Tiffany Haney
Cast iron pans are renowned for their durability and even heat distribution, but one common issue is their handles getting too hot to hold. While some cast iron pans have plastic or wooden handles, these often cannot go in the oven, and integrated cast iron handles can become scorching. However, there are some cast iron pans with hollow steel or metal handles that stay cool and are oven-safe. For example, the Stargazer cast iron skillet has a long handle that doesn't get hot as quickly, and the Lodge Blacklock cast iron skillet has a looped handle that stays cool. There are also handle covers made of materials like silicone and leather that can be used to protect your hands when handling hot cast iron pans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Handle material | Wood, Metal, Plastic, Silicone, Ceramic |
| Handle design | Looped, Forked, Ergonomic, Hollow, Integrated |
| Handle cover | Leather, Silicone |
| Pan material | Cast iron, Carbon steel, Stainless steel, Aluminium, Wrought iron |
| Pan weight | 1.81-15 pounds |
| Pan size | 7-14.5 inches |
| Pan colour | Black, Blue |
| Pan price | $20-$200 |
What You'll Learn
Cast iron pans with wooden handles
Wooden handles on cast iron pans offer safer handling by protecting the user from the heat of the pan. However, it is important to note that wooden handles are not oven-safe. At broiling temperatures, wood emits combustible gases that can ignite, and at baking temperatures, wooden handles can split, making the pan unsafe. Therefore, cast iron pans with wooden handles are only suitable for stovetop use.
When it comes to caring for your cast iron pan with a wooden handle, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for maintenance and long-term care. In general, cast iron pans should not be soaked or left to air-dry, as this can lead to rust. Instead, they should be wiped with a towel immediately after rinsing and dried on a burner to remove excess moisture. Additionally, it is recommended to lightly oil the pan after use and before storing.
Overall, cast iron pans with wooden handles offer a stylish and functional option for home cooks, providing even heat distribution and excellent heat retention.
Cubans' Pots and Pans: A Protest Anthem
You may want to see also
Hollow steel/metal handles
Hollow steel or metal handles are a feature of many aluminium and stainless steel pans, but cast iron pans usually have integrated handles that get very hot during cooking. Some cast iron pans have detachable handle covers, but these are not always desirable.
There are a few options for cast iron pans with hollow steel/metal handles. One option is the Stargazer skillet, which has a forked handle that stays cool for longer. Another option is a Danish store that sells a cast iron pan with a stainless steel handle, which is designed to be easier to hold. A similar model is available on a British site:
> https://www.souschef.co.uk/products/skeppshult-professional-cast-iron-stainless-steel-frying-pan
Le Creuset also offers cast iron pans with wooden handles, which can be found on their French site:
> https://www.lecreuset.fr/fr_FR/p/poele-signature-en-fonte-emaillee-avec-manche-en-bois/CI0258.html
There are also some designs that were patented back in the 1870s and 1880s that address the hot handle issue. These designs usually involve thinner sections and open sections for airflow and radiation.
One possible reason why hollow steel/metal handles are not more common on cast iron pans is the cost. Integrated handles are the cheapest way to manufacture a pan, and adding hollow handles would involve additional drilling and forging, increasing the price of the final product.
Additionally, an 'applied' handle made of a different material may create a weak point where the handle meets the pan, and there is a risk of the handle becoming worn over time. This could render the pan useless and may explain why manufacturers prefer to use time-tested integrated handles.
Pan-Seared Steak: The Ultimate Flavor Boost
You may want to see also
Handle covers
While cast iron pans are beloved for their even heat distribution, the handles on these pans also get hot, making them difficult to handle without protection. This is where handle covers come in. These covers are designed to protect your hands from the hot handles of cast iron pans, and they come in a variety of materials, including silicone, leather, and fabric.
Silicone handle covers are a popular option, with many options available on Walmart. These covers are designed to fit snugly over the handle of your cast iron pan, providing a heat-resistant barrier between your hand and the hot handle. They are typically dishwasher-safe and can withstand high temperatures, making them a durable and convenient choice.
If you're looking for something more stylish, leather handle covers are also available from various sellers on Etsy. These covers offer a rustic and personalised look while still providing protection from the heat. Fabric handle covers are another option, often handmade and available in a variety of patterns and designs. These fabric options are perfect for those who want a more unique and personalised touch to their kitchen.
For those who want an integrated heat-resistant handle on their cast iron pan, Scandinavian and Japanese brands often feature wooden handles on their cast iron cookware. These wooden handles provide a natural and effective way to keep your hands cool while cooking.
In conclusion, while cast iron pans with hot handles can be a challenge to handle, there are plenty of options for handle covers that can provide both protection and style. Whether you choose silicone, leather, or fabric, these covers will help you safely manage your cast iron cookware. For those seeking an integrated solution, Scandinavian and Japanese brands offer cast iron pans with wooden handles that stay cool during cooking.
Flouring a Bundt Pan: To Do or Not to Do?
You may want to see also
Scandinavian and Japanese brands
There are a few Scandinavian and Japanese cast iron pan brands that offer products with handles that are less likely to get hot.
Scandinavian Brands
Iittala Sarpaneva
The Iittala Sarpaneva cast iron pot is designed to be used both in the kitchen and on the dining table. Its wooden handle can be used to carry the pot or to lift off the lid for stirring. The pot is perfect for slow cooking over long periods of time, and its enamelled cast ironware surface prevents sticking and lingering flavours.
Fiskars
Fiskars offers a range of cast iron pans in different sizes and styles, including the Norden and Brasserie collections. Some of their pans feature removable wooden handles for use in the oven.
Japanese Brands
Iwachu
Iwachu offers a range of cast iron cookware, including casserole pots, rice cookers, and frying pans, some of which feature detachable handles.
Ippinka
Ippinka offers a Japanese Enameled Multipurpose Cast Iron Pan with Lid, which is made from durable and high-quality cast iron. Its enamel coating prevents rusting and makes it easier to maintain than traditional cast iron pans. The unique design of the handles allows for easy and safe opening and closing of the lid.
Greasing and Flouring Pans: Cranberry Bread
You may want to see also
Stargazer cast iron skillets
Stargazer skillets are made of cast iron and are available in two sizes: medium and large. The medium-sized skillet is 10.5 inches and weighs 5.2 pounds, making it perfect for cooking meals for two. The large-size skillet is ideal for family dinners.
The skillets are meticulously crafted in the USA and come with a lifetime warranty. They have a unique handle design that stays cool longer, making handling safer and easier. The skillets also have a drip-free flared rim, which allows for clean pouring from any angle. The surface is smooth to the touch, naturally non-stick, and easy to clean. The proprietary micro-textured surface finish holds onto seasoning.
Customers have praised the skillet's design, performance, and ease of use. The skillets have received an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. One reviewer claims that it is the "best pan I ever had," while another highlights the unique design and stay-cool handle.
The Stargazer skillets are available for purchase on the Stargazer website, with free shipping and returns within the US. The 10.5-inch skillet is priced at $115.00. You can choose between the pre-seasoned skillet, treated with a blend of canola, grapeseed, and sunflower oil, or the bare version, which you can season yourself.
Camper Kitchen Storage Solutions
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are cast iron pans with handles that stay cool or don't conduct heat. These include the Lodge Blacklock Cast Iron Skillet, the Stargazer Cast Iron Skillet, the Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Skillet, the Skeppshult Professional Cast Iron Frying Pan, and the Ikea cast iron pan.
Some cast iron pans with handles that stay cool include the Lodge Blacklock Cast Iron Skillet, the Stargazer Cast Iron Skillet, and the Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Skillet.
No, cast iron pans do not have plastic handles as they are made entirely of cast iron. However, some cast iron pans have wooden handles, such as the Ikea cast iron pan and the Skeppshult Professional Cast Iron Frying Pan.
Cast iron pans often have integrated cast iron handles that get hot because cast iron is a poor conductor of heat. This means that it takes longer to heat up but retains heat well.
You can use a handle cover, such as a silicone or leather cover, to prevent the handle of your cast iron pan from getting too hot. You can also look for cast iron pans with arched or forked handles, which stay cooler than straight handles.
