The Cast Iron Skillet: Why It's A Kitchen Essential

Cast iron skillets are a popular choice for cooking due to their durability, heat retention, and versatility. They are known for their ability to reach high temperatures and maintain a consistent heat level, making them ideal for searing meat and cooking foods that require high heat. Cast iron skillets are also oven-safe, adding to their versatility. While they require proper seasoning and maintenance, a well-seasoned cast iron skillet can be virtually non-stick and can last for decades or even generations. They are generally affordable and widely available, making them a great addition to any kitchen.

Cast iron skillets are more durable

Cast iron skillets are renowned for their durability. They are constructed from an alloy of steel and carbon, making them ultra-durable and able to withstand nicks, dents, and scratches. This durability means cast iron skillets can last a lifetime, with some 75-year-old skillets still in use.

Cast iron skillets are also highly versatile. They can be used for a variety of cooking methods, including searing, frying, baking, and deep-frying. Their ability to retain heat makes them ideal for cooking foods that require high and consistent temperatures, such as meats that need a hard sear. The heat retention of cast iron skillets also makes them suitable for baking, as they produce a deep brown crust on baked goods.

Cast iron skillets are easy to maintain and can be washed with mild soap and water. While they require proper care and seasoning, they are tough and challenging to ruin completely. Their durability and versatility make cast iron skillets a valuable addition to any kitchen.

They are naturally non-stick

Cast iron skillets are naturally non-stick due to their seasoning—a thin layer of polymerized oil that forms when fats are heated to a certain point, causing them to reorganize into something resembling a plastic coating and bond to the metal. This coating improves with age and can be easily repaired.

To create a non-stick cast iron skillet, heat the pan until it is smoking hot, then rub a little oil into it and let it cool. Repeat this process a few times and you're good to go. It's important to note that cast iron skillets are not as non-stick as Teflon, but with proper pre-heating and seasoning, food should not stick.

Some cast iron skillets are also machined smooth to provide a naturally non-stick cooking surface. This smooth surface is easier to clean than rough cast iron, as food is less likely to get stuck in crevices.

It's worth mentioning that cast iron skillets are often marketed as non-stick, but this is not always the case. Some skillets may require more thorough seasoning to achieve a non-stick surface. Additionally, the level of non-stickiness can depend on the type of food being cooked. For example, scrambled eggs and frittatas may stick to a poorly seasoned pan, while a well-seasoned pan can fry eggs nicely.

They are versatile

Cast iron skillets are incredibly versatile. They can be used for a variety of cooking methods, including searing, frying, baking, grilling, roasting, and stir-frying. Their ability to retain heat makes them ideal for cooking foods that require high and consistent temperatures, such as steak, cornbread, and stir-fries.

Cast iron skillets are also oven-safe, allowing for a seamless transition from stovetop to oven, which is especially useful for dishes like braises and frittatas. Their heat retention properties also make them excellent for baking, producing deeply coloured and crisp crusts on pies, cornbread, and cookies.

Additionally, cast iron skillets can be used for deep-frying, eliminating the need for a separate deep fryer. Their durability and ability to withstand high temperatures make them suitable for outdoor cooking as well, whether on a grill or over a fire pit.

The versatility of cast iron skillets extends to their compatibility with various heat sources. They can be used on gas, electric, induction cooktops, and even campfires, making them a versatile option for both indoor and outdoor cooking.

Furthermore, cast iron skillets come in a range of sizes, from petite pans for frying a single egg to larger skillets suitable for feeding a family. They also vary in weight, with some newer options being lighter and easier to manoeuvre, making them accessible to those with wrist or arm strength issues.

Cast iron skillets are also versatile in terms of maintenance. While they have a reputation for being high-maintenance, modern cast iron skillets are often pre-seasoned and can be washed with mild soap and water. With proper care, cast iron skillets can last for decades, becoming even more nonstick and versatile with age and use.

They are ideal for searing meat

Cast iron skillets are ideal for searing meat. Their ability to retain heat and stay hot makes them perfect for getting a good sear on meat. Unlike thinner pans made from materials like aluminium, cast iron pans maintain a consistent temperature, even when food is added. This means that meat can be evenly browned without burning.

The Maillard reaction is a chemical reaction that occurs when food is cooked at high temperatures. This reaction transforms the texture of the meat and creates the distinct and delicious flavour compounds found in browned foods. Cast iron skillets are great facilitators of the Maillard reaction.

Cast iron skillets are also oven-safe, meaning they can be used on the stovetop and in the oven. This makes them perfect for recipes that require the use of multiple cooking methods, such as searing a steak on the stovetop and then finishing it in the oven.

To get the most out of a cast iron skillet when searing meat, it is important to preheat the pan. This allows the pan to absorb the heat and ensures a consistent crust. It is also important to pat the meat dry before adding it to the pan, as excess moisture can affect the sear. Additionally, using a oil with a high smoke point, such as canola oil, is recommended to prevent the oil from breaking down and smoking at high temperatures.

They are easy to clean

Cast iron skillets are easy to clean, despite what you may have heard. While some sources claim that cast iron should not be washed with soap, others say that a small amount of soap is fine, and that it won't damage the pan's seasoning. In fact, one source recommends using soap, hot water, and a scrubbing brush to clean your cast iron skillet. If you do use soap, make sure to rinse the pan well and then season it again.

If you want to avoid using soap, you can simply use water and a scrubbing brush to clean your pan. You can also use kosher salt, a scrubber, and neutral oil to scrub away any mess. If you're dealing with stuck-on food, try using some salt and a dry towel to lift the food away. The abrasion of the salt, combined with the surface area of the towel, will help amplify your elbow grease. You can also try boiling a little water in the pan to loosen the food.

If your cast iron skillet has developed rust, don't panic! Simply scrub the rust off with steel wool and warm water, then rub the pan with oil. Your cast iron skillet will be as good as new.

Frequently asked questions