Indians are a bit behind when it comes to buying healthy cookware options in non-stick vessels as we are fond of our old and traditional utensils. However, as we progress, people are learning about new cooking techniques and appliances. A cast-iron pan is an essential piece of kitchen utensil. It not only changes from grill to stovetop to oven with ease, but it is versatile enough to sear tandoor, bake fluffy frittatas, cakes or seafood. Plus, they are practically indestructible, especially if you know how to clean and handle them.
While not all cast iron is created equal, you’ll want something that won’t only last, but improve with time. So to help you find the best-cast iron pans for your needs, we dug around to find the top 10 best-rated cast iron fry pans for all types of cooking. We have also included how to care for guide to help you with taking care of it. Keep reading to know more about what to look for when picking a cast iron pan, and then shop the one you love the most with the help of discount offers.
Here's a Cast Iron Buying Guide to Learn the basics of buying a cast iron pan, caring for them and top-rated pan to buy.
What is a Cast-iron and why is it used in the making of a pan?
Cast iron is a group of iron-carbon alloys with a carbon content of more than 2%. Its value derives from its comparatively low melting temperature. While cast iron does not purge chemicals, it can purge some iron into your food, and that's a good thing. If you look at a general ratio above 50% of the population and over 800 million women are iron-deficient. Cooking food, mainly something acidic like tomato gravy, in cast iron can increase iron content by as much as 20 times.
How to identify a good cast iron pan?
Cast iron heats wholly but slowly, staying hot for longer than stainless steel pans. They also can endure the high temperatures of an oven or grill, making them great kitchen workhorses.
Here is a how you identify a good cast iron pan -
Seasoned Surface: All regular cast-iron pans need periodic seasoning to develop a non-stick coating. The more a pan is used and seasoned, and the less food will stick. That is the reason people look at vintage cast iron pans. No, you can find pre-seasoned pans easily online.
Straight Sides- Pans with nearly consecutive sides hold oil better for deep-frying and have more surface area for searing.
Helper Handles- As cast-iron pans are heavy, their handles are usually short, making it harder to pick up—Pan with a U-shaped helper handle that allows the cook to lift the pans with two hands, preferable.
How to care for cast iron cookware?
Cast-iron cookware can last a lifetime if you care for them properly. There are a few things to keep in mind when you use a cast-iron pan and clean it afterwards.
Do not use soap as it removes a regular cast-iron pan’s seasoning.
To clean it, use hot water and scrub solely with a brush or abrasive sponge while the pan is still warm.
For rust control, dry the pan over a burner on low heat so water can evaporate, wipe the interior with a few vegetable oil drops.
Please do not put it in a dishwasher. Dishwashing detergents will strip it away and leave the pan vulnerable to rust.
Follow these simple steps and your cast-iron pans will forever be amazing and get better seasoning over time.
Best Cast Irons in India 2022
1. Amazon Basics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Pan
Start your day with some sunny-side-up or some Indian style Chilla with this 12-inch cast-iron pan. The pan is a perfect size for making breakfast and can also be used to prepare other meals. You can saute, sear, pan-fry, bake, roast and more in this pre-seasoned and ready to use cast iron pan. The heavy coating is perfect for optimal heat retention and even heating throughout. The long handle and the parallel helper handle a steady hold are why we picked this specific pan. For information regarding care instructions, please download the Instruction Manual from the Product Details section.
Rock - tawa cast iron is one of the best if you are looking for a non-sticking pan/casserole. It is a deep casserole for one-pot meals or deep frying if you’re craving fried chicken or homemade potato chips. It’s deep enough to hold bubbling oil safely and includes a lid if things go out of hand. Plus, cast iron gets and stays hotter than other materials, which translates into the crispiest, golden crust you’ve ever cooked.
Indian kitchen households are incomplete with a Kadai that is common in the right way. We are all aware that some food is made only by slow cooking them, and a cast-iron Kadai heats evenly and has exceptional heat retention and enriches your food with iron. It is heavier than non-stick cookware and, with proper care, can be used for many years/generations. To keep it rust-free, apply oil after every use, wipe with soft tissue paper and store for next use.
A wok-pan is excellent for cooking Asian food and fantastic cookware for conscious people about low fat and calorie diets. Here is a Wok Pan with 14-inch pre-seasoned cast-iron for cooking delicious stir-fries at home, baking, roasting, and more. It has two loop side handles for a steady, secure hold when lifting or carrying, even when wearing thick oven mitts. It's heavy-duty coating it distributes heat, wholly making the cooking faster and healthier with iron factor.
An ordinary tawa, for an instant, a non-stick tawa, can cook dosa, parathas and rotis as good as any other tawa. The question is, what can it add to your and your families life that makes it more preferable. Here we have a dosa tawa made of 12 inches of cast iron ideal for preparing delicious crispy dosa set dosa, chapati, phulka and paratha. With proper care and seasoning, it gets better with every use for cooking. The tawa is also suitable for Induction cooktops and two help handles to pick up and shift it if wanted.
We believe this is a must-have in your kitchen if you look to cook, and even if you don't, it is excellent to add as an efficient alternative for an oven or a grill. The Induction Base Cast Iron Grill Pan has thicker grill ridges for a better sear, char marks and smoky taste, adding a strong, authentic Indian flavour to your food. Uni-body 'one-piece' design with comfortable pouring lips and canvas grip makes it easier to handle. Suitable for all cooktops, including Induction.
7. Dynamic Cookware Cast Iron 12 Cavity Mini Appam Pan
If you are looking for a cast iron appam maker, trust us, we have found the best one for you—perfectly curved cast-iron cavities with naturally non-stick and induction compatible. The no-stick surface is its best feature, so you can quickly flip your appams and slow and evenly cooked iron-rich paniyarams, paddus and ponganalu.
8.Mr. Butler Cast Iron Grill Pan with Double Handle
We loved the grill pan so much that we had to find one more that is just the right size for your oven. The pan is both gas stove and Induction compatible but can endure over a wood fire, on a gas stove or in the oven cooking. It is a 10-inch thick cast-iron grill pan with two side handles and comfortable poring lips. The premium cast iron heats up quickly, evenly and retains heat longer for sauteing, grilling, shallow frying, baking, braise and more.
Do you like casseroles that can directly be put on your dining table without worrying about its looks? Then this is precisely what you need! Made from premium quality cast iron that is 100% food-grade, coated with a clear, enamel finish, gives a glossy look and prevents rust. The Iron Dutch Oven with Lid is ideal for cooking meat, dal, vegetable-based curries like sambar, kadhi and one-pot meals like biryani, pulao and one-pot meals.
You might be wondering why a Tajine Pot is in the list of cast-iron for Indian style cooking. It is not a secret that we are a country of diverse culture and cuisine, and we love to explore food. The Moroccan tajine is the traditional cooking vessel of the slowly simmered, heavily seasoned North Africa cuisines. The Urban Platter Cast Iron Bottom & Enamelled Top Tajine is meant for slow cooking meat and vegetables with a tiny amount of liquid. The cast iron base uniformly distributes heat and can be used on any heat source or its own as a baking dish in the oven.
Dimensions
33.27 x 32.51 x 23.88 cm
Weight
5.23 Kg
Non-stick Coating
Yes
Oven Safe
Yes
Dishwasher Safe
No
Warranty
N/A
Buy a Tajine Pot with cast-iron bottomWe hope the article will help you pick up the best cast-iron from the list and enjoy its benefits. Let us know what you think of using cast-iron or your experience using it in the comment section below.
Hi, I am Akansha Bhatt a Content Writer with a flair for writing for more than 4 years. I am a part of the Marketing Team at DesiDime. When not working, I love watching Anime, Paint and Play Games.
Yes now people are realising that our culture and traditional ways are better than western ones so everyone going back to roots, using organic, clayware, etc.
Nice article. Cast iron pans & woks are popular these days.