Cast Iron Cookware: Benefits, Care, and Best Picks

Introduction

Do you know that a good cast iron tawa and kadhai can last for years if used properly? Cast iron cookware is known for its durability, ability to maintain a constant temperature and its natural non-stick property. We can easily make dosa, roti, sabzi or biryani with cast iron cookware.

Why Choose Cast Iron Cookware?

1. Superior Heat Retention and Distribution

Cast iron heats evenly and retains heat for a long time, making it perfect for slow cooking, frying, baking, and searing meats.

2. Naturally Non-Stick Surface

With proper seasoning, cast iron develops a non-stick surface that improves with use, reducing the need for excessive oil.

3. Long-Lasting Durability

Unlike non-stick pans that wear out over time, cast iron can last for generations with proper care.

4. Adds Iron to Your Diet

Cooking in cast iron can increase the iron content in your food, which is beneficial for those with iron deficiencies.

5. Versatile Cooking Options

From stovetop to oven and even open flames, cast iron is suitable for all cooking methods, including frying, roasting, and baking.

But most people are always confused about how to protect cast iron cookware from rust and how to maintain it and most of the cast iron cookware is called non-stick cookware. In the blog, we will know about cast iron cookware

✅ Difference between Cast iron and iron

✅ Correct method of seasoning

✅ Effect of Cast iron on health

✅ Best ways to remove rust

✅ Best cast iron brands

✅ Non-stick vs. Cast iron – Which is better?

Let’s get started!

1. What is the difference between cast iron and iron?

Most people consider cast iron and iron to be the same, but both are different

Feature	Cast Iron	Iron (Wrought Iron)
Composition	2-4% carbon	Less than 0.1% carbon
Durability	Strong but brittle	Flexible and strong
Weight	Heavy	light
Usage	Cookware, industrial tools	Gates, railings, tools
Heat Retention	Excellent	Moderate

👉 Which is better for cooking? Cast iron is best because it distributes heat evenly and creates a natural non-stick surface.

2. How to season a cast iron tawa?

Seasoning is a process in which oil is applied to create a natural, non-stick surface. Here is a simple way to season your cast iron tawa:

✅ Step-by-Step Guide to Seasoning

1️⃣ Clean the tawa – Wash it with warm water and mild soap (for first-time use only). Dry thoroughly.

2️⃣ Apply oil – Apply a thin layer of vegetable oil, mustard oil or linseed oil on the surface.

3️⃣ Heat it up – Keep the tawa on low flame for 10-15 minutes until the oil starts to smoke.

4️⃣ Wipe off excess oil – Use a paper towel to remove excess oil.

5️⃣ Repeat the process – Do it 3-4 times for best results.👉 Tip: Avoid using high heat for the first few uses so that the seasoning sets slowly.

3. Is Cast Iron Good for Health?

Yes! Cast iron cookware is more health-friendly than non-stick. Why?

✅ No harmful chemicals – Teflon-coated non-stick pans can release toxic fumes on high heat.

✅ Boosts Iron – Cooking in cast iron increases the iron content in food, which helps prevent anaemia.

✅ Uses less oil – A well seasoned cast iron requires less oil.

👉 Is there any harm? If the seasoning is not done properly then the taste of sour foods (like tomatoes, tamarind) may change.

4. What is the Difference Between Cast Iron and Steel?

While both cast iron and steel are iron-based materials, they have key differences:

Feature	Cast Iron	Steel (Stainless Steel)
Composition	Iron with 2-4% carbon	Iron with chromium and nickel
Heat Retention	Excellent	Moderate
Non-Stick Ability	Becomes non-stick with seasoning	Requires oil or coating
Maintenance	Requires seasoning and careful cleaning	Easy to maintain
Rust Resistance	Can rust if not cared for	Rust-resistant due to chromium
Best For	Frying, searing, baking	Boiling, sautéing, stir-frying

👉 Which one to choose? If you need high heat retention and non-stick properties, go for cast iron. If you want easy maintenance and rust resistance, choose stainless steel.

5. How to remove rust from cast iron?

If your cast iron pan has rusted, then there is no need to worry! Just follow these steps:

✅ Best way to remove rust

1️⃣ Salt and Oil Scrub – Add some coarse salt and scrub with a cloth soaked in oil.

2️⃣ Vinegar Soak – Soak in 50% vinegar + 50% water for 30 minutes, then scrub with a brush.

3️⃣ Rinse and Dry – Wash with water and dry well.

4️⃣ Re-season – Apply a thin oil layer and heat at high flame.

👉 To prevent rust in future: Always store cast iron in a dry place and apply light oil on it.

6. Which is the Best Cast Iron Brand?

If you are looking for the best cast iron cookware, consider these top brands:

🏆 Best Cast Iron Brands

Hawkins – High-quality, pre-seasoned, lightweight cast iron with a good warranty.

Vinod – Affordable and durable, but slightly heavy.

Indus Valley – 100% natural, handmade, chemical-free.

Prestige – Trusted brand, but limited variety in cast iron cookware.

Dynamic – Budget-friendly, pre-seasoned, but heavy.

Other Brands – Rock Tawa, Meyer, Lodge (international brand), etc.

👉If you want budget-friendly and daily use, Hawkins and Dynamic are the best. If you want premium quality, Lodge and Meyer are the best options.

🏆 Best Cast Iron Products

We will know more about the products of all the brands in detail in another article.

7. Which is Better: Nonstick or Cast Iron?

Both have their pros and cons. Let’s compare:

Feature	Cast Iron	Non-Stick (Teflon)
Non-Stick	Becomes non-stick with seasoning	Non-stick coating (Teflon)
Durability	Lasts for generations	Wears out in 2-3 years
Health Factor	No chemicals, adds iron to food	May release toxins when overheated
Heat Tolerance	Can handle high heat	Limited to medium heat
Maintenance	Requires seasoning and care	Easy to clean but prone to scratches

👉 If you want long-lasting and chemical-free cookware, then cast iron is the best. If you want easy maintenance and quick cooking, then non-stick is better.

Conclusion & Call-to-Action

Cast iron is a long-term investment that can last for generations with proper care. If you want health-friendly, durable and high-heat cooking cookware, cast iron is the best choice.

What are your thoughts?

🔹 Do you use cast iron cookware?

🔹 Which is your favorite cast iron recipe?

Do share in the comments! 😊👇

If you want to buy best quality cast iron cookware, try products from Hawkins, Lodge and Dynamic.

Happy Cooking! 🍳🔥

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