Does the brand of cast iron matter?

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.

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.

Which brand is best for cast iron?

Is some cast iron better than others?

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.

How can you tell the quality of cast iron?

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.

Cast Iron Buying Advice | Everything You Should Know

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 cast iron skillets are worth money?

The value of antique cast iron skillets can start at similar to new prices, but a super rare Wagner or Griswold can fetch up to $1,500 apiece. A mint condition, super rare "spider skillet" made in the 1890s by Griswold is worth up to $8,000.

What you should not cook in cast iron?

Why are Lodge pans so cheap?

They're made locally. The fact that Lodge skillets are manufactured in the USA helps, too. Cast iron is heavy and it's cheaper to ship to stores and shoppers from Tennessee than China. A fun plus to being made in America is that the company creates lots of jobs for locals.

Is Lodge cast iron worth it?

Buying Options

If you prefer a pan with higher sides for frying or braising, the Lodge Pre-Seasoned 12-inch Cast Iron Skillet is an excellent option. Like the Lodge Chef Collection skillet, it comes well-seasoned and performed as well as skillets many times its price in our tests.

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.

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.

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.

Are more expensive cast-iron pans better?

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.

How do I choose a cast iron skillet?

Are Le Creuset pans worth it?

So, is Le Creuset worth it? The short answer is yes. Le Creuset is worth it because it's more durable, beautiful, and performs better than the competition. Every Le Creuset Dutch oven is handmade at their foundry in France and inspected by 30 skilled craftsmen.

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.

Can you fry eggs in a cast iron skillet?

With a few simple tricks to choose the right oil and get your pan to that just-right temperature, you'll get eggs with crispy edges and runny yolks every time (if that's your jam). But don't worry, cast iron makes the perfect egg no matter how you like them done!

Can I use butter in my cast iron pan?

Yes, you can cook with butter in your cast iron skillet or Dutch oven. Keep in mind that butter burns at temperatures above 350°F (177°C), so you shouldn't use high heat when you're frying foods with it. Either turn down the heat or substitute it with an oil that has a higher smoke point.

Is it OK to deep fry in cast iron?

A cast-iron skillet is great for frying anything, but it can make a greasy mess of your stovetop. You'll need a deep, heavy-bottomed pot into which you can submerge food without the oil overflowing. Don't use a nonstick pot, since the nonstick surface can't hold up to high temperatures.

What is the oldest cast iron brand?

Lodge Cast Iron has been making cast-iron cookware at its Tennessee foundry since 1896, making it the country's oldest surviving cast-iron manufacturer.

What is the most expensive cast iron?

What is this? Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron is some of the most expensive cookware in the world.

What does the number on a cast iron skillet mean?

Ever wonder what that number on the handle of your cast-iron skillet means? It's not, as you might think, the size of the pan. The number actually refers to the diameter of the pan in inches across the bottom of the pan, not across its flared top, which is the industry standard way to measure skillet size.