Does brand matter for cast iron?

I agree with you that the quality of a cast iron skillet is likely to be of little difference between brands. Certainly casting iron is a lower tech manufacturing process than a copper and stainless steel skillet, for instance.

Which brand is best for cast iron?

Is there a difference in brands of cast iron skillets?

Are all cast iron skillets the same? Every cast iron skillet heats evenly and retains heat well, but not all makes and models are created equal. Some have traditional designs, and others have distinct shapes and handles. Some are pre-seasoned, and others require you to season them yourself.

Does a brand new cast iron pan need anything?

Your new cast iron skillet will almost always comes from the factory with some degree of pre-seasoning on it, but you'll generally want to lay down a few more on top of that to make sure it's good.

Does price matter for cast iron?

1. They're all essentially the same. No matter how high or low the price, all of these brands are made of the same thing: mainly molten iron and steel. And, like Lodge, many of these brands are made in the USA.

Cast Iron Buying Advice | Everything You Should Know

Is there a difference between expensive and cheap cast iron?

When comparing cast-iron skillets, lighter is typically considered better, even if only from a convenience standpoint; when comparing cast-iron skillets to skillets made of other stuff, the weight is its moneymaker and the reason we still cook with them.

Why are Lodge skillets so cheap?

When you buy a Lodge skillet, it doesn't come in a box. The use and care instructions are printed on a sticker inside the pan. This is key because boxes and manuals cost money. By keeping things simple, Lodge is able to keep materials and assembly costs down.

Should you wash cast iron before first use?

Your First Cast Iron Cleaning

When it comes to new and used skillets — a little soap and water is a good thing. This first wash removes factory residue or rust bits. Make sure you rinse and dry the pan well after this first washing.

Should you wash pre-seasoned cast iron?

How to clean: The right seasoning also will repel rust, but if the pan begins to show traces, or if it takes on a metallic smell or taste, wash it with soap and hot water. Scrub off rust with an abrasive, nonmetallic pad or stiff brush (never a metallic scouring pad such as SOS) and then re-season.

Should you season cast iron before first use?

For first time users who have no idea about what is seasoning, It is nothing but proper care for the pan at regular intervals. Regular seasoning will help the pan to protect from getting rust and give the ability to last for generations.

How do you pick a good cast iron skillet?

And you can immediately tell the difference. A newish cast iron pan feels rough to the touch. A well-seasoned one is so slick that eggs will slide around on it just like in a nonstick pan. Though most new cast iron comes pre-seasoned, there are typically only one or two layers of seasoning on there.

Is rough or smooth cast iron better?

According to some manufacturers, the modern rough surface cast iron pots and pans helps the seasoning oils to adhere better than a smooth finish would. Smooth cast iron does not sell well commercially compared to rough iron.

What you should not cook in cast iron?

Do chefs use Le Creuset?

Most of the chefs we spoke to agreed that a Le Creuset Dutch oven is well worth the investment. "It's also extremely versatile, you can do anything from slow cooking in a Dutch-oven to baking bread, searing, braising, and frying," says Tonkinson.

Do chefs prefer Staub or Le Creuset?

However, most sales associates and friends/neighbors recommended Staub over Le Creuset, because of Staub's self-basting spikes under the lid (in most of their products), lustrous finish quality ("majolique" coloring and glazing process), standard higher-temperature knobs, and slightly less price-point than Le Creuset.

Is Le Creuset cast iron?

With an unrivaled selection of bold, rich colors in a range of finishes and materials, Le Creuset is the leader in highly-durable, chip-resistant enameled cast iron. Le Creuset is a pioneer in color development and the leader in highly-durable, chip-resistant enameled cast iron.

Can I use cast iron without seasoning?

Can You Cook on Unseasoned Cast Iron? Yes! The non-stick properties are in the cook, not the cookware! Conventional wisdom says that the seasoning on a piece of cast iron cookware is what makes it non-stick, but that's just not true.

What is the best oil to season a cast iron skillet?

All cooking oils and fats can be used for seasoning cast iron, but based on availability, affordability, effectiveness, and having a high smoke point, Lodge recommends vegetable oil, melted shortening, or canola oil, like our Seasoning Spray.

Can I use soap on cast iron?

Can I use soap to wash cast iron? Contrary to popular belief, you can use a small amount of soap to clean cast iron cookware! Large amounts of soap can strip the seasoning off your pan, but you can easily re-season your pan as needed.

Should I oil my cast iron after every use?

— To get the best out of your cast iron skillet, it's recommended that you oil it after each use. However, depending on how frequently you use it, 2-3 times a year is sufficient. How can I tell when my skillet is seasoned properly? — A well-seasoned skillet will be noticeably dark with a shiny, semi-gloss finish.

Can you use olive oil on cast iron?

Do not use olive oil or butter to season your cast-iron pan — they're great to cook with, just not for initial seasoning. Place the pan upside down on the top rack of the oven and bake for 1 hour. Turn off the oven, leaving the pan in the oven to cool completely as the oven cools down.

How much should I spend on a cast iron pan?

A good cast iron skillet doesn't have to be expensive. On average, 8″ skillets retail for $15, 10-10.25″ skillets for $22.5, and their larger, family-sized, 12″ and 13.25-14″ counterparts for $30-$40.

Is Lodge cast iron made in USA?

Our 100% Seasoned Carbon Steel can really take the heat. Made in the USA and foundry-seasoned, it is lighter weight and boasts a naturally nonstick finish.

Why are Lodge pans so rough?

The entire concept of seasoning cast iron, which acts as a leveling agent so the proteins won't adhere to the pan, was a result of home cooks trying to fill in this new, rougher surface. The roughness that you feel on most modern cast iron is sand, which used to be removed during production.