I love cooking with my cast iron. I inherited my skillet from my dad and my love of cast iron cooking just grew from there. But it is more than a love for my dad’s skillet – there are benefits to cast iron cooking!
Cast Iron Cooking Benefits
Here are my 12 reasons you should be cooking with cast iron!
1. It is inexpensive.
You can get your first piece of cast iron, pre-seasoned, for less than $20 – check out the Lodge 12 inch skillet.
2. It will last a lifetime…and then some (can you say sustainable?)
Cast iron is sturdy stuff, it is made of iron! If you take care of your cast iron pieces they can be used for generations. I use my dad’s and have no doubt I will be able to pass it on to one of my kids some day.
3. Naturally non-stick.
When you keep your cast iron seasoned it has an awesome non-stick surface, no chemicals needed. You also won’t find pieces of any non-stick coating in your food; I’d say that’s a win.
4. Handles the heat!
Cast iron cooking offers a more even cooking surface. It also can handle temperatures much higher than the average cookware.
5. Versatile
Use on the stove top, in the oven, on your bbq grill or campfire. You won’t need a different set for home and camping…unless you want that.
6. Adds a little iron to your foods.
Instead of leaching nasty toxins into your food, cast iron cooking will give your food a bit of an iron boost. I like that trade-off!
7. Easy to clean.
I give mine a wipe out with a scrub (remember it is naturally non-stick) and then use some boiling hot water to sanitize. Then I season it with some bacon grease or coconut oil. No soap, no chemicals.
8. Prepper Ready
Because cast iron can cook on a variety of heat sources it is perfect for those who want to be emergency ready.
9. Crispy was never easier.
Cast iron cooking offers such a solid surface at higher temps, you’ll get a more even and crispy piece of bacon. Oh, and it crisps other foods too. 😉
10. You can totally bake in it!
Make corn bread in your skillet or deep dish pies in your dutch oven!
11. Doesn’t warp
My other expensive cookware has become warped over time for one reason or another. But my cast iron pieces are still solid and even. They can handle so much heat and use and keep cooking…just take care of them.
12. Totally vintage!
Cast iron cooking has been around for thousands of years. And was the favorites of chefs, housewives and campers until some of the new fangled stuff came on the market. But it is coming back into favor as people rediscover how awesome cooking with cast iron can be!
If you are new to cast iron I recommend starting with a good 10 or 12 inch skillet. I recommend the Lodge brand; when it comes to cast iron cheaper isn’t necessarily better. Once you’re ready to add to your collection think about getting a legless dutch oven.
If you like to thrift make sure to check the shelves and yard sales for good pieces of cast iron. You don’t need to fear rust but avoid pieces with pitting or divots. Be sure to inspect the piece for cracks (improper care or not pure cast iron) or repairs.
Once you get started with cast iron cooking, you’ll never look back!