Credit:
Utopia Kitchen
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Credit:
Utopia Kitchen
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This 12.5-inch cast iron skillet distributes heat evenly to help you cook any meal to perfection. It comes pre-seasoned for added convenience. Read More
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Just the thought of cast iron cookware seems to ignite the senses. The name itself calls to mind the warmth of a savory, delicious, comforting meal. If you’ve recently begun your cast-iron journey, or have no idea what we’re talking about, you’ve come to the right place. The first thing to know is we’re talking about one pan that can essentially do it all—from the ideal cook to the tastiest seasoning.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a family of ten, good cast iron cookware is the staple we all need. This heavy-duty kitchen essential, also referred to as a cast iron pan or cast iron skillet, offers an ideal way to cook all your favorite foods on any cooking surface. From your stove top to your oven, to your outdoor grill, to your campfire—this cast iron cookware taking the world by storm can handle any high temperature, and gives your meals the flavor they deserve.
Plus, they last a really long time. Just be sure you never throw it in the dishwasher. While some cookware comes with a pre-existing layer of seasoning, both for flavor and for creating a non-stick surface, you can also choose to season the pan on your own with flaxseed oil, vegetable oil, or another oil of your choosing.
We could go on about our love of cast iron forever, but let’s get to it. Here’s some of the best cast iron cookware you can get online now.
Pre-seasoned
Extra affordable
Convenient size
Reviews mention its thinness
Extremely durable
Easy to clean
Takes up minimal storage space
Not pre-seasoned
Cleans easily
Multiple color options
Scores high in a variety of cooking tests
Smaller-than-average-base
Pre-seasoned
Extra affordable
Made to last
Reviewers mention having to oil often
One of the most interesting things about cast iron griddles, skillets, and pans is the cleaning process. Let’s get one thing clear right away—no dishwasher! Ever!
To properly clean your cast iron, first allow it to cool after use. Next, wipe away any leftover food particles. You can use a paper towel or a plastic food scraper for this. For any food or grease that’s still hanging around, gently clean the skillet or pan with a non-abrasive sponge, warm water, and the tiniest bit of dish soap.
Wipe the entire surface, rinse with hot water, and dry immediately. Lastly, season if needed. The cleaning process for cast iron cookware is simple and easy, and, if done right, will keep your pan rust-free and hanging around for a very long time.
Seasoning is the fun part, and there are so many options. First, heat your oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. While you wait for it to heat up, use a paper towel to spread a thin layer of oil across the surface of your pan.
Next, put your skillet, griddle, or pan into the oven and bake it for one hour. Be sure to put a pan underneath the cast iron to catch any oil that drips down.
Some great options for oils include:
While cast iron does rust easily when not properly cared for, rust is not the death of your cookware. First, use a non-metallic scraper or stiff-bristled nylon brush to scrape away as much loose rust as possible. Next, make a rust-removing mix and apply it to all rusty areas. A great recipe for this is a mixture of 1 tablespoon lemon juice and one cup of baking soda.
Let this sit for 24 hours or until it has cut through all the rust. Remove it with a soft-bristled brush, rinse with hot water, and dry thoroughly. Bam! Brand-new cast iron cookware.
Cast iron skillets, griddles, pots, and pans are pretty straightforward pieces of cookware that produce amazing results. Slowly preheat your cookware on the stove top to medium heat, add a small amount of oil, add your cook, and get to cooking! For cooking in the oven, follow the same rules and then transfer to the oven. Proper preheating is the best way to get an even cook with delicious results.
Toni Noe’
Contributor
Toni Noe’ is a valued contributor to the Reviewed.com family of sites.
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