Cookware has come a long way since grandma’s days, maybe too long. The old cast iron pots and pans have been eclipsed over the years by new cutting edge designs, conceptions and technologies. However, Grandma may have gotten the vintage cookware right for its durability, eco-friendly use, and easy cleanup.

Seasoning Your Cast Iron Skillet

Cast iron cookware comes in all shapes and sizes, ready to tackle the toughest jobs in the kitchen. The most commonly used cast iron options are skillets, Dutch ovens, woks, deep fryers, and griddles. Made from heavy carbon materials, the iron skillet needs very little attention to greasing, as natural iron serves as a non-stick surface when used properly. For best results, the cast iron surface should be “seasoned” to oxidize the iron, a three-step process that will form a barrier between the food and the hot pan. The pan must be cleaned, then a thin layer of fat (animal or vegetable) is applied and the oil is allowed to simmer on the grain of the pan.

Regulated heating temperatures

Part of the beauty of a cast iron skillet is its ability to conduct cooking heat evenly across the cooking surface, thus creating faster and more efficient use of the stove. Favorites like the grilled cheese sandwich will come out with a perfectly melted center and no burnt edges on the bread. Cast iron cookware is ideal for scrambled eggs, stir-fries, and anything else you need to have full control over the cooking temperature. Food can certainly burn in an iron skillet, but the chef simply has better control of the cooking situation.

Longevity

Cast iron is a heavy metal that, under normal working conditions, is nearly indestructible. This type of cookware can be passed down from generation to generation, with the same high efficiency pots and pans as the day it was purchased. Additionally, cast cookware collections typically cost less money than their contemporary counterparts and can save you a significant amount of time in the kitchen cleaning them up. The only downside to switching to a kitchen is that some people may find the weight of the cookware too cumbersome and bulky. If you have small children who like to try to prepare a meal, it’s a good idea to have some lightweight cookware available for safe handling around the flames, and keep your cast iron collection for the professionals.

Cast iron cookware can be purchased at most retail stores and the best deals abound through online shopping sites. QVC and Amazon are just a few of the favorite places for consumers to get you up and running with a modern cookware set that will last a lifetime. Never having to replace your cookware again is the smart choice for those on a dollar value, and it also makes sense to keep the planet “green” and free of discarded pots and pans.