The cast iron skillet is an indisputable kitchen essential for anyone who loves to cook at home. It’s not only incredibly durable and heats up evenly, but it can also be used to cook a wide variety of different dishes. Cast iron skillets can be used to make everything from breakfast hashes to chicken dinners and deserts.
They’re great for cooking everything from bacon and eggs to chicken and steak. But, with so many brands and sizes available, how do you know which one is right for you? And, once you’ve chosen a skillet, how do you properly care for it? In this comprehensive cast iron skillet guide, we’ll answer all your questions and help you choose the best skillet for your kitchen.
What Is A Cast Iron Skillet And Why Would You Need One?
Cast iron skillets have been around for centuries, and for a good reason: they are versatile and easy to use. You can use them to cook virtually anything – from chicken breasts and fish fillets to pancakes and bacon. They are also very reliable and could last you for many years.
However, like any other cookware, cast iron skillets need to be cared for properly in order to get the most out of them. There are a few things you should keep in mind when cleaning your skillet so that it lasts as long as possible and doesn’t develop rust spots or become damaged.
So, below we’ll look into all the important basic steps to maintain your cast iron skillet in perfect condiyion, how to use it properly and what to look for when buying a new one.
But first..
What is Cast Iron?
Cast iron is a heavy metal that has been used for centuries to make cooking vessels and other everyday items. While some people may confuse cast iron with aluminum or steel, it is actually an alloy of carbon and iron. In order to make cast iron, molten metal is poured into molds that give the metal its shape. Once the metal has cooled, it is ready to be used. Cast iron is also known as pig iron and can sometimes be confused with wrought iron, which is another type of cast iron that was produced during the 19th century.
Wrought iron is made by heating a mix of carbon and iron together until they are melted. The two types of cast iron can easily be distinguished by their appearance: wrought iron has a rough surface, while cast iron has a smooth surface.
Cast iron skillets are a great choice for cooking because they distribute heat evenly and prevent sticking. They can also be used to sear meat or vegetables and are perfect for making pancakes, eggs, and bacon. They are available in a variety of sizes, but 8 to 10 inches is usually the best size you can choose for your cooking pan. Cast iron skillets are usually quite heavy and require some care when washing them. Never use soap or put them in the dishwasher; hand wash with warm water and then dry thoroughly.
Teflon-coated skillets are another popular choice for cooking because they prevent food from sticking to the pan and make cleanup easy. Teflon coating also makes it possible to cook without additional oil or butter.
History Of The Cast Iron Skillet
Cast iron skillets are a staple in every cook’s kitchen nowadays. They can be used on the stovetop or in the oven. And that’s great, but where did they actually come from?
The first cast iron skillets were made in China over 2,000 years ago and were used for cooking food over an open flame. The cast iron skillet didn’t make its way to Europe until the Middle Ages. At that time, it was used primarily for cooking meat. The first recorded recipe of using a cast iron skillet for cooking food in Europe was published in 1598. Later on, the first cast iron skillets made their way to the United States in the early 1800s.
Cast iron skillets have come a long way since then. Today, they are used to cook everything from steaks and chicken to cookies and casseroles. Cast iron skillets are easy to care for and require very little maintenance. If you are in the market for a cast iron skillet, there are several things you should know before buying one.
Should You Wash Your Cast Iron Skillet?
Well, yes, of course. As with any kitchenware you should properly clean and wash your cast iron skillet after each use. Cast iron skillets can be washed with soap and water just like any other pan. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, make sure the skillet is completely dry before storing it.
Second, never use a dishwasher to clean your cast iron skillet – the high heat will damage the skillet. Use a scrubber and soapy water to clean it.
Third, when you store your skillet, never stack it on top of another skillet. Store it separately to prevent scratches and rusting.
Consider Adding An Anti-Rust Coating
If you’re the type of person who tends to store their cast iron skillets in a cabinet for long periods of time, you may want to consider adding an anti-rust coating to it. You can buy a specialized anti-rust spray from most kitchen supply stores or online shops. These sprays are designed specifically for cast iron and will protect your skillet from rusting for years to come.
Why Would You Polish A Cast Iron Skillet?
Cast iron skillets are a great addition to any kitchen, but they can also be a little tricky to care for. If you don’t properly care for your cast iron skillet, it can rust and become unusable overtime.
One of the most important things you can do to care for your cast iron skillet is to polish it regularly. Polishing your skillet will help keep it in good condition and prevent it from rusting. Here is a simple guide on how to polish your cast iron skillet. You will need:
– Warm water
– Coarse salt (sea salt is best) or you can use baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) or cream of tartar (potassium bitartrate)
– A sponge or soft cloth. You can also use a clean toothbrush. A plastic one is ideal as it won’t scratch the surface of your skillet. If you use a metal brush, be sure to use a light touch and scrub gently.
– A bottle of dish soap. You can use regular dish soap, but avoid the kinds that are highly fragrant. This is because the oils in these soaps may leave a residue on your skillet that could build up over time and contaminate your food.
How to Clean Your Cast Iron Skillet: Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Pour water into the skillet until it’s about half full. Let it sit for a few minutes to warm up the skillet.
2. While the skillet is warming up, scrub it with a plastic scouring pad or dish brush to remove any stuck-on food particles. Use some salt or baking soda for additional abrasion. If you don’t have a scouring pad, you can use a spoon to scrape off any bits of food residue.
3. Add some soap and hot water to the skillet and let it sit for about five minutes. The soap will help break down any remaining food particles that are still stuck on the skillet and prevent rust from forming.
4. Remove the skillet from the water and wipe it down with a soft cloth. Dry it thoroughly and then place it on a cooling rack to allow any excess water to drip off. The best way to store cast iron when not in use is in a dry place that’s not too hot or cold, like your basement or garage.
Also, seasoning your cast iron is very important for maintaining its quality and making it nonstick long term.
How To Season Your Cast Iron Skillet?
Cast iron skillets are a great addition to any kitchen, but they require a little bit of extra care to keep them in good condition. Seasoning your skillet is the best way to protect it from rust and make sure your food doesn’t stick.
To season your skillet, start by washing it with hot, soapy water.
Dry it off completely, then coat it in a thin layer of vegetable oil.
Place it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for an hour.
Let it cool completely before use.
The Benefits Of Using A Cast Iron Skillet
Here are some of the benefits of using a cast iron skillet in your kitchen:
-They are naturally nonstick, so you don’t need to use any unhealthy chemicals or oils to cook with them.
-They are a great conductor of heat, so they heat up evenly and cook food perfectly every time.
-They are very durable and can last for decades if properly cared for.
-They can be used on the stovetop, in the oven, or even over the grill
-Perfect for chicken, seafood, vegetables and more!
If you’re in the market for a cast iron skillet, you may be wondering which one is the best. Well, don’t worry – We’ve got you covered. Below we are going to share with you our top 3 picks for the best cast iron skillets on the market.
Top Rated Cast Iron Skillets
Here are our top picks for the best cast iron skillets:
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Square Skillet – Our Top Pick For The Best Cast Iron Skillet
This is a 10.5 inch skillet that comes pre-seasoned and ready to use right out of the box. It’s made of cast iron, which is arguably the best material for making skillets. Cast iron skillets have excellent heat retention with even distribution and they can be used on the stovetop or in the oven.
They are durable and could last a lifetime if properly cared for. This particular skillet is made by Lodge, one of the most well-known names in cast iron cookware market.
The design of this skillet is pretty basic – it’s just a flat piece of cast iron with two handles. It’s made in the US and has a cast iron handle. It’s great for cooking eggs, bacon, sausage, and pancakes.
Utopia Kitchen 12.5 Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast iron Skillet
This skillet is amazing and it has a great size for one or two people and the pre-seasoning makes it so much easier to cook with. If you have never had a cast iron skillet before, this one is definitely a keeper.
The Utopia Kitchen Cast iron Skillet is a high-quality skillet that is perfect for searing, frying, or baking. It is made of durable cast iron that can withstand high temperatures without warping or rusting. The pre-seasoning makes the skillet easy to care for and maintain. It’s sturdy, strong, and durable, making it perfect for everyday use. The Utopia Cast iron Skillet features 2 handles and a 12.5-inch cooking surface which is perfect for any size meal you make at home.
Victoria Cast Iron Skillet Large Frying Pan with Helper Handle
Looking for a durable and reliable cast iron skillet? Look no further than the Victoria Cast Iron Skillet. This skillet is the perfect choice for all your frying needs. It has a large cooking surface that can accommodate multiple items at once, and the helper handle makes it easy to transport and the long handle provides a comfortable grip.
The pan has a diameter of 12 inches and a depth of 2-1/2 inches. It is pre-seasoned with vegetable oil, so it is ready to use right out of the box.
Overall, the Victoria Cast Iron Skillet Large Frying Pan is an excellent choice for those who want a sturdy and well-made frying pan. It’s large enough to cook for your entire family but small enough to be stored easily in the kitchen cabinet.
What Is The Best Size For A Cast Iron Skillet?
Cast iron skillets come in all different sizes. The most popular sizes are 10 and 12 inches. However, there are also skillets that are as small as 4 inches and as large as 14 inches. So, what is the best size for a cast iron skillet?
The answer to this question depends on what you plan to use your skillet for. If you want to use it for smaller meals, such as frying an egg or making a single serving of food, then a smaller skillet would be best. If you plan to use your skillet for larger dishes, such as cooking a chicken or a steak go for a 10 or 12 inch skillet.
A 10.25-inch is the most versatile size for a cast iron skillet. It is large enough to cook a variety of dishes, but not so large to make it difficult to store. A 10.25-inch skillet also has a weight and thickness that makes it perfect for cooking over an open flame.
Why Would You Sand A Cast Iron Skillet?
Cast iron skillets are incredibly efficient, and can be used for a variety of cooking tasks. Though, because they are made from cast iron, they also require a bit of extra care to maintain their quality and condition. One common task that is often recommended for cast iron skillets is sanding.
There are a few reasons why you might choose to sand your cast iron skillet. One is that it can help to remove any rust that has built up on the surface of the skillet. Another is that it can help smooth out the surface of the skillet and remove any rough spots. If you have a really old cast iron skillet, it may have pits or other imperfections in the surface.
This video will show you how to sand your cast iron skillet using a Dremel rotary tool with a wire brush attachment.
I recommend using a Dremel because it’s fast and easy, but if you don’t have one, you can also use a regular wire brush attachment on a drill. You can also use sandpaper if you prefer, but it will take much longer.
Now that you know how to sand cast iron skillets, you can rest assured that they’ll last a lifetime. And while they might not be as sleek as non-stick pans, they’re great for those times when you want to make a stew or bake a cake. You can also try them out on your next camping trip, where they’ll be just as handy.
Whew! That’s quite a lot of information to digest. So let’s recap:
-Always hand wash your skillet with hot, soapy water after each use.
-If your skillet is particularly dirty, you can use a stiff brush or scrubber to help clean it.
-Never put your skillet in the dishwasher.
-Always dry your skillet off completely after washing, and then apply a thin layer of oil to the cooking surface.
-If you use your skillet often, wash it every few days. If you don’t use it very often, then clean it once a month or so.
-Season your cast iron skillets properly and store them in a dry place when not in use.
-If you are seasoning your skillet, then use vegetable or canola oil. Never use butter or margarine to season a cast iron skillet.
Yummy Cast Iron Skillet Recipe You Can Make At Home
If you’re just starting out with cast iron skillets, it might be a little intimidating at first to know where to begin. That’s why we’ve put together this easy cast iron skillet recipe that will have you cooking like a pro in no time.
Chicken And Gouda Croquettes
Gouda is an iconic cow’s milk cheese from the Netherlands. This recipe for chicken and gouda croquettes is made with milk, chicken cutlets, bread crumbs and grated gouda cheese. This is an easy and quick family dish to make that will be ideal for a weeknight if you don’t have time to cook a very elaborate dish.
Ingredients:
- 100 ml of milk
- 2 chicken cutlets
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 cups of bread crumbs
- 80 g of Gouda cheese
- vegetable oil
- salt
Method:
Preparation: 15 min
Cooking time: 25 min
1. Chop the chicken cutlets and soak the breadcrumbs in milk. Mix the chicken, egg yolks and previously grated Gouda with salt. Squeeze the milk from the the bread crumbs between your hands, then add it into the mixture and mix well.
2. Make small dumplings with your damp hands and flatten them slightly. Heat the oil in a cast iron skillet. Fry the patties for 8-10 minutes. Serve them immediately in a serving dish with a light salad.
Tip
You can also replace the Gouda with grated Parmesan or gruyere cheese which will taste just as good.
Enjoy!
Conclusion
If you love cooking for friends and family, cast iron skillets are a great tool to have in your arsenal. They’ll allow you to make restaurant-quality dishes with little effort and, even if you’re an occasional cook, they can save you money on your grocery bills. So, if you’ve been wondering whether or not you need a cast iron skillet in your kitchen, this is the right time to drop the hesitancy and just go and buy a new cast iron skillet.
With how durable and versatile cast iron skillets are, it just makes sense that you would want to give one a try. They aren’t expensive, and you can get started making awesome meals with one of these cast iron skillets in as little as 10 minutes.
Whether you choose a pre-seasoned or non-stick skillet, it will certainly make cooking easier and tastier for you and your loved ones.
If you have any questions about choosing the right cast iron skillet for your needs, just leave us a comment below!
Additional Questions
What’s the best type of cast iron skillet?
For overall quality and value, the *Lodge 10.25-Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet* is the top choice. The Lodge brand is known for its cost-effectiveness and long-lasting quality when it comes to cast iron skillets. Also, the *Stargazer 10.5-inch Cast Iron Skillet* stood out for its multifunctionality. As a pro chef, I’ve worked with a number of brands and can say these two really stand the test of time.
How do I choose a good cast iron skillet?
Choosing the ideal cast iron skillet relies on a few key factors that reflect your cooking needs and your budget. Pay attention to the size that matches your cooking style, consider if it’s pre-seasoned or not, and think about the skillet’s weight as it plays a role in heat retention and maneuverability. As someone who advocates for home cooking, these factors can greatly influence your satisfaction with the product and the cooking result.
What brand of cast iron is worth the most?
Talking about premium brands, *Marquette Castings* steals the show. Their 10.5-inch cast iron skillet is priced at $249.95, making it one of the higher-priced options that we reviewed. What sets it apart is its smoother finish and a well-designed raised handle that makes it even easier to operate with. Speaking from experience, sometimes spending a little extra on a quality product can significantly enhance your cooking experience.
What you need to know about cast iron?
Cast iron is a versatile and durable material that offers excellent heat retention. However, it requires proper care to maintain its performance. It’s essential to clean your cast iron pans correctly, season them regularly to prevent rusting, and avoid cooking acidic foods in them, especially if they’re new or poorly seasoned. As a culinary instructor, I emphasize to my students the importance of understanding and caring for this valuable kitchen tool.
