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Cast iron<\/span><\/a> is often referred to as the original nonstick pan. This is totally true! Seasoned cast iron pans have a naturally formed coating that forms when the fats are heated to such an extent that they reorganize into something similar to a plastic coating and bond with the metal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For centuries, cast iron was the only nonstick coating available. But then, in the 20th century, commercially manufactured nonstick pans that relied on chemical coatings were introduced. While the coating of cast iron improves over time and is easily repaired, you can expect a well-maintained nonstick pan to last a few years before it needs to be replaced. So, are cast iron pans better than non-stick? Let\u2019s make a comparison between the two.<\/span><\/p>\n Here\u2019s some comparison to determine is cast iron pans are better than non-stick: <\/span><\/p>\n Heat handling is one of the important differences that sets apart non-stick and cast iron cookware. The cast iron can handle incredibly high heat which is the perfect solution for master chefs to get that beautiful seared brown on their meat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n However, it is slow to heat up. On the upside, it holds heat well. Depending on what you want to cook, getting cast iron is the better choice if you require high heat to make that particular dish.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Meanwhile, non-stick in the market typically involves the use of chemicals such as Teflon to create non-stick properties. Because Teflon has a very bad reputation as something that harms health, another chemical alternative begins to emerge in the market. For example, <\/span>PFOS and PFOA<\/span><\/a><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n These chemicals that give the cookware its non-stick properties have heat limitation. When it\u2019s heated surpassed a certain degree, the coating starts to breakdown and release toxic fumes. Consequently, it poses negative health effects to the consumers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In general, non-stick pans are only good for low-temperature cooking. Making foods such as pancakes is ideal. Pancakes don\u2019t need a high temperature to cook and the non-stick coating will still work fine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n On the other hand, cooking a steak will be a bad idea using non-stick. A high temperature is needed to give it a good sear. This often surpasses the safe temperature range for the non-stick pan.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you are careful and use spatula or turner of silicone type, then your non-stick pan should be good for a few years before you need to replace it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Don\u2019t ever use metal spatula or anything hard to cook in your non-stick. This will ruin the non-stick coating on the pan. When the coating is damaged, that\u2019s when you need to replace an entirely new pan.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Also, don\u2019t overheat the non-stick cookware. The coating is prone to breakdown when passed its temperature limit.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n On the other hand, cast iron cookware takes more effort to maintain compared to the non-stick pan. However, it does possess features and benefits<\/a> that can last you a lifetime.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Rather than releasing toxic fumes like that of certain non-stick, cast iron cookware enriches your food with iron which can be<\/a> good for health<\/span>. However, do seek advice from your doctor if you have sensitivity towards iron.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The maintenance involved for cast iron cookware includes seasoning and proper washing<\/span><\/a>. Once the seasoning is done right, it will have non-stick properties that work well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Cast iron cookware needs to be seasoned periodically so the non-stick layer stays there. In fact, this layer gets better with use.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n However, it is prone to rust. So, it needs to be dried properly after use and reoiled again. Then it needs to be kept in a cool and dry place with low humidity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Contrarily, you can just wash a non-stick pan and let it air dry. There is no need for an extra step to clean or reoil after.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Non-stick is easier to maintain but it will only last a short few years even with the utmost care. But, cast iron last very long and you can even use it for a lifetime only when it is properly taken care of.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n1. Cast iron cookware has higher heat tolerance than non-stick<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
2. Non-stick cookware requires lower maintenance than cast-iron cookware<\/b><\/h3>\n
3. Cast-iron cookware lasts longer than non-stick when properly taken care of\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n