Why Lodge's Cast Iron Skillet is one of the top choices for cooking
From cast iron's versatility to Lodge's affordability and quality, cookbook author Jonathan Bender describes his favorite pan.
The Lodge Cast Iron Skillet is available with or without a silicone holder. While the holder is a nice added layer of protection against heat, I still use a grill glove to pick up the skillet when I’m taking it out of the oven. I’d take the savings from skipping the holder and put it towards a pair of gloves. That’s partly because this skillet is heavy: I need two hands to safely pull it out of a hot oven.
It takes a little bit of work to look this good — for the cast iron, of course. Cast iron skillets require a very specific method of cleaning. I find the ritual of caring for a pan to be soothing as part of the rhythm of cooking. I’ve also learned to appreciate that I’m setting my future self up for success in future meals.
When I’ve finished making dinner, I put all of the food on a serving dish. After we’ve eaten and the pan is still warm, I’ll clean it with a nylon scrub brush.
I then pat dry the pan with a Swedish dishcloth. The reusable towel doesn’t leave fibers sticking to the pan and is flexible enough to clean the sides and bottom.
The last step is to place the pan back over medium-high heat to make sure it is fully dry before rubbing in a light layer of vegetable oil to maintain the non-stick surface.
A cast iron skillet is a useful pan; but there are a few more you might consider that work on your stovetop and in the oven — especially useful if you’re starting to make more of your meals at home.
Carbon steel skillets are lighter than cast iron skillets — note that carbon steel still has to be seasoned in order to avoid rusting and to create a non-stick layer on the pan. This one is great for eggs and sauteing vegetables.
When I’m braising a roast with a lot of liquid or baking bread, I use a dutch oven because of its high sides and ability to hold heat. The shape of the lid also helps keep braising liquid inside the pan. If you’re looking to make one pot meals, this is a solid investment.
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