Tell me about Cast Iron Pans

[Octoberbride03]

We have 3 of them in the house. All are older and haven't been used in years. But I have heard that they are versatile and can go from stove to oven. True?

I don't know the brand, and can't find anything that looks like a brand name on them, they certainly aren't pretty, but if they are worth using then I'd like to give it a shot if i can learn a little bit about em.

TIA

 

[doxdogy]

That is the beauty of cast iron it can go into the oven. If they haven't been used for a few years, you may need to season them again.

http://www.lodgemfg.com/use-care-seasoned-cast-iron.asp#3

 

[golfgal]

Yes, they are very versatile and actually can add iron to your diet in small amounts. They are heavier then heck though. I have my mom's and my grandma's pans and I used to use them all the time but haven't used them in years.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I think the benefits of going from stove to oven is a little overrated considering many (most) high quality stainless steel pans can do the same thing. Now that doesn't mean cast iron isn't good, because one thing cast iron is really good at is retaining heat which helps it maintain even temperatures across the cooking surface.

 

[LaraK]

They are heavy

 

[minkydog]

I love that cast iron heats evenly and keeps it's heat longer than other pans. I use mine mostly in the oven. You have to keep them seasoned, but that's not hard to do. Wipe it with a little Crisco and put in in the oven on 170 for a couple hours. Let it cool and it's seasoned.

 

[goodeats]

We have one cast iron pan we inherited from my grandma. It was actually *her* grandma's! We use it mostly for bacon, steaks, and fajitas. I'm sure it will last forever. The important thing about cast iron is that you can't really use soap on it. And after you clean it with water you have to put it back on the stove and add oil to it to keep it seasoned.

We don't typically put it in the oven because our other pans are All Clad SS and they are lighter and easier to maneuver back and forth.

 

[Buckalew11]

Cornbread is never better than when cooked in a cast iron pan!

Steak is wonderful in a cast iron pan. Sear on top of stove and then into the oven for a few mins. Wonderful!!