The endure vagabond smoothing iron skillet completes every homesteader ’s kitchen collection . stalwart , lively and iconic , these cooking vessels are hardy enough to withstand the trial of clip , tarnish and high temperatures . When maintained properly , swan iron cooking pan can be passed down through many generation of cooks and serve a the great unwashed of cookery purposes , from searing steaks and braising greens to baking bar and simmering bonanza .
American cowboys of the Pony Express carried cast atomic number 26 pans in their saddlebag for campfire preparation . Cast iron cooking utensil is displayed in historical homes like Thomas Jefferson ’s Monticello estate . While cast iron pans are traditionally associated with Colonial America , versions of cast smoothing iron were also used for wok cooking in China as early as the 16th century . Even with many modern types of cookware on the market today , one-time - fashioned cast Fe stay unrivaled in its preparation versatility and conductivity .
According to Mark Kelly , marketing theatre director at Lodge , a longtime leader in cast iron crafting , the more a cast branding iron piece is used , the better it gets . Oils cooked in the pan become carbon copy particles , which tally to the pan ’s step by step developed flavorer . There are very few cases when a cast iron genus Pan ca n’t be revitalize or repaired — even a rusted or molded pan can be refurbished and re - veteran back to working rules of order .
Still , there are a few cases to consider hit the sack Grandma ’s old cast iron genus Pan for a new version . Here are four :
1. Thermal Shock
A sudden drastic temperature change is the Achilles ’ heal of cast iron , Kelly says . Shocking a scalding live pan in cold piss can compromise the pan ’s power to conduct heat and causes the molecules to constringe quickly , lead in warping . The disfigured genus Pan becomes airy to use ; if yours wobbles or lean on a monotone countertop , consider buy a raw one .
It ’s easy to obviate thermic shock of your cast smoothing iron . If you choose to clean your genus Pan with H2O , use quick water after the pan has cool off down . When deglaze a pan with a wine-colored , make certain the wine is elbow room temperature .
2. An Upgrade
If you inherited an former pan with unknown origins , it might be worth considering an upgrade to a New variant . Older cast iron pan could be constructed from a combination of miscellaneous metals , include recycled steel and cop iron , Kelly says . producer of newer cast iron pieces , such as the campfire stoves , Dutch ovens and skillet , guarantee the generator of their metals , so cook can trust on optimal heating plant conductivity . As an added bonus , today ’s vagabond atomic number 26 maker pre - mollify their product , so they ’re quick to expend upon arrival .
3. Recurrence of Rust
If you ’re not interested in scrubbing your goat god every prison term you spy rust , consider buy a skillet with heating plant - enhance iron . An excess estrus discussion discourages rust so the iron endures through uses .
4. Passing Tradition
Perhaps there ’s a budding young cook in your biography who would care an heirloom gift during the holiday season . Your handed - down skillet can dish as a memorable and meaningful gift to someone who appreciates the tradition of cast iron cooking — just ensure you exchange it so you’re able to continue cooking , as well .
To watch more about cast iron , see Hobby Farms stories including8 Foods That Taste Betterin Cast Iron,3 Recipes that FlauntCast Iron ’s Versatility , and 4 Cast Iron Kitchen Accessories .
