How to Choose Cast Iron Cookware
Cast iron is a popular type of pot or pan. It is known for conducting heat well and lasting for generations. It is a great investment for the kitchen, although fortunately the investment is often minimal. Whether you are purchasing a new or used cast iron pan, you will want to know what you are looking for and what makes a good pan before making an investment in a pot or pan that could potentially last for decades. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Determine your cookware needs. What kind of cooking will you need to do? A skillet is a popular type, but dutch ovens and pots can also be made of cast iron.
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Check how any accessories fit with the pan or pot. If the cookware has a lid, make sure it sits well on the pot or pan. Although it won't and shouldn't make a perfect seal, it should at least be tight. Large gaps could inhibit cooking.
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Measure the diameter of the pot or pan. Cookware of 10 to 12 inches are the most popular. If you normally cook for a larger crowd, you may want to look for something larger. Likewise if you make small meals or are looking for camping cookware, you may want to consider something smaller.
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Measure the thickness of the pot or pan in various areas. High quality cookware will have a fairly uniform size throughout, with only minor inconsistencies.
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Consider how much work you want to put into your pot or pan. Regular cast iron requires a seasoning treatment before you can cook on it. This is a simple process, consisting of coating the pot or pan with vegetable oil and baking it a few times. However, if you would like to avoid seasoning, purchase an enamel cast iron pot or pan.
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Check the quality of both new and used cookware. Avoid items with large scratches or dents. Although rust can be easily removed with steel wool, you may want to avoid cookware with large rust stains.
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