Glass Pan Vs. Cast Iron Pan
Glass pans and cast iron pans are two very different kitchen tools. While the cast iron pan is quite a multitasker, the glass pan is relegated to only oven use. These pans are quite affordable and are available at discount big box stores and kitchen stores. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Glass Baking Pans
-
Glass baking pans come in a variety of sizes and shapes, including rectangles, circles and squares. These pans are designed for use in the oven and are typically used for baking breads, pies, cakes, casseroles and other similar items. Glass baking pans must be greased prior to use otherwise foods can stick to the glass wall. Depending on the brand and style, glass baking pans can usually be cleaned in the dishwasher.
Cast Iron Pans
-
Cast iron pans are heavy pans that are able to hold heat extremely well. These pans are acceptable for both on the stovetop and in the oven applications. Cast iron pans are usually used to saute, fry and boil foods. The pans are unique in that they must be seasoned prior to the first use and about once every year. Failure to season cast iron pans can result in rusting.
-
Baking
-
The cast iron pan is also suitable for baking in the oven. Foods such as cornbread and cakes are commonly baked items in a cast iron pan. The circular design of a cast iron pan helps prevent burning and dry areas in the finished product much like a circular glass pan. Square and rectangular pans can sometimes have burned, crusty corners.
Frying, Sauteing and Simmering
-
Glass pans cannot be used to fry, saute or simmer. Placing these pans on a hot stovetop will result in cracking and breaking. The cast iron pan is designed to excel at these tasks. Since cast iron pans hold onto heat very well, they are able to keep frying oil at an appropriate temperature easily and sear meats as well.
Safety
-
Although glass baking pans tend to be very durable, they are still susceptible to cracking and breaking. Be careful to never drop a glass baking pan. Cast iron pans do not have this problem, although their immense weight can make dropping them on a foot quite dangerous. Also, neither of these pans are considered reactive. Reactive pans can leach metal into food when they come in contact with acidic foods.
-
References
- Photo Credit oven image by Evgeny Rodionov from Fotolia.com
