Is cast iron superior to other cookware? Discover best cookware material in India

Feb 26, 2021

If you are planning to or are in the middle of upgrading your cookware, you will surely end up getting a lot of advice from well-meaning friends, family and even co-workers. Sometimes, different opinions, advice and suggestions may prove to add to your already confused mind. If you are hassled and need some really authentic and expert take on cookware, you are in the right space as we have the most comprehensive comparison you can think of.

In the last decade, cast iron cookware has seen a resurgence in the Indian market and we get it! There is a lot to love about cast-iron. From the rugged yet sturdy body, heavy looks and heat retention capability, cast iron’s reputation definitely precedes it. This is why we have compared a slew of other cookware ranges with cast iron, to help you decide what is best for you in the easiest manner possible.

Cast Iron cookware versus Stainless Steel

When it comes to comparison, cast iron and stainless-steel share a lot of similarities- both of them are sturdy, versatile, and are perfect for searing your food. However, nobody can deny the fact that cast iron is a classic piece of cookware that can last you a lifetime if you take care of it.

On the other hand, stainless steel is lighter and requires much less muscle than the weighty material of cast iron not to mention the required maintenance is also quite low for stainless steel. We still believe that all the maintenance is still worth it for all the delicious dishes you can make with cast iron.

Cast Iron versus Non-Stick

Nonstick has become synonymous with easy cleaning as far as kitchen is concerned. It is true that cooking in a nonstick pan requires less oil and the food release is amazing, however when you compare them with cast iron- nonstick pans cannot be used on high heat, they do get scratched easily and in case of the Teflon coating, it is often unsafe to use a pan with damaged coating. Cast iron on the other hand are great to cook on high heat and the seasoning on the pan works as a barrier between the food and the metal. Moreover, iron is an essential mineral and even if the metal leeches into the food, it does not pose any health risks.

Cast Iron versus Ceramic

Ceramic cookware is getting a lot of love mainly because of the fact that it looks great and is available in different pretty colours. They are easy to clean as well as dishwasher safe, however these cookware chip easily and food sticks to the surface as they are not nonstick. Most often than not, safety is a question as the cookware contains small amounts of lead as it originates from porcelain and lead is toxic even at very low levels, causing nervous system damage.

Cast iron is definitely a better alternative as it is a natural cookware without any harmful coatings, works great as nonstick when seasoned properly, lasts a lifetime and is also dishwasher as well as oven safe.

Cast Iron cookware versus Hard Anodized

Hard anodized material gets a lot of love because of its nonstick and nonreactive surface which means discolorations or change in taste of the food will not be a concern for you. The clean-up is easy and given its immense strength, it is also scratch and dent resistant.

However, aluminium is a primary part of the material used in making this cookware and it may be locked in protective layer but the layer will not last forever. Moreover, the cookware is not as versatile as cast iron which works both on stovetop and in the oven perfectly. The surface does wear away on an anodized pan, so it won't last a lifetime like cast iron, but it does generally last much longer than nonstick pans.

Cast iron is oven safe

Probably the best thing about cooking with cast iron is its versatility. This material can be used with pretty much any heat source—from open flame to induction. This, of course, includes use in commercial ovens.

Not only will you be able to enjoy the effect cast iron can provide for your baked mac and cheese and fruit cobblers, but you can also experience the convenience of a naturally non-stick surface for making eggs and more.

Cast iron is natural

Unlike some non-stick pan coatings, cast iron pans are generally made of 100% natural materials—namely iron and oil. This is a fantastic benefit for farm-to-table restaurants or any establishment that focuses on clean cooking and natural ingredients.