Is an expensive cast iron skillet worth it?

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.

Does the quality of a cast iron skillet 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 cast iron worth the money?

One of the most surprising valuables around your home may be cast-iron cookware. Worth from $15 to $1,500, this is stuff you rarely want to sell at a yard sale. Fortunately, cookware is usually marked on the bottom with the name of the maker and the catalog or size number.

What cast iron skillets are worth the most 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.

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 this $200 Cast Iron Pan Better than the Lodge? — The Kitchen Gadget Test Show

What you should not cook in cast iron?

Why is Lodge cast iron 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 smooth cast iron better?

Fans of modern-day cast iron know that the rougher, pebbly surface is easier to season. Although smooth cast iron cookware may take a little more work to season, both types of pans can be well seasoned. There is no consensus on this debate. It all seems to comes down to personal preference.

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.

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.

Why is cast iron so popular?

Why is cast iron so big? Well, it easily lends itself to almost any kind of cooking. Cast iron heats evenly, without hot spots, and retains that heat better and longer than other types of cookware. Properly cared for, cast iron can last years — centuries even.

How often do you season cast iron pans?

Remember there's no need to use your best premium brand for seasoning! How often should I season my skillet? — 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.

Is there a difference between cheap and expensive 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.

Is expensive cast iron worth it Reddit?

The casting is higher quality, the finish is better, and they feel better to use for me personally (feels better to spatulate a smooth surface to me, and they don't shred paper towels like Lodge). Worth it? Totally preference.

Do you season bottom of cast iron pan?

Once the pan is clean, use your rag or a paper towel to coat it with a thin layer of neutral fat, like vegetable oil or flaxseed oil. The important thing is to coat the entire pan with fat, and yes, that means the exterior, bottom, and sides of the pan.

What oils are best for seasoning cast iron?

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.

Why are modern cast irons 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.

How long do you season a cast iron skillet?

Put the oiled pan in a preheated 450°F oven, and leave it there for 30 minutes. It may get a little smoky, so keep your kitchen well ventilated. It's during this time that the oil will polymerize and form the first of several hard, plastic-like coatings you'll be laying down.

Can you use butter on cast iron?

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.

Why is cast iron skillet so expensive?

Why is cast iron so expensive? It takes a lot more material and effort to create a cast iron skillet compared to, say, non-stick cookware. Making a cast iron pan is also time consuming: It requires a lot of grinding to get the right finish. Finally, cast iron pans last a long time—and quality doesn't come cheap.

Are all cast irons 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. The cooking surface can be rougher or finer.

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 you ruin a cast iron pan?

Famously durable, these pans are often passed down through generations. With proper reseasoning care, years of frequent use can actually improve the pan's “seasoning”—its natural nonstick coating. But sadly, cast iron skillets can indeed break.

Do eggs stick in cast iron?

Both are pretty amazing. But cooking eggs in a cast iron pan can be a bit of a sticky situation if you are not as seasoned as your skillet. For some reason, cast iron can cause your fried eggs to stick.