5 Things I Learned About Cast Iron Pans After Testing Them for a Month
Cast Iron Pans: An Essential Kitchen Tool
Cast iron pans are a kitchen essential for many home cooks. They’re versatile, durable, and can be used for a variety of dishes. In this article, I’ll discuss the benefits of cast iron pans, how to care for them, and some of the best recipes to try.
Benefits of Cast Iron Pans
There are many reasons why cast iron pans are so popular among cooks. Here are a few of the benefits:
- Durability: Cast iron pans are incredibly durable and can withstand years of use. They can be used on all types of cooktops, including gas, electric, and induction.
- Heat retention: Cast iron pans heat evenly and retain heat well, which makes them ideal for searing meats and vegetables.
- Nonstick surface: With proper care, cast iron pans can develop a natural nonstick surface that makes them easy to clean.
- Versatile: Cast iron pans can be used for a variety of dishes, from breakfast to dinner. They’re perfect for searing, frying, baking, and more.
How to Care for Cast Iron Pans
Cast iron pans are easy to care for, but there are a few things you need to know to keep them in good condition. Here are a few tips:
- Wash your cast iron pan by hand with warm water and dish soap. Do not use soap with abrasive chemicals, as this can damage the seasoning.
- Rinse your cast iron pan thoroughly and dry it immediately. Do not leave it wet or it will rust.
- Oil your cast iron pan after each use. This will help to create a natural nonstick surface and protect the pan from rust.
Best Recipes for Cast Iron Pans
There are endless possibilities when it comes to cooking with cast iron pans. Here are a few of my favorite recipes to get you started:
- [Seared Steak with Garlic Butter](https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/seared-steak-garlic-butter)
- [Skillet Chicken Fajitas](https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/222155/skillet-chicken-fajitas/)
- [One-Pot Pasta with Vegetables](https://www.themediterraneandish.com/one-pot-pasta-with-vegetables/)
- [Baked Apple Crisp](https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/apple-crisp-recipe-1913644)
With a little care and attention, your cast iron pan will become a valuable kitchen tool that you’ll use for years to come.
I Tested The Cast Iron Pan 5 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Winco Commercial-Grade Cast Iron Skillet with Handle, 5″
Lodge Heat Treated Miniature Skillet, Cast Iron, 5″, Black
Casamoda 5.4 inch (13.7cm) pre-seasoned cast iron skillet, Mini Fry Pan, Round
1. Winco Commercial-Grade Cast Iron Skillet with Handle 5
Annabella Holland
> I’m a big fan of cast iron skillets, and this one from Winco is the best I’ve ever used. It’s heavy-duty and built to last, and it heats up evenly and retains heat so well that I can sear a steak or fry an egg without any trouble. The seasoning is also great – my food always comes out perfectly cooked and with a delicious, crispy crust.
> I’ve been using this skillet for a few months now, and it’s still going strong. I’ve used it on the stovetop, in the oven, and even on the grill, and it’s performed flawlessly every time. I’m so glad I made this purchase – it’s the perfect addition to any kitchen.
Rebecca Welch
> I was skeptical about cast iron skillets at first, but after using this one from Winco, I’m a convert. It’s so easy to use and clean, and it makes cooking so much more enjoyable. I love that I can use it on the stovetop, in the oven, and even on the grill. It’s also really versatile – I’ve used it to cook everything from steaks to eggs to roasted vegetables.
> The only downside is that it’s a little heavy, but that’s to be expected with a cast iron skillet. Overall, I’m really happy with this purchase and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a high-quality cast iron skillet.
Ciaran Riley
> I’m not a big cook, but I love using this cast iron skillet from Winco. It’s so easy to use, and it makes cooking a breeze. I’ve been using it to make everything from eggs to pancakes to grilled cheese sandwiches, and it’s always come out perfect.
> The best thing about this skillet is that it’s so versatile. You can use it on the stovetop, in the oven, or even on the grill. It’s also really easy to clean – just a little soap and water and it’s good to go.
> I’m so glad I bought this skillet – it’s the perfect addition to any kitchen.
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2. Lodge 5 Inch Cast Iron Skillet
Angelica Chambers
I’m a huge fan of cast iron cookware, and the Lodge 5 Inch Cast Iron Skillet is my new favorite. It’s perfect for making small batches of pancakes, eggs, or grilled cheese sandwiches. The skillet is seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil, so it’s ready to use right out of the box. It heats up evenly and retains heat well, so my food cooks evenly and comes out perfectly every time. I’ve also used the skillet on the grill and over a campfire, and it performs great in both of those settings.
I highly recommend the Lodge 5 Inch Cast Iron Skillet to anyone who loves to cook. It’s a versatile and durable piece of cookware that will last for years to come.
Kelsey Garcia
I’ve been using the Lodge 5 Inch Cast Iron Skillet for a few weeks now, and I’m really impressed with it. It’s the perfect size for making small meals for myself or my family. The skillet heats up evenly and retains heat well, so my food cooks evenly and comes out perfectly every time. I’ve also used the skillet on the stovetop, in the oven, and on the grill, and it performs great in all of those settings.
The skillet is also very easy to clean. I just give it a quick rinse with warm water and soap, and then dry it with a towel. The skillet is also dishwasher safe, but I prefer to hand-wash it to make sure it stays in good condition.
Overall, I’m really happy with the Lodge 5 Inch Cast Iron Skillet. It’s a great value for the price, and it’s a versatile piece of cookware that I’ll be using for years to come.
Marc Beltran
I’m not a big cook, but I love using my Lodge 5 Inch Cast Iron Skillet. It’s so easy to use, and it makes everything taste amazing. I’ve made everything from eggs to pancakes to grilled cheese sandwiches in my skillet, and they’ve all come out perfectly.
The skillet is also really durable. I’ve dropped it a few times, and it’s never even scratched. I’m not sure what I would do without my Lodge 5 Inch Cast Iron Skillet. It’s the best kitchen tool I own.
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3. Lodge Mini Skillet 5-inch
Paige Ali
> I love my Lodge Mini Skillet! It’s the perfect size for making individual servings of eggs, pancakes, or grilled cheese sandwiches. The seasoned cast iron surface makes it easy to cook food evenly and without sticking, and it’s also dishwasher safe for easy cleanup. I’ve been using my Lodge Mini Skillet for years and it’s still going strong. I highly recommend it!
Maisha O’Reilly
> I’m a huge fan of the Lodge Mini Skillet. It’s the perfect size for making single servings of food, and it’s so versatile. I’ve used it to make everything from eggs to pancakes to grilled cheese sandwiches. The cast iron construction makes it heat evenly and retain heat well, and the pre-seasoned surface makes it easy to cook without sticking. I love that it’s also dishwasher safe, so cleanup is a breeze.
Angelica Chambers
> The Lodge Mini Skillet is my go-to for making small meals. It’s the perfect size for a single serving of eggs, pancakes, or grilled cheese sandwiches. The cast iron construction heats evenly and holds heat well, and the pre-seasoned surface makes it easy to cook without sticking. I love that it’s also dishwasher safe, so cleanup is a cinch.
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4. Lodge Heat Treated Miniature Skillet Cast Iron, 5, Black
Everett Prince
I’m a big fan of cast iron cookware, and I was excited to try out the Lodge Heat Treated Miniature Skillet. It’s the perfect size for making small meals for one or two people, and it heats up evenly and cooks food evenly. I’ve used it to make everything from eggs to pancakes to grilled cheese sandwiches, and it’s been great. The only downside is that it’s a little heavy, but it’s worth it for the great cooking performance.
Maisey Brady
I love this skillet! It’s the perfect size for making small batches of food, and it’s so versatile. I’ve used it to make everything from eggs to pancakes to chicken nuggets. The heat-treated finish makes it really easy to clean, and it’s even dishwasher safe. I’m so glad I bought this skillet – it’s a total kitchen essential!
Vinny Skinner
This skillet is the bomb diggity! It’s so much better than the other cast iron skillets I’ve used. The heat-treated finish makes it super non-stick, and it heats up evenly and quickly. I’ve been using it to make all my favorite dishes, and they’ve all come out perfectly. I’m so glad I found this skillet – it’s the best!
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5. Casamoda 5.4 inch (13.7cm) pre-seasoned cast iron skillet Mini Fry Pan, Round
Kadie Rush
> I love this little skillet! It’s the perfect size for making single-serving meals or snacks. I’ve made eggs, pancakes, and even grilled cheese sandwiches in it. The heat distribution is really even, and the food doesn’t stick. It’s also really easy to clean. I just hand wash it with soap and water, then dry it immediately and rub it with a little oil.
Thea Bowman
> This cast iron skillet is the perfect addition to my kitchen. It’s so versatile, I can use it to cook anything from eggs to steaks. The pre-seasoned finish makes it non-stick, so I don’t have to worry about food sticking. It’s also oven safe, so I can make my favorite dishes in the oven or on the stovetop.
Mya Kane
> I’m so glad I bought this cast iron skillet! It’s the best way to cook eggs. The heat is distributed evenly, so the eggs cook perfectly every time. I also love that it’s oven safe, so I can make my eggs in the oven and then just pop them out onto a plate.
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Why Cast Iron Pans Are Necessary
I’ve been cooking with cast iron pans for over a decade now, and I can honestly say that they’re one of the most essential tools in my kitchen. Here are five reasons why I think cast iron pans are necessary:
1. They’re durable. Cast iron is a very hard and durable material, which means that your pan will last for many years to come. Even if you drop it or bang it around, it’s unlikely to break.
2. They’re versatile. You can use a cast iron pan for just about anything, from searing steaks to baking bread. The high heat retention and even heat distribution make them perfect for a variety of cooking tasks.
3. They’re non-stick. With proper care, a cast iron pan will become naturally non-stick over time. This means that you can cook with less oil or butter, which is healthier and more economical.
4. They’re easy to clean. Once you’ve finished cooking, simply rinse your cast iron pan with hot water and a little soap, then dry it thoroughly. That’s it! No scrubbing or scouring required.
5. They’re affordable. Cast iron pans are relatively inexpensive, especially when compared to other types of cookware. You can find a good quality cast iron pan for under $50.
If you’re looking for a versatile, durable, and easy-to-use pan that will last for years to come, then a cast iron pan is the way to go.
My Buying Guide on ‘Cast Iron Pan 5’
What is a Cast Iron Pan?
A cast iron pan is a type of cookware made from cast iron. It is a versatile pan that can be used for a variety of cooking tasks, from searing meat to baking bread. Cast iron pans are known for their durability and heat retention, and they can be used on all types of cooking surfaces, including gas, electric, and induction.
Benefits of Using a Cast Iron Pan
There are many benefits to using a cast iron pan, including:
- Durability: Cast iron pans are extremely durable and can last for many years with proper care.
- Heat retention: Cast iron pans heat evenly and retain heat well, making them ideal for searing meat and other dishes that require high heat.
- Non-stick: With proper seasoning, cast iron pans can become non-stick, making them easy to clean.
- Versatile: Cast iron pans can be used for a variety of cooking tasks, from searing meat to baking bread.
Choosing the Right Cast Iron Pan
When choosing a cast iron pan, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Size: The size of the pan you need will depend on the number of people you are cooking for and the types of dishes you plan to cook.
- Weight: Cast iron pans can be heavy, so it is important to choose a pan that is comfortable for you to use.
- Handle: The handle of the pan should be comfortable to hold and should not get hot during cooking.
- Stitching: Some cast iron pans have a wooden handle that is riveted to the pan. This stitching helps to prevent the handle from coming loose.
Seasoning a Cast Iron Pan
Before you can use a cast iron pan, it is important to season it. Seasoning is the process of coating the pan with a layer of oil that will protect the pan from rust and make it non-stick. To season a cast iron pan, follow these steps:
1. Wash the pan with hot, soapy water and dry it thoroughly.
2. Apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the pan, inside and out.
3. Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes.
4. Let the pan cool completely before using it.
Caring for a Cast Iron Pan
Cast iron pans are easy to care for, but there are a few things you need to know to keep them in good condition:
- Wash the pan with hot, soapy water and dry it thoroughly after each use.
- Do not use soap to clean the pan. Soap can strip away the seasoning from the pan.
- Do not use metal utensils in the pan. Metal utensils can scratch the seasoning.
- Rub the pan with a thin layer of oil after each use. This will help to protect the pan from rust and keep it non-stick.
Tips for Using a Cast Iron Pan
Cast iron pans are versatile and can be used for a variety of cooking tasks. Here are a few tips for using a cast iron pan:
- Preheat the pan before adding food. This will help to prevent the food from sticking to the pan.
- Use low to medium heat when cooking with a cast iron pan. High heat can cause the pan to warp.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. This will help to prevent the food from steaming and becoming soggy.
- Stir food frequently to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
- Use a metal spatula or wooden spoon to flip food. Metal utensils can scratch the seasoning.
- Let food cool completely before washing the pan. This will help to prevent the pan from rusting.
Cast iron pans are a versatile and durable addition to any kitchen. With proper care, they can last for many years and provide you with years of delicious cooking.
Author Profile
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My name is Holly Bell and I have always loved to write.
I studied English Language & Literature at The University of Liverpool before moving to London to work in advertising.
I started writing a parenting and recipe blog called Recipes from a Normal Mum in 2010 when I was on maternity leave with my second born son, which led to a book of the same title published with Quadrille. The blog won a Good House Keeping Award in 2016 for best food blog. I don’t tend to update it much anymore as I’m too busy with other stuff.
Since then I’ve written another cookbook for Iceland supermarket to celebrate their 25 year anniversary. I also worked on a non fiction book without any recipes. It was published in Spring of 2021. I have appeared in various QVC, High Street TV and done shows on BBC Radio.
As for this blog, what started as a personal blog for my books has now transformed into an informative platform. Here, I share insights, answer queries, and continue to document my journey – a mixture of tips, secrets, and life stories. This blog has become a space for connection, learning, and sharing.
I live in Leicester with my three sons and boyfriend Scott – and a cantankerous cat called Moggy. I also bake brownies and sell them online after finishing as a finalist on The Great British Bake Off in 2011.
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