Choosing the best cast iron cookware is simple if you know what to look for ahead of time.
Cooking in cast iron pans is a great way to prepare delicious food as well as save money.
This is because once you purchase quality cast iron cookware, as long as you take care of the cast iron pots, pans and skillets, you will never have to purchase them again.
Cast iron pans are literally a once in a lifetime purchase, cast iron is non-stick and able to be used over a campfire, on a wood stove or in an oven or on top of a stove as long as it is not a glass top stove.
How To Choose Cast Iron Cookware
There are a few things you need to decide before you start shopping for cast iron cookware.
The first decision you must make is to choose the type of cast iron cookware you want – enameled cast iron pans or traditional ones.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of cast iron cookware.
Personally I prefer traditional cast iron cookware because the enameled cast iron cookware tends to discolor after you have used it a few times, especially if it is a light colored enamel.
Enameled cast iron cookware does not leach iron into your food, nor does it rust the way traditional cast iron will if it is not seasoned correctly.
Traditional cast iron cookware does not discolor the way enameled cast iron cookware does.
Next, you need to choose whether you are going to buy brand new cast iron cookware or used.
Sometimes it is nice to just start out with brand new cast iron as long as you are willing to season it correctly yourself right from the start.
While some cast iron cookware claims it is pre-seasoned when it arrives, the best way to insure your cast iron is correctly seasoned is to season it yourself as soon as it arrives.
The next step is to decide which pots, pans or skillets you need.
Think about what you cook and the types of pots, pans or skillets you use and slowly replace those with cast iron cookware – or in the event you have not already bought cookware, start out by buying cast iron.
Best Cast Iron Pans
Best Cast Iron Pans
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, Pre-Seasoned and Ready for Stove Top or Oven Use, 10.25", Black
10.25 Inch Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet. An improvement on the original: the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, featuring an assist handle. This will be your go-to pan for generations to come. Handle length is 4.81 inch. When deep frying, fill cookware only to 1/3 of capacity.
Lodge 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven. Classic Red Enamel Dutch Oven (Island Spice Red)
6 Quart Dutch Oven, Red. A flawless pairing of form and function that doesn't quit, the Lodge Dutch Oven is an enameled cast iron classic that's great for preparing and serving memorable meals.
Lodge LPGI3 Pro-Grid Cast Iron Reversible 20" x 10" Grill/Griddle Pan with Easy-Grip Handles 10" x 20"
Pro-Grid Iron Reversible Grill & Griddle. The Lodge Pro-Grid Iron Grill & Griddle provides excellent heat retention and distribution and fits over two stovetop burners. Two easy grip handles allow for easy lifting, flipping or hanging when not in use. You can use this grill to cook pancakes and eggs or grill chicken and steak.
Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 5 Piece Bundle. 10.5” Griddle, 8” Skillet, 10.25” Skillet, 10.25” Dutch Oven, and 10.25” Lid
LODGE 5 PIECE COOKWARE SET. It’s time to cover all your bases. This set includes: 10.5 Inch Griddle, 8 Inch Skillet, 10.25 Inch Skillet, 5 Quart (10.25 Inch) Dutch Oven and Cast Iron Cover that fits 10.25 Inch Skillet and 5 Quart Dutch Oven.
Lodge 3.6 Quart Enamel Cast Iron Casserole Dish with Lid (Carribbean Blue)
Broil, braise, bake or roast up to 500 degrees F. Saute, simmer or fry on any stovetop, including induction.
Lodge 5 Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven. Pre-Seasoned Pot with Lid and Dual Loop Handle
5 Quart Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven. A classic cooker that doesn't quit, the Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven is a classic that's great for preparing and serving memorable meals. Pre-seasoned and ready to go.
Best Cast Iron Roasting Pan And Accessories
In addition to regular sized cast iron pots and pans, you might wish to have a larger pan such as a cast iron roasting pan for holiday turkeys or even a ham.
I have this particular cast iron roasting pan and I absolutely love it!
I have made a lot of roast chicken in it and of course turkey.
In fact, my go to recipe is this cast iron roasting pan turkey breast recipe.
When cooking with cast iron, it is important to have the right hot pads and a few other necessities to use with your cast iron pans and also to help you properly take care of them.
Here are a few items I recommend:
- Stainless Steel Cast Iron Cleaner
- Dutch Oven Tool Set
- Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Care Kit
- Hot Holder Heat Protecting Silicone Handle
- Lodge 10 Inch Scrub Brush
- Heavy Duty Pan Organizer
- Cast Iron Meat Rack/Trivet
Dutch Oven Cast Iron Pot Recipes
What Can You Cook In A Cast Iron Dutch Oven?
What Can You Cook In A Cast Iron Dutch Oven? Just about anything you can cook in any other pot to be truthful! Cast Iron Dutch Ovens are so versatile! Be sure to check out this post for some great cast iron tips and ideas!
How To Make Homemade Tomato Soup In A Dutch Oven
If you’ve ever wondered How To Make Homemade Tomato Soup In A Dutch Oven then you won’t want to miss this recipe! This delicious tomato soup made from scratch is a perfect meal for lunches or to prepare from preserved tomatoes on a cold winter day.
Cast Iron Dutch Oven Garlicky Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
If you’ve never made chicken noodle soup in a cast iron pan, then you don’t know what you’re missing! This garlicky chicken noodle soup recipe is delicious, quick and easy!
Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven Whole Chicken Recipe
This Dutch Oven whole chicken recipe simply makes the best fall-off-the-bone chicken. Plus it's super simple to make in just one pan.
Easy Cast Iron Dutch Oven London Broil Recipe
This cast iron Dutch Oven London Broil recipe is a one pot meal that requires very little preparation and does not require any work during the actual cooking time.
My Easy One Pot Cast Iron Pot Roast Recipe
This is my family’s favorite roast recipe. It is easy to make and perfect for Sunday dinner!
Dutch Oven Round Roast Recipe
Roasts are a staple here at our house, so using my Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven to cook a roast in makes sense. Personally I prefer my roasts cooked like this instead of in a Crock Pot.
One Of The Best Dutch Oven Rib Recipes
I love ribs, but I want them fall-off-the-bone tender and oozing with spicy sweet BBQ sauce. This oven rib recipe is so versatile because it is made in a cast iron Dutch Oven meaning you can make this same recipe on a wood burning stove, on a BBQ grill or even over an open fire.
Maple Bourbon Glazed Precooked Ham In A Dutch Oven On The Grill - Experimental Homesteader
If you’re looking for a way to use your Dutch Oven outdoors, you won’t want to miss this Maple Bourbon Glazed Precooked Ham In A Dutch Oven On The Grill recipe!
Best Lasagna Recipe For A Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Cooking lasagna in cast iron gives it an entirely different taste that is downright delicious. Plus the cleanup is so easy!
Easy Dutch Oven Potatoes Recipe
I like my potatoes tender inside and crispy outside. I also don’t like greasy potatoes. This potato recipe is meets my criteria and I am sure you are going to love it.
Apple Crisp Dutch Oven Recipe
Let’s face it, we all need a special dessert once in a while. This apple crisp is sort of like a dump crisp, literally. It is super easy to make – even over an open fire – and it tastes great!