Cast Iron

CAST IRON COOKWARE

Lodge 5 Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven

A little while ago, I was in the market for a cast iron skillet.  I had never owned one before as I was wary of cookware that requires seasoning to maintain it but I now felt like my kitchen was incomplete without it.

For example what else would do for those steaks that need to be seared on the stove top and finished off in the oven?  Or a spinach frittata!

I set out to do my research.    Which brand should I buy and was there any way around the requirement to season cast iron cookware?

The first thing I found out was that cast iron comes either bare or enameled.    Enameled cast iron has the advantage of not needing seasoning as well as preventing rust.  However, it obviously does not have the same non-stick feature as bare seasoned cast iron.   It’s also much pricier.  Le Creuset is the name that stands out in high quality enameled cast iron cookware.  This is cookware designed to last longer than you!

However, much as I would have loved to splurge on Le Creuset, I was looking for more value for my money.  And I found this simple Lodge Logic skillet.  This pan comes in a variety of sizes so whatever your need you are sure to find what you need.

Here is why I liked this product:

  1. It comes pre-seasoned, ready to use.
  1. Excellent value for money as far as quality of product goes.  As one happy customer said: it is outstanding, don’t let the price fool you.  Lodge has been in business for over 100 years and really stand behind their products.
  1. Considered an heirloom piece that will outlast you!  For the price it is offered at, that’s an unbeatable advantage.  Lodge describes their cookware as ‘brutally tough for decades of cooking’.  
  1.  The bare cast iron offers a health benefit as it allows some dietary iron to leach into food.
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

Any disadvantages?

  1. Of course, even though it is pre-seasoned, the seasoning does need to be replenished with a coat of oil after every cleaning.
  1. Also, many users state that the initial pre-seasoning just prevents the pan from rusting before it gets to you, you do need to do some more seasoning before you get a desirable non-stick quality.  However, once that’s done, the pan performs wonderfully and is quite easy to maintain. [Click here for 7 Steps to Seasoning Cast Iron]
  1. Overall, I think Lodge Cast Iron Cookware stands up to its reputation and gives excellent value for money.  So if you are in the market for bare cast iron cookware, this one deserves a look.

Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

7 thoughts on “Cast Iron”

  1. I would like to know more about carbon steel cookware. I am researching that it is safer (healthier) than cast iron. In fact I found in researching that ceramic & lava rock cookware are both better than cast iron. I am trying to find out more about which type is the best, safest & healthiest. Price is not a factor over health for me. I look forward to hearing your response. Thank you.

    Reply
  2. Hi..I saw new lighter version of cast iron .. blue carbon steel preseasoned frying pan in market. It has smooth glossy finish like nonstick..n of course much lighter than cast iron. Brand name is pro professional steel and it claims stronger than any nonstick and 10 year guarantee. I want to know your take on this.
    Thanks in advance

    Reply
    • Hi Bhaavi, I’m not familiar with this brand so can’t answer to specifics. Think of a carbon steel pan as a thinner and therefore lighter version of a cast iron pan (mainly because carbon steel allows it to be rolled out thinner). If this pan says it is pre-seasoned then it doesn’t seem like it would have a non-stick coating. The non-stick abilities of a cast iron/carbon steel pan improve over time as a better patina (i.e. surface layer) is formed.
      Beyond that, I can’t say if the product will hold up to its 10 year guarantee.
      I would just say if you like it, go for it. Personally, I’ve enjoyed years of use from my unknown name brand carbon steel wok that I picked up at a random store many years ago.

      Reply

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