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You know it very well that your kitchen would be incomplete without quality cast iron cookware. Be it pans, skillets or Dutch oven, the traditional cast iron cookware is part of every well equipped kitchen.
Cast iron cookware has been an integral part of our kitchen traditionally. It has many years of history. You must have witnessed your mom and grandma using them skillfully to cook delicious dishes for you, haven’t you?
I am sure they would never go out of style. The versatility, low price, and above all, the perfect cooking performance offered by the cast iron kitchenware leads to enjoyable cooking experience.
And believe me, it all begins with choosing the best cookware. If you are eager to sharpen your cooking skills, read further to find out more about the best cast iron cookware and the correct way to use them. Let’s start.
What is cast iron cookware?
Cast iron cookware is made of a melted metal containing a combination of steel, recycled scrap iron, pig iron, carbon, and limestone. All these materials are melted and later, poured into the mold of various shapes to make a range of cookware including pans, griddle, grill pan, Dutch oven, and so on.
Made of a combination of steel and other metals, it can withstand higher temperatures and hence, can be placed in your oven, and broiler without any problem. Moreover, this traditional cookware is quite cheap and guaranteed to last a very long time.
If you are impressed with these benefits, read further to find the best cast iron cookware you can buy to prepare yummy meals for you and our family.
Best cast iron Dutch oven
Lodge 7 Quart Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven
If you are itching to start using cast iron cookware immediately or don’t time to season it, you can use Lodge 7 Quart Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven. Just as the name suggests, it is a pre-seasoned Dutch oven, which you can use to prepare memorable meals.
The perfect seasoning of this Dutch oven is what can make all the difference. It is seasoned with 100% vegetable oil without using any synthetic coating or chemical. This would ensure higher durability of your oven. The more you use it, the better the seasoning gets.
Manufactured by the reputable brand, Lodge, it is one of the best cast iron Dutch Oven available at a very low price.
Best cast iron griddle
Lodge LPGI3 Pro-Grid Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle Pan
Do you know what I liked the most about this Grill/Griddle Pan?
This pan from Lodge is not only reversible but also provides excellent distribution and retention of heat. It also fits perfectly over 2 stovetop burners.
What more? The two handles of this pan allow you to lift it easily while flipping. Seasoned with 100% vegetable oil, it can be used safely to grill chicken and steak or cook eggs or pancakes. It is one of the best cast iron grills and griddle pans available in the low price range.
Best cast iron grill pan
Pre-Seasoned Victoria Cast Iron Square Grill Pan
Here’s another Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Square Grill Pan from Victoria. It is a square-shaped grilling pan that has been seasoned with 100% flaxseed oil.
The high-quality iron casting enhances its durability and provides excellent heat retention.
The long, curved handle of this pan is designed for easier handling and better leverage. The helper handle is a bigger than standard making it easier for you to lift it even with a potholder.
You can use this cast iron grill pan for grilling veggies, sandwiches, and meats. It is compatible with all types of kitchens including gas, electric, oven, induction, and camping.
Price is in the lower range.
Best cast iron teapot
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I just love this 6-piece Japanese tea set. It’s one to use for those special occasions! Its rich black color and the cherry blossom decorations are made to impress guests.
This teapot set includes one No products found.. The cast iron teapot is made to enhance the flavors of tea and retain heat for longer.
I also appreciate the enamel-coated interior that prevents rust and makes it easier for you to clean.
It comes with a stainless-steel mesh infuser that you can use to steep loose-leaf teas. You can use it to brew flavorful tea or heat water over a flame, or even an electric or glass burner.
The cost is in the higher range. Yet, I feel it makes up for a good purchase considering its higher quality, and aesthetics.
Best cast iron cookware
Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Piece Bundle
If you want to shop for a range of cast iron cookware, this 5-piece bundle from Lodge would be perfect for you.
It covers all your bases by offering 1 griddle, 2 skillets of different sizes, 1 Dutch oven and 1 cast iron cover that fits the larger skillet and Dutch oven.
This is not all. Lodge has made efforts to help ease your task by pre-seasoning this cookware.
Like all other cast iron cookware from this brand, these too are seasoned with 100% vegetable oil without any synthetic coating or chemical.
You can use it for searing, simmering, sautéing, baking, braising, frying, broiling, grilling, and roasting. Available at a reasonable price, this 5-piece set could be a great addition to your kitchen.
Best cast iron pans
Legend Cast Iron Skillet Set
Here’s another cast iron cookware set for your kitchen from Legend. Legend has created a reputation for itself by offering cast iron cookware with workhorse versatility and higher durability.
Cast iron cookware from Legend combines the rich heritage with the needs of the modern cooks. This set of nonstick skillets is cast from pure, solid, premium-grade iron and steel to master heat distribution and retention.
Its contemporary features include long integrated handles, a smoother finish, and a pan scraper. It is compatible with all cooktops.
You can use it over the highest flame on your stove, at medium heat in your oven, or even on the live campfire coals. You can grab it at a reasonable price.
Best cast iron skillet brand
Le Creuset Signature Iron Handle Skillet
What I liked about this Le Creuset Signature Iron Handle Skillet is it requires very little oil. This is why it is particularly recommended for those who want to cook low-fat meals to improve health and fitness.
This skillet is optimized for even and steady heat.
I also liked its enamel interior, which resists dulling, staining, and wear and tear. Its enamel interior means it doesn’t need additional seasoning, while its large-loop helper handle is designed to facilitate easy lifting and better grip.
If you are ready to pay the higher price, I am sure it will stay with you forever and support you while cooking delicious dishes.
Simple Chef Cast Iron Skillet
If you prefer to go easy on your pocket, you can opt for the budget-friendly option of skillet set from Simple Chef. It is a 3-piece set, which, though priced in a lower range, boasts of higher durability.
This factory-seasoned skillet is ready to use for cooking straight out of the box. The pre-seasoning makes it virtually non-stick, and easy to clean and keeps it protected against scratches!
The heat retention design offers superior flavors to your dishes while its sturdy handle aids in lifting.
This cast iron cookware from Simple Chef is also lauded for being multi-functional. It is suitable for different cooking methods including in the oven, on a stove-top, over a campfire, and for slow-cooking!
Best cast iron Dutch oven for camping
Lodge Deep Camp Dutch Oven
If you love camping, you can buy Lodge Deep Camp Dutch Oven.
What makes it different than other Dutch ovens is it comes with a portable, or easy-to-carry “camp stove” that allows you to personalize your camping experience by cooking the favorite dishes of your family.
Its flanged lid has been made to hold hot coals and integral legs have been designed to let the oven balance perfectly over the campfire.
If you are short of time and have already started packing for camping, buying this oven would be a great addition to your trip. It is pre-seasoned using soy-based vegetable oil. You just need to order it and pack it in your luggage once it arrives.
Best cast iron spatula
Mannkitchen Professional Grade Stainless Steel Spatula
You can not even think of using your cast iron Dutch oven or pan or grill unless you have the best cast iron spatula. If you do not have one, you can buy Mannkitchen Professional Grade Stainless Steel Spatula. It is perfect for cast iron flat-top grills and skillets.
Made of hardened stainless steel, it is your perfect companion in the kitchen. It can last longer and help you maneuver food being cooked on your grill with ease, thanks to its precision beveled straight edge.
It has a heat resistant, single-piece handle made of hardwood that provides a comfortable grip while trying to flip pancakes or omelets.
I am also impressed with its heavy-duty construction and the stiff gauge steel that eliminates the need for flex for burgers and the tough scraping tasks. I think for the low price at which it is available, it does make up for a must-have spatula in your kitchen.
The best oil to season cast iron
Organic Cast Iron Oil & Cast Iron Conditioner
If you want to take proper care of your cast iron cookware, you need to season it regularly.
Organic Cast Iron Oil & Cast Iron Conditioner by Kuche Chef could be what you need for this purpose.
Made from organic Flaxseed Oil, it can help you create an ultimate non-stick seasoning on all of your cast iron cookware.
By spending a few bucks, you can extend the lifespan of your cookware by several years. I think that’s a wise investment!
What makes flaxseed oil a great option for seasoning is it is a drying oil. It would never go rancid or make the cast iron sticky. Moreover, flaxseed oil is also edible and rich in omega 3 fatty acids.
This is why it is considered one of the best oils you can use for creating a non-stick seasoning on the cast iron cookware through fat polymerization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Just buying the best cast iron cookware is not enough. You must also know how to take good care of it so that it lasts longer.
If you want to learn the best ways to improve the durability of your cast iron pans, oven, and other cookware, read below to learn more about it. We will also have a look at how to use your cookware in the correct way.
How to season cast iron?
When you buy the cast iron pan, skillet or oven, you need to season it first before you start using it for cooking dishes. Seasoning refers to the initial finish of your cookware as well as the continuous process of preserving that finish. For seasoning, you can follow the simple steps given below.
- Scrub the pan/skillet with soap and warm water (only use soap for the first wash).
- Rinse it well and dry thoroughly.
- Add a small amount of melted shortening or vegetable oil on the surface of the pan and heat it at a temperature of 350-degrees F for a few minutes.
- Allow to cool and store it.
Now you can use this cookware for cooking. You need to season the cookware each time after cleaning. It will prevent rust formation and provide a natural and easy-release finish to the surface of the pan.
How to clean cast iron?
Cleaning of your cast iron cookware is quite easy and much similar to how you clean your other cookware.
- To begin with, simply remove the food stuck on it immediately after use. You may use a stiff brush or sponge to clean it. If the food stuck seems too stubborn to be removed, you can try cleaning it off using warm water.
- However, avoid rubbing or brushing it with steel wool, or any commercial kitchen detergent/soap as it may affect the seasoning of the pan.
- And of course, make sure you season it once again after cleaning it to avoid rusting and improve its durability.
What is the best way to clean the cast iron grill?
You might find it surprising that cast iron can’t withstand water. Although cast iron is tough and durable, water can cause deterioration and rust. To ensure it lasts, you should take proper precautions while cleaning your cast iron grill to make sure it doesn’t rust upon coming in contact with water. Here’s what you need to do:
- Clean the cast iron grilling grates after you have finished grilling. It is best to do this once the grates have cooled down a little, yet are a bit warm.
- Scrape the food particles from the grate using a wire brush. You can spray the grate with a diluted solution of apple cider vinegar and then wipe it off with a paper towel.
- Wash the grate using a mild soap and a sponge to remove excess grease.
- Rinse well with warm water.
- Dry the grill completely with a clean cloth.
- Season the grill by lightly coating the grate with vegetable shortening, vegetable oil, or olive oil.
- Heat the grate for a few minutes so that the oil saturates every pore of your cast iron grill to protect it against rust.
Now, your grill is ready to use. If you do not want to use it immediately, store it in a cool and dry place while making sure the grates have dried completely.
Conclusion
You can take your kitchen to the next level with quality cast iron skillet, Dutch oven, spatula, griddles, grill pan, and other cookware.
If I were to choose one item, based on the quality, versatility and durability, I feel Le Creuset Signature Iron Handle Skillet is the best addition to a kitchen.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, you can definitely opt for Simple Chef Cast Iron Skillet.
But, if you are just starting out or planning for a complete kitchen makeover, I feel Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Piece Bundle is the best one-stop solution for the range of cast iron cookware.
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