Cast iron frypans are popularly used by many, for their benefits are more than one. The material, cast iron, is chemical-free, durable, and versatile, and if maintained properly, it lasts for many years. Additionally, it can be used on a stovetop at home or even a campfire. It retains and distributes heat evenly, making it ideal for cooking all types of food. If you are someone who’s not sure how to choose a good cast iron frypan, here’s a complete guide that can help you.
Buying Cast Iron Frypan
If you have not been handed a family heirloom of cast iron cookware, there is no need to worry, as you can buy brand new frying pans that are seasoned to perfection so that they are non-stick. If you are setting up a new kitchen, one of the first cookware you need to get is a frying pan. Start with a small 20cm frypan for an individual or a small family. Go for a bigger size for a large family.
How to Season your Cast Iron Frying Pan
If you’re not going for a pre seasoned frying pan, you’ll need to season it before the first use, as that ensures its longevity. Here are some tips on how to do it:
- Scrub Your Pan: Pour a packet of rock salt into the pan and scrub it to remove any debris or dirt. Then, using hot, soapy water, wash and dry with a soft cloth.
- Oil the Pan: Rub the cooking surface with vegetable oil. Heat the pan in an oven for about 30 minutes. You can follow the same process on a gasstove, but the oven ensures even heating and is better for seasoning. Heat and oil as per the process explained above for about three times, or till the pan becomes black in color. Allow it to cool, and it is now ready for cooking.
Maintenance Tips
A cast iron frypan is one of the most durable and versatile cookware. When you have something good, you want it to last a long time. Here are a few tips that can help you maintain your cast iron frypan:
- Use It Often: Cooking techniques like searing, frying, stir-frying, etc., that use oil are great for this cookware. It replenishes the seasoning and helps in maintaining it.
- Transfer Food After Cooking – Food, especially acidic foods like tomatoes and lemon can break down the seasoning that you have built on the surface of the frypan and lead to leeching of iron in the food. This can drastically change the appearance and the taste of the food. The best way to tackle this issue is to transfer the food immediately after cooking it.
- Clean Gently: After you’re done cooking in a cast iron frypan, scrape off the food debris and clean it using soapy water. If you’re cast iron frypan is pre seasoned, do not use abrasives like steel wool and harsh dish soaps as they can damage the seasoning. For those without seasoning, use the scrubby side of a sponge to clean the pan, and if there is food stuck to it, use baking soda or salt as an abrasive. Also, don’t keep the pan to air dry; use a cloth to remove excess water to prevent corrosion.
- Reheat and Reoil: If the pan has not been used for a long time, place it on a stove and reheat it until it starts smoking. Then rub oil on the surface and allow it to cool before stacking it away.
Cast iron cookware by nature is not 100% non stick, but it gets better when it is used. Innovative cast iron cookware that comes pre-seasoned is non-stick and can be used straight out of the box. We advise you look for brands that use traditional materials and modern technology, so you can reap the benefits of both.