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What Is Seasoned Cookware?

Seasoning CookwareIf you’ve shopped for cast iron or carbon steel cookware, you’ve probably seen the word “pre-seasoned” in the pan’s description. Pre-seasoned cookware has been specially treated with a coating of oil to create a non-stick surface. Certain types of cookware benefit from seasoning. It improves the pan’s performance and makes clean-up a breeze. I also highly recommend keeping up with seasoning your cast iron cookware! You’ll thank me later.

What Types of Cookware Are Seasoned?

Most types of cookware do not need to be seasoned. Cast iron and carbon steel benefit most from seasoning, but tin and hard-coat aluminum may also be seasoned.

Seasoning does more than just provide a non-stick surface. In the case of cast iron cookware, seasoning also prevents the pan from rusting. This is the primary reason why most cast iron pots and pans are pre-seasoned before they are shipped to the consumer. Without this protective coating, the pan may rust before it arrives at the store or the consumer’s home.

In some cases, cast iron and carbon steel cookware will arrive unseasoned. In this case, the manufacturer will provide instructions on how to properly season the pan. The pan must be seasoned before it can be used.

How to Season Cookware

Seasoning is fairly simple and straightforward. The process is lengthy, but it’s mostly hands-off. All you need is some cooking oil and time.

Cast iron connoisseurs will tell you that the type of oil you use makes a difference, but most manufacturers will state that any type of cooking oil can be used. The most common and popular oil choices are:

  • Flaxseed oil (the preferred type)
  • Vegetable oil
  • Lard
  • Shortening

Some people also use coconut and olive oil to season their pans, but not everyone succeeds with these oils. Shortening, vegetable oil and flaxseed oil are the preferred methods and are generally foolproof.

To season cast iron cookware:

  • Start off with a clean pan.
  • Preheat your oven to the lowest temperature.
  • Apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the interior and exterior of the pan. Some people also apply the oil to the handles of the pan. If you do decide to do this, be very careful when handling the pan as the handle will be slippery.
  • Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place it on the bottom shelf of the oven. The lined pan will be used to catch any oil that may drip from the cast iron pan.
  • Place the cast iron pan in the oven, and allow the seasoning to “bake” for approximately one hour.
  • Turn off the oven and allow the pan to cool inside.
  • Store in a dry, cool place.

Cast iron cookware will need to be re-seasoned from time to time. When food begins sticking to the surface of the pan, it’s time to re-season.

When purchasing seasoned cookware, it’s important to remember that this is just a basic seasoning. To create a lasting non-stick surface, you must cook with quite a bit of fat until you have built up a nice, thick layer of seasoning. To preserve the seasoning, cleaning with just a towel and kosher salt is recommended.

Check out this awesome video on how to season a cast iron skillet!

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What Is The Healthiest Type Of Cookware?

Healthy CookwareWhen it comes to cookware, heat distribution shouldn’t be your only concern. Some cooking materials may leach metals and other materials into your food, which may harm your health and alter the flavor of your food. If health is your primary concern when cooking in the kitchen, the cookware materials below are the healthiest choices.

Cast Iron

Cast iron cookware has been used for centuries. A well-seasoned cast iron pan offers an excellent non-stick surface, and the heat distribution with this type of cookware is superb. Cooking with cast iron will also add a little extra iron to your meals, which is beneficial for most families.

These pans do leech trace amounts of iron into foods, so if you have a health condition that puts you at risk for iron overload, this may not be a healthy cookware choice for you.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is one of the most affordable types of cookware, and it also happens to be one of the healthiest. Stainless steel is more stable than other cookware materials and far less prone to leaching. This means that meals cooked in stainless steel cookware are delicious and healthy.

Stainless steel pots and pans often feature aluminum or copper cores, which helps improve heat conductivity. However, these materials will not leach into foods as they are surrounded by layers of stainless steel.

Stoneware

Stoneware is an excellent choice for roasting or baking foods. This type of cookware is made from stoneware or special fire clay. Stoneware is made from natural materials, and does not need to be glazed. It heats evenly and provides great flavor.

The biggest concern with stoneware is cleaning. Soap should be avoided as the pan will absorb the flavor. Aside from this, stoneware is an excellent and healthier alternative to aluminum roasting pans and baking sheets.

Corningware and Glass

Corningware and glass can be tricky to cook with, but it’s one of the healthiest ways to cook simply because the material does not leach any kind of material into the food. There are only two concerns with glass cookware.

  1. Lids don’t seal tightly.
  2. Glass cookware can be damaged by thermal shock.

Aside from these two minor issues, cooking with glassware is a pleasure, and you can rest assured that the cookware is not leaching any harmful material into your food.

Ceramic

Like stoneware, ceramic cookware does not leach any material into foods. Ceramic is easy to clean and offers a non-stick cooking surface. Ceramic can be washed in the dishwasher, and you can even use steel wool or scrubbing pads without damaging the surface. If you are searching for durable, non-stick, healthy cookware, ceramic is a great choice.

These are the healthiest types of cookware you can buy. If you want to take things a bit further and reduce the amount of oils you cook with, ceramic and a well-seasoned cast iron pan are your best options. However, any one of these cooking materials will allow you to cook healthy, delicious meals that your whole family will love.

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Staub Frying Pan Review

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Staub Frying PanStaub cast iron frying pans are crafted with the same exceptional quality you’ve come to expect from the Staub name. Available in 10”, 12” and mini 4.75” sizes, these frying pans can be used for a variety of cooking tasks. Both novice and experienced cooks alike enjoy the durability and versatility of these pans. This is a must have frying pan if you don’t have any cast iron in your kitchen.

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Functionality

A Staub frying pan can be used for a variety of tasks from cooking omelets to searing meats and baking cornbread. The rough textured surface of the pan is excellent for browning, and its ability to withstand high temperatures makes it ideal for high heat cooking tasks.

The mini 4.5” pan is perfect for frying eggs, while the larger 10” and 12” pans are great for browning meats and cooking larger meals.

Because the pan is made from cast iron, you can easily transfer it from stovetop to oven. If you enjoy outdoor cooking or camping, you can use your cast iron frying pan on outdoor grills and cooktops as well.

Features

Much like other cookware offered by the Staub brand, this frying pan was made in France and is of exceptional quality.

While the pan performs like traditional cast iron cookware, its enamel surface allows it to be used on any cooktop surface. Each pan is oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and features a rough texture that allows for exceptional browning.

Unlike other cast iron cookware, this pan does not require seasoning thanks to its enamel coating. It’s also resistant to thermal shocks and scratching, which adds to the durability of this cookware.

Staub offers this pan in a variety of colors, including:

  • Black Matte
  • Graphite
  • Cherry
  • Basil
  • Dark Blue
  • Grenadine
  • Saffron

Staub’s frying pans are lead-free, PFOA-free, cadmium-free and PTFE-free. They’re dishwasher safe and incredibly versatile. This is the best Staub cookware for everyday cooking.

Pros

  • Exceptional heat retention
  • Enamel bottom is compatible with all cooktop surfaces
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Rough texture is great for browning and caramelizing foods
  • Oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Available in a variety of colors

It’s hard to find any faults with the Staub cast iron frying pan. It performs exceptionally well, comes in a variety of sizes and is manufactured by one of the most respected brands in the industry.

Price

The mini 4.5” cast iron frying pan is the most affordable choice in the collection, while the 10” pan is mid-priced and the 12” pan is the brand’s high-end pan. Considering the size difference between each pan, the increased price is practical and warranted. Staub offers exceptional quality cast iron cookware that’s trusted by chef’s all over the world. For professional-quality cookware, Staub’s is well worth the cost.

Durability & Maintenance

Staub’s has made their cookware incredibly easy to maintain. The enamel surface not only allows the pan to be used on any cooktop, but also makes the pan more resistant to thermal shocks and scratching. The enamel surface also allows the pan to be dishwasher safe, which makes clean up quick and easy.

These pans do not require seasoning before use, and they offer anti-adhesive properties. Maintenance is virtually non-existent, and the pans themselves will last for decades. The Staub cast iron frying pan is one piece of cookware that every cook should have in their kitchen.

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Staub Sauté Pan Review

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Staub Saute PanStaub sauté pans are the perfect addition to any cookware collection. Constructed with high quality cast iron and finished with an enamel surface, these sauté pans are easy to maintain and attractive enough to double as a serving dish.

You really can’t go wrong with these beautiful sauté pans. They are top of the line and easily go head to head with Le Creuset. Price is also in the same ball park.

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Functionality

Staub’s sauté pans are the perfect size and shape for taking on just about any cooking task, including:

  • Sautéing vegetables
  • Cooking fish and meat
  • Reheating
  • Warming pre-cooked dishes

Cast iron’s exceptional ability to distribute and retain heat allows you to cook up delicious meals and keep them warm long after they have been taken out of the oven or off of the stovetop.

Features

Staub offers both a 2.75-quart and a 4-quart sauté pan to accommodate your needs. The 4-quart is ideal for larger meals or gatherings, while the smaller 2.75-quart is perfect for couples and small families.

Thanks to its cast iron construction, this sauté pan is oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The smooth enamel bottom allows the pan to be used on any cooktop surface and also eliminates the need to season the pan. This same enamel surface is also what allows the pan to be dishwasher safe, which is something you won’t find with traditional cast iron cookware.

Each pan comes with a tight-fitting lid that retains moisture and prevents humidity from escaping. As a result, foods are juicer and more flavorful.

The rough texture of the pan also allows for exceptional browning.

Aesthetically speaking, Staubs’ sauté pans are attractive enough to take from oven to table when serving guests or family. This pan features a brass knob and comes in a variety of colors, including:

Pros

  • Black Matte
  • Graphite Grey
  • Basil
  • Dark Blue
  • Grenadine
  • Excellent heat retention and distribution
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Easy to maintain
  • Comes in a variety of colors

Cons

  • Heavy

The heavy weight of this sauté pan is to be expected. Cast iron cookware is notorious for its heavier weight, but this weight adds to the pan’s durability.

Price

The 2.75-quart Staub sauté pan is offered at a lower price than the 4-qaurt pan. The larger size of the 4-quart pan warrants this price increase, and the exceptional quality of the Staub brand makes the pan well worth the cost.

Durability & Maintenance

When compared to other cast iron cookware sets, Staub’s sauté pans are very easy to maintain. They can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher. Traditional cast iron cookware cannot be washed in the dishwasher and should not even be washed by hand.

The enamel surface on the pan eliminates the need for “seasoning,” which makes this pan virtually maintenance-free. However, it’s still important to store your pan in a cool, dry place and ensure that it’s thoroughly dry before storing it away in a cupboard or cabinet.

Staub constructed their sauté pans to last a lifetime, and with proper care and maintenance, you can continue using your pan for decades to come. Staub is the brand of choice for many chefs simply because of its durability and high quality construction. For sautéing, roasting and browning, this is the best Staub cookware choice.

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Le Creuset Signature Cast Iron Cookware Set Review

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Le Creuset Signature Cast Iron Cookware SetLe Creuset is a leader in the cookware industry, and their signature cast iron sets are a testament to the quality this brand is known for. Each piece is cast in sand molds and inspected by 15 different artisans before making its way to store shelves. The brilliant heat retention of cast iron makes this cookware collection exceptional both on the stovetop and in the oven.

The Le Creuset Signature cast iron cookware set is available in a 5-piece and 6-piece collection. Each set includes the following items:

  • 5-Piece: 3.5-quart French oven with lid, 1 3/4-quart saucepan with lid and 9” skillet.
  • 6-Piece: 4.5-quart French oven with lid, 2 1/4-quart saucier with lid, 5 1/4-quart roaster and square skillet grill.
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Functionality

Le Creuset’s Signature Cast Iron sets are incredibly versatile. Thanks to cast iron’s exceptional heat retention properties and its ability to withstand high temperatures, you can use these pieces for just about any cooking application, including:

  • Slow-cooking
  • Stir-fry
  • Baking
  • Searing
  • Frying

Adding to its versatility, this cast iron cookware set can be used on just about any cooking surface, including: gas, electric, induction, outdoor grill, ceramic and halogen cooktops. Every piece is oven safe and freezer safe.

Features

In addition to its heat retention abilities, this cast iron cookware set also boasts a number of other great features, including:

  • Dishwasher safe
  • Colorful enamel exterior that’s resistant to cracking and chipping
  • Skillets and skillet grills in the collection do not require seasoning
  • Large handles allow for easy handling even with oven mitts
  • Phenolicknobs can withstand temperatures of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit

All of the pieces in the cast iron cookware collection are backed by a limited lifetime warranty. This the best Le Creuset cookware set for all-around use and everyday cooking.

Pros

  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Versatile
  • Excellent heat retention
  • Can be used on any heat source
  • Can withstand high cooking temperatures
  • Comes with a limited lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Not ideal for dry cooking – with the exception of skillet grills.

Unlike traditional cast iron cookware, which is seasoned, oils and fats are needed in order to prevent foods from sticking to the surface of the pan.

Price

Le Creuset’s Signature Cast Iron 5-piece set is comparable in price to the brand’s stainless steel 5-piece set. However, the 6-piece set is pricier when compared to the stainless steel 8-piece collection. From a cook’s point of view, the cast iron collection is well worth the price simply because it offers exceptional heat retention and can withstand high cooking temperatures. This is something that stainless steel cookware rarely offers.

Durability & Maintenance

Traditional cast iron cookware can be tedious to maintain. Rust is a major issue and you must ensure that your pans are seasoned in order to prevent foods from sticking.

Le Creuset’s cast iron cookware set completely eliminates the heavy maintenance of cast iron thanks to its enameled exterior. Each piece is dishwasher safe, so cleanup is a breeze. If food residue and deposits become an issue, soft abrasive pads or nylon can be used to remove them. To protect the enameled surface, abrasive cleaners and scourers should not be used, and all pans should be completely dry before storing.

For an all-around cookware set that can tackle any cooking task, the Signature Cast Iron cookware collection is a smart choice.

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