Battle of the Pans: Cast Iron vs Nonstick

When you open your cupboard,do you stop and think what kind of pan to use? For most people, all pans are basically the same. They take whatever’s available and just wing it. Understandably, Cast-iron and nonstick skillets serve similar purposes and that is why it is used interchangeably. People nowadays have so much on their plate already, they tend to skip off the little but crucial details. However, it pays to know the difference because although size matters, its the material making up the pan which is more important than ever.

Cast-Iron Skillet

Advantages:

•  PRICE. Cast iron often has a relatively low cost as compared to its contemporaries. It is budget-friendy even without sacrificing its quality.
• VERSATILITY. You can use it directly from your stovetop to your oven. It is even the go-to skillet for a smoker grill or a campfire flame. Its extreme adaptibility makes it perfect for braised frittata or cooking steaks on the burner and finishing it in the oven.
• HEAT. Cast Iron can withstand high temperatures, so you don’t have to worry about cranking up the heat under them. Although it may take a longer time to get hot but best believe its worth the wait because it distributes heat evenly throughout the pan and even retains it well.
• DURABILITY. With proper care and maintenance, these pans are meant to last a lifetime. It may even outlive you because it is just made to be strong and sturdy that way. Just like wine, it gets better with years of use. And any rust that they accumulate can easily be removed.
• NATURALLY NON-STICK. It basically becomes non-stick when properly-seasoned, . It has a naturally formed coating that is created when fats are heated to a certain point that causes them to reorganize into something resembling a plastic coating and bond to the metal.

Nonstick Skillet

Advantages:

• USER-FRIENDLY. Even the most inexperienced cook can navigate their way to using a non-stick pan. You don’t have to spend as much time stirring or turning the food. It also saves newbies from the embarassment of cooking a stuck-on and burnt meal because of its non-stick coating, provided that the heat temperature is right.
• LOW MAINTENANCE. One main appeal to the public is its low maintenance nature. It is the easiest to clean, wash and dry out of all the kinds of pans. In addition to that, you don’t have to regular ‘season’ your pan to keep its non-stick effect since its built to be non-stick in the first place. Talk about saving time and energy!
• MADE WITH NON-STICK COATING. Since it has a chemically instilled non-stick coating, it helps you cook dishes with minimum to no oil or butter needed. And so because it essentially uses less fat it in turn leads to healthier meals. This is exactly the kind of attribute which fits in with the low-fat trend that has swept the world by storm.
• AESTHETICALLY PLEASING. In a world where appearance is almost as important as its purpose. Its hard not to value the overall design of these pans and how it complements your kitchen. Non stick pans are definitely stylish and modern-looking enough to achieve that #kitchengoals both online and in real life.

Verdict

Just like in any contest, both pans have features that complements each other’s weakness and strength making it both kitchen staples. And to such a degree, it ultimately just depends on what dishes you’re preparing. The nonstick skillet is recommended for recipes with sugary sauces that scorch easily. It is also a go-to pan for pancakes and egg, it excels especially with sticky food that requires low heat. However, if you’re going to cook something that would take broiling or searing. It best to consider the cast iron pan instead, because you wouldn’t have to worry with monitoring the heat temperature of the pan. Conclusively, both kinds of pans are kitchen essentials and its prudent to have the two in your kitchen in order to be ever ready for any impromptu cooking adventure.