12 Reasons You Should Be Using A Cast-Iron Skillet

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The skillet dinner options are endless.

1

You'll cook with less oil.

If you're properly seasoning your cast-iron pan — the simple process of rubbing it with oil and heating it periodically — it will naturally have nonstick qualities. You don't need as many glugs of olive oil to cook dinner, which means less fat in your meal.

2

They're not coated in chemicals.

The Teflon coating applied to many nonstick cookware products contains synthetic chemicals called PFCs (perfluorocarbons), which make it repellent and easy to clean. Unfortunately, it's been found that this coating releases fumes when overheated that can cause health problems.

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You don't need soap to clean them.

If your pan has taken a beating and needs to be scrubbed down, there's a super-simple hack for doing it without cleaning products. You'll just need three items from your pantry: coarse salt, oil, and a potato. 

4

They keep cooking temperatures even.

Cast iron distributes heat evenly, which makes it easy for you to impress your dinner guests with perfectly cooked chicken dinners. It's tough to get such a beautiful sear on meats with other pans.

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They're affordable.

Compared to most stainless steel pans on the market, skillets are seriously inexpensive. Definitely an investment worth making, in our opinion.

6

They might up your iron intake.

Cooking particularly acidic foods, like tomato sauce, in a cast iron pan can cause iron to leach from the pan into your food — but don't freak out! It turns out only trace amounts cross over, so any added iron will only help you fulfill your daily recommended intake.

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They'll keep your food warm.

A skillet is a must-have for people who frequent potlucks. Whip up something amazing at home, throw a lid on it, and transport the whole thing to the gathering — just don't forget the potholders. The pan will keep your dish piping hot — no congealed cheese in sight.

8

They're insanely versatile.

Virtually any cooking method can be done in a cast-iron pan. You can sauté, sear, roast, braise, bake, and even deep-fry foods, which makes the skillet one of the most frequently used items in our kitchen.

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They're oven-safe.

If you want to crown a dish with bubbly, melted cheese or top a casserole with pillowy biscuits, a skillet is your go-to. You can take it from the stovetop right to the oven to add that extra wow factor to whatever you're cooking up.

10

They're perfect pizza pans.

Dough bakes up golden brown in these babies, which means you won't need a pricey pizza stone to make homemade pies. Just spread out the crust, sprinkle on your favorite toppings, and throw it in the oven.

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They're ideal for over-the-top desserts.

Forget about baking individual cupcakes or slicing up brownies for your next bash. Skillet desserts require less work, and we think they're way more fun — grab a spoon and dig in!

12

They last forever.

Since there's no special coating on cast-iron skillets, you don't need to worry about peeling, and the sturdy materials they're made from ensure that you'll have a durable, nearly indestructible pan for as long as you can cook.

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