rubles.

Cookware manufacturer BergHOFF

• Fissman is a Chinese company for a short stay in the market that has gained popularity and boldly produces cast-iron frying pans of high quality. A wide selection of models and types of different price categories is offered.
• KitchenAid is an American-born company. It pleases consumers with all types of kitchen utensils - from napkins to large household appliances. But cast-iron pans are represented by only two varieties. Their quality is on top, which is why demand is increasing annually. The cost of the type of dishes in question reaches 20 thousand rubles.

KitchenAid Model

• Le Creuset - a French company delights consumers with beautiful dishes, including cast-iron frying pans. Types of dishes are diverse, and there are unique frying pans for baking donuts. The cost of the presented dishes is impressive. As well as an American company, this organization requires a good price for quality and ease of use. A simple crepe maker of standard sizes will cost about 10 thousand rubles. The cost is shown for purchase on the official website. When choosing in stores, such dishes are more expensive.

Le Creuset Model

• Biol - the company is located in Ukraine, pleases consumers with all types and forms of pans. To a greater extent, manufacturers produce products in standard round shapes. The advantage is affordable cost. But this does not affect the deterioration of the quality of the dishes. The presented pans have thick walls and removable handles. They are easy to purchase in Russia or order from the manufacturer directly via the Internet.
• Dobrynya is a Russian manufacturer that specializes more in the production of electrical household appliances. Cast iron pans are obtained in the same quality as in foreign companies. But users note that cast iron itself is of poor quality, therefore, it is recommended to purchase coated models. The cost of cast-iron pans is available, so it is very popular.

Model of the company Dobrynya

These are only the main manufacturing companies that offer high-quality cast-iron pans. When choosing, you should pay attention to quality. Quality is a high cost. It is required to choose models with a warranty for the long term. This will lead to confidence in the subsequent use of utensils.