How to Select Cast Iron Cookware

Cast iron cookware is a daunting topic in the cooking community, even to the most skilled culinarians. Knowing how to select cast iron cookware can be intimidating to the average home cook.

With the misconceptions about cast iron cookware being high maintenance, temperamental and hard to clean, it is understandable why many people are deterred from using them altogether.

However, with the help of chef instructor and Cast Iron Skillet Culinaire founder Sheri Raleigh-Yearby, we will help dispel these myths and give cast iron pans their flowers for being one of the best pans you could have in your kitchen.

Whether you are looking to rehabilitate your grandmother’s cast iron sitting unused in your cupboard or invest in a new pan without knowing where to start, these tips will give you the knowledge and know-how to help you overcome your cast iron cookware fears.

Benefits of Cast Iron Cookware

Contrary to popular belief, cast irons are easy to maintain and highly dependable. That being said, there is a reason why people have been cooking with them for ages.

The resilient metal is adaptable and durable, contributing to the longevity of cast irons compared to pans of other materials, which is one of the many benefits of cast iron cookware.

The versatility of cast iron cookware allows it to be used on a stovetop, oven, grill and even outdoors on an open flame. These pans are great heat conductors and can hold heat for long periods, making them optimal for searing, sautéing, frying and baking.

A “well-seasoned” cast iron gives the pan a nonstick quality that helps to produce a nice, even sear and keep food from sticking in the pan. Speaking of seasoning, these pans only improve the more they are used, imparting depth of flavor into anything you cook.

How to Select Cast Iron Cookware

So, you have heard the elevator pitch and feel ready to pull the trigger on a fancy new cast iron pan sitting in your Amazon cart but are still unsure if it is the right fit.

First things first, when it comes to knowing how to select cast iron cookware, it is important to understand the different kinds of products available and the benefits of each.

Cast Iron Skillet

Starting with the classic, you have your basic 6 to 15-inch cast iron skillet, depending on the size you are going for. These are the old-school one-handled pans you might find in a Civil War museum for the history of cast iron cookware or at your grandmother’s house.

This classic cast iron offers complete versatility and is ideal for searing steaks, frying pork chops, baking cornbread—you name it. If you are just starting with cast iron, this is a solid option for beginners looking to familiarize themselves with the material.

Chef Yearby recommends the brand Lodge to find a basic cast iron skillet to fit your needs and puts a starter pan price range around $25 – $50.

Enameled Cast Iron

Another popular option is enameled cast irons—think Le Creuset. These Dutch oven types have colorful exteriors and dual handles for moving from stovetop to oven. With a colorful lid to match, enameled cast irons are ideal for high-moisture cooking like soups, stews, braising, and bread baking.

Cooking with enameled cast iron cookware is suitable for those who enjoy slow cookers like hearty chilis or decadent stews and are also looking for cookware that will match the aesthetic of their kitchen. However, it should be noted that the nature of enameled cast iron may not be ideal for all cooking methods.

“The enameled cast iron is going to create moisture simply because that’s what it is designed to do,” Yearby explains. “So, if you’re going to like sauté something in an enameled cast iron, then you have to be sure that you don’t put the lid on it until you’re ready to add your sauce or liquid because it’s not going to produce that sear like you’re wanting.”

The price range for enameled cast irons is more expensive, ranging from $75 to $300. You can find these cast irons by shopping for brands like Lodge and Le Creuset.

RELATED: How to Care for Cast Iron Cookware

Specialized Cast Irons

The last type of cast iron cookware we are highlighting is the specialized pieces designed for specific cooking methods and appliances. This broad category would include cast iron griddles, Dutch ovens, woks, grill pans and bakeware.

These pans are designed for those with a deeper understanding of cast irons or who need more specialized cooking utensils. So, if you’re a grill master, bread-baking artisan, an avid camper, or are just looking to expand your existing cast iron collection, this category is for you.

Yearby suggests shopping with Lodge to discover different types of cast irons that are made for varying scenarios. This cast iron cookware ranges from $20 to $120.

How to select cast iron cookware depends on your needs and what fits your budget, which is half of the battle. From there, it is all about using cast iron cookware to create family-approved meals.

For more information on our resident cast iron connoisseur, Chef Sheri Raleigh-Yearby and her culinary school, Cast Iron Skillet Culinaire, visit her website and keep up with her on Instagram.