A basic guide to cast iron cookware and which ones to buy

A couple of cast iron utensils kept on a table top along with vegetables like carrots, cherry tomatoes and herbs

Durable, better for your health, and a worthy heirloom even, the reasons to switch to cast iron are many and compelling. But, like all good things, cast-iron utensils need care and proper maintenance. And since some of these utensils can also be expensive, this is the type of cookware that you are investing in, so choose wisely.

1.    Seasoning
This is the most important and mandatory step. Generally, when you are buying a new piece, it will come with instructions on how to do this. Seasoning of any cast iron utensil basically means readying it for cooking and maintaining it in the process. It involves coating it with cooking oil, then heating it at a very high temperature to promote bonding. This avoids rust buildup and allows the surface to develop for easy cooking. The more you season and use your utensil, the more naturally non-stick it becomes. If your utensil is a new buy or old and worn out, it will need a few extra rounds of seasoning before you use it. Do make sure to let it cool completely before you repeat the seasoning process.

2.    Cleaning
All cast iron utensils need immediate cleaning. Remember to never leave it in the sink overnight or even in water for long. This will easily lead to rusting and spoil the product. The best way to wash it is using a mild soap and soft scrub. Metal scrubbers are best avoided as they will erode the surface. In case of any food that’s hard to scrap off, boil water in it to help loosen leftovers. Once the washing is done, make sure to completely dry it. Next, brush a thin layer of oil all over it (inside and out) to prevent any rusting and store it in a dry place.

3.    Precautions
Even though cast iron utensils are suitable to cook a variety of foods, there are a few exceptions. It is best to avoid cooking highly acidic food that involves ingredients like lemon, tomato or vinegar. This is because the acid reacts with the metal and this will affect the taste of the dish. Another thing to avoid is cooking delicate dishes like fish for example. This is because the surface heats up to really high temperatures and hence will burn out the dish.
Since the surface heats up a lot, it’s best to let it cool down completely before washing it. Otherwise, the sudden change in temperature might end up cracking the surface. Also, look at a suitable handle to help you transfer the dish without ending up with a burn. Another thing to check before buying this product is the weight and whether you can manage to maneuver it.

Now that you know the basics, take a look at our list of cast iron utensils...