Cast iron pan: pros and cons, is it possible to bake in the oven, how to choose a cast iron pan, manufacturer rating

Cast iron is one of the most convenient as well as reliable materials, with almost no drawbacks. Cast iron pans are among the strongest. Many housewives prefer to use cast iron kitchen utensils. This type of kitchen tool is indispensable in the kitchen. The main thing to remember is that in order to prepare a decent dish, you need to use decent utensils.

There are many manufacturers, both domestic and foreign brands. They differ in the type of kitchen utensils presented and price categories.

Pros and cons of cast iron pans

Like all other dishes, these types of pans have both pros and cons.

1. The main and most common disadvantages of many include a large weight of products. And this minus is really present. It is very problematic to fry pancakes on such dishes, since it is difficult to evenly fill the pan with batter.
2. Many complain that this kind of pan is very difficult to clean, because the material practically does not allow it to be done completely. But the thing is that cast iron does not require this due to the fact that over time the oil gradually begins to be absorbed into the material. And if you overdo it and try to completely get rid of it, then this way you will only spoil the product by damaging the non-stick layer.

But it would be quite logical to completely get rid of the specific smell of a particular product, for example, fish. To do this, you do not need to use strong cleaning products, just use the usual soapy solution for washing dishes.

At some points, all the fat is simply washed off under the pressure of hot water, using a sponge or scraper.

Some may complain that this material has the ability to rust, but this happens only with rare use or if the oil is not used correctly.

If you have not used your kitchen tool for a long time, then it may happen that food will stick to the bottom. To avoid this, just heat the pan with salt, rinse with water and brush with oil.

Professionals who know a lot about cooking and have been doing this for far more than one day advise using margarine as a lubricating oil. And then heat the pan in the oven.

If you listen to these simple tips and follow them, then this tool will be a great helper in your family for more than one generation.

If there is an external coating, then care should be taken in accordance with the recommendations for enamel or ceramics.

Features of cooking in a cast iron skillet

This type of cookware is one of the most preferred among both professional chefs and ordinary housewives.

The use of a cast iron pan has its own characteristics.

1. All dishes that are prepared using such products retain all the taste qualities due to the peculiarity of the material.
2. An alloy of iron and carbon with the addition of silicon and phosphorus makes the pan an ideal tool in the kitchen.
3. All walls, as well as the bottom, are heated evenly, having the same temperature in each area.

That is one of the most important features. When preparing a dish, you should not wait for it to be completely ready, but rather, you should remove it from the stove and leave it to languish. Under the influence of temperature, the food itself will reach the full state of the finished dish.

The most popular are pans with a diameter of 26 and 28 centimeters.

Please note that if you want to increase the durability of your kitchen appliance, it is better not to cook various sauces with the addition of wine or vinegar in a cast iron skillet. So you only damage the surface of the kitchen tool. Cooking such culinary masterpieces will only lead to the fact that the pan will be spoiled, and the dishes will smell and taste of metal.

It is not recommended to engage in the preparation of those fish dishes that do not require the addition of oil and all kinds of seasonings.

How to properly prepare a frying pan for first use

First of all, the kitchen tool must be thoroughly rinsed, and then cleaned. This procedure must be carried out in order to avoid the appearance of rust. Before being released for sale, the pan is covered with a sealant, so during instant use it will begin to absorb all harmful substances that will soon lead to a malfunction. And some people may experience allergies or poisoning. In order to avoid such adverse effects, it is necessary to remove the protective layer on the surface.

For many housewives, the fact of pre-preparing the pan before the first use is not a secret.

It will not take much time and will not take a lot of effort. To do this, simply rinse the product under hot water. After this step, your utensils will be completely sanitized. You can add some detergent if you like. If there is rust, you can remove it by using a metal sponge. Then wipe and dry the product well.

All actions must be carried out manually, without the use of technology.

The next step is calcination. Many manufacturers write about this procedure on labels and packages. This step is designed to fill the pores with oil. The temperature will turn the oil into a non-stick coating. Ignition can be done with salt and odorless oil.

With the right actions, food will not stick to the surface of the cast iron during cooking.

The first step is to fill the bottom of the pan with salt, then put it on the stove, turning on the fire to the maximum. It is the salt that absorbs all the lubricant applied during the creation of the product. Then get rid of the salt and let the pan stand until it cools down. Then wash it under hot water without using any detergents. Then, all you need to do is dry it and wipe it with a cloth dipped in oil.

Stir the thick layer of salt until it turns brown.

The last step is to fill the pan with vegetable oil and put it on medium heat. So you start the calcination itself, which will take you about 20 minutes.

Well, then just pour out the oil, wash your kitchen tools, wipe dry with a simple towel.

Your pan is now ready to use.

Is it possible to bake in a cast iron skillet using an oven

There are many recipes that require the use of an oven. But can a cast iron skillet handle this?

Cast iron is the most suitable option for cooking any dishes in the oven. This conclusion was made by experts due to the fact that they very easily tolerate high temperatures, while heating evenly, transferring heat to the dish being prepared. Damage to this kitchen item is excluded due to the fact that the material has natural non-stick properties. Their resistance to high temperatures allows you to bake dishes of varying complexity. Due to the fact that the utensils have their own non-stick layer. This allows the food to cook and cook evenly. The properties of cast iron allow you to bake even bread.

A variety of products can serve as ingredients: meat, vegetables.

Most importantly, you should pay special attention to the handles. Models with molded handles will be the best solution. In addition to the fact that it will be convenient and practical, they will not be able to deform at high temperatures.

How to care and clean a frying pan

All the charm of cast iron has one side effect, which is special care. Compliance with all these rules will not cause great difficulties, but if you refuse them, then no one guarantees the durability of your utensils.

After use, be sure to rinse the kitchen item very well and thoroughly, as the pores are very absorbent. Next, you just need to thoroughly wipe the dishes and grease with a small amount of oil.

There is no need to use strong detergents, since it is enough to have washing liquid and warm water.

In the process of using the item, food remains appear on it, which gradually accumulate and form a layer that emits an unpleasant odor. In order to get rid of such a surprise, one of two methods is used. The most radical is the method that allows the pan to be placed in the oven for two hours at a high temperature. Then, all the carbon deposits formed are separated with a brush or a metal sponge.

It is best to always rinse, remove food residue and wipe with paper towels.

The second method allows for banal cleaning under warm water using the same metal sponge until your kitchen tool is in perfect condition. At the end of the procedures, it is necessary to lubricate the surface of the cast iron with oil, which will give a natural protective layer.

Professional chefs know that the quality of a dish depends on many factors, including the presence of a massive bottom.

With the formation of rust, it is worth using a special solution of vinegar, soaking the dishes in which, it will become like new. After soaking for half an hour, a sponge should be used, as well as salt, which together will help get rid of rust. The final step will be calcination.

Few people know, but experts recommend using the same liquids as for the stove as a cleaning agent for cast iron. They contain the least harmful chemicals that can damage the material.

When using a gas stove and a large frying pan, a flame spreader can be used.

Rating of the best manufacturers of cast iron pans

In any store you will be provided with a wide selection of cast iron pans, but which brand will be the most preferable? How to make the right choice? Therefore, it is very important to familiarize yourself with the list of market leaders.

BergHOFF

This Belgian manufacturer has long been considered a professional in its field. This company has a wide range of manufacturing kitchen utensils. The company cares about its customers and does its best to raise the bar for their growth. On the shelves of stores you can find far from one kitchen item from BergHOFF. This company simply cannot disappoint its customer.

Their range includes items of all types of coatings.

Fissman

This company exists not so long ago, but in a very short time it was able to achieve such impressive results, taking a leading position in the world market. Their wide selection of models will leave you with a long choice.

Fissman is ready to compete with anyone for the right to create the highest quality product.

kitchen aid

A company that creates all the necessary items for your kitchen. Their rich assortment will not make you doubt their professionalism. The choice of frying pans is limited to a small, but the highest quality product. The price of their products may seem colossal to someone, but it's really worth it.

The choice of frying pans is poor, but they are of excellent quality. There are enameled models and grill presses.

Le Creuset

The French brand that made many people fall in love with cooking. The quality of their product is truly amazing. In the assortment you can even find special devices for cooking donuts. The purchase of such a kitchen appliance will become a real memorable date, and the utensils themselves will be magnified with pride. Meals will be prepared with a smile on your face.

This brand offers a huge range of frying pans, the line even includes products for frying donuts.

Biol

This company has been doing its business for an impressive period of time, which has reached 17 years. Their product range looks really rich. Here you will find various models, shapes, sizes. But, despite this, standard round pans are very popular. Domestic housewives have never complained about the quality. And the best thing here is that all this is sold at an affordable price.

The range is truly chic - there are pans of any size, shape, with or without coating.

seaton

This company from the very beginning, from the moment of its existence, has specialized in the production of cast iron products. Their many years of experience today plays a decisive role in the manufacture of utensils.

Seaton was able to achieve the best quality, while maintaining adequate prices.

Dobrynya

Dobrynya is a domestic company specializing in electrical engineering. Therefore, the production of cast iron pans is not the main activity that brings a lot of income. There are a large number of analogues on the market that can surpass the Dobrynya model.

This is a domestic manufacturer that produces, in addition to frying pans, electrical equipment for the home.

Rondell

This company does not look at its competitors and has been doing its job for an impressive amount of time. Their motivation is to satisfy the whims of the client. For the manufacture of products, the company uses high-quality material, which is environmentally friendly. Adequate evaluation of their own work allows their products to have a constant flow of customers.

Price and quality are the main advantage, perfectly combined in Rondell.

This type of material is one of the best for a frying pan. It will become an ideal tool in the hands of any hostess. The range of dishes that you can cook will be the widest and most varied. You can use the dishes for both frying and languishing. The type of stove when cooking absolutely does not play any role. And care does not require doing something too heavy and energy-intensive. Such a tool should be in the inventory of every hostess.

Cast iron is not only practical and convenient, but also functional, as well as safe and environmentally friendly.

VIDEO: Creating a non-stick coating in a pan.