1/29/2024 0 Comments Colorcast iron skilletIn addition to Dutch ovens with three or four feet, which Abraham Darby I secured a patent in 1708 to produce, a commonly used cast-iron cooking pan called a spider had a handle and three legs allowing it to stand upright over campfires as well as in the coals and ashes of a fireplace.Ĭooking pots and pans with legless, flat bottoms came into use when cooking stoves became popular this period of the late 19th century saw the introduction of the flat cast-iron skillet.Ĭast-iron cookware was especially popular among homemakers during the first half of the 20th century. Cast-iron pots were made with handles to allow them to be hung over a fire, or with legs so that they could stand in the coals. In Europe and the United States, before the introduction of the kitchen stove in the middle of the 19th century, meals were cooked in the hearth, and cooking pots and pans were either designed for use in the hearth, or to be suspended within it. Cast-iron cauldrons and cooking pots were valued as kitchen items for their durability and their ability to retain heat evenly, thus improving the quality of cooked meals. Both terms referred to a vessel capable of withstanding the direct heat of a fire. The first mention of a cast-iron kettle in English appeared in 679 or 680, though this wasn't the first use of metal vessels for cooking. But there are artisanal cast-iron skillets and lighter-weight, hand-cast versions on the market to invest in (expect quality and gorgeous design, but not bargain prices).In Asia, particularly China, India, Korea and Japan, there is a long history of cooking with cast iron vessels. It’s a classic, affordable style that’s similar in design from brand to brand. If you love colour, they’re both a beautiful and practical piece to own. ![]() ![]() Style and designĬomes in a variety of gorgeous colours and styles to suit any kitchen. ![]() A good quality, 5-quart cast-iron Dutch oven can be found for under $100, while skillets can be purchased for as little $20. (High-quality enamel Dutch ovens are a great investment piece with lasting power, but prices often start at a few hundred dollars.) Seasoned cast-iron Is more expensive, but affordable options are widely available. Rust is common with poor care, and all cast iron is susceptible to breakage when exposed to dramatic temperature changes (so no running cold water over a hot pan or pot). Seasoned cast iron is extraordinarily durable ( seasoning is fat polymerization, where oils and fats transform at high heat, bonding to the pan as a non-stick film). It doesn’t have the same issues with fire or oven temperature (although prolonged high heat can damage your seasoning). (Le Creuset Dutch ovens have a recommended 480F maximum in the oven, though removing the knob as some sites suggest can up this to any temperature-so unless you’re regularly making sourdough at 500 degrees like me, it may not affect your day-to-day cooking). It also has temperature limitations: it’s not recommended for use over open fire (while standard cast-iron is a campfire classic), heating one while empty can crack or damage the enamel, and temperature recommendations for oven use are mixed from brand to brand. Caveat: it’s not non-stick, like a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet can be. ![]() DurabilityĪs noted above, it won’t rust, can be washed with as much soap as desired, and won’t retain strong aromas (like garlic or onion) in the seasoning like regular cast iron is known to do. And-bonus-it comes in a variety of stylish colours (cult favourite Le Creuset has many colourful options).īlueberry is Le Creuset’s most recent colour release. It’s a great heat conductor, washes easily, won’t rust, can cook anything a standard cast iron pan can and more ( ahem, tomato sauce). Vitreous enamel (glass particles that are fused to an underlying layer with intense heat) creates a non-porous finish that protects the core material of your pot or pan. Questions like: Is it better than non-stick? (In some cases, yes.) Should I throw it away if there’s rust on it? (Absolutely not.) And more.īut not all cast iron is the same, and the surge of availability in cast iron means it’s time to address another popular question: What’s the difference between enameled cast iron and regular cast iron? Explaining enamel Cast-iron skillets, pans and Dutch ovens are must-have kitchen items for any serious home cook, rare vintage skillets are going for as much as $2,000 on eBay, and the internet is on fire with questions about how to properly use and care for them. Always among the gold standards for kitchen equipment, cast-iron cookware is enjoying a surge in popularity.
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