Cast Iron - Do you use it?

[crazyoldboatguy]

I use a cast aluminum skillet - works well when seasoned properly much like cast iron. Distributes heat much like the cast iron skillet does. We bought a cast aluminum Dutch oven - haven’t used it yet but I suspect it will work as well as the skillet.

Much lighter. I’m ok with cast iron but the admiral prefers lighter cookware so I found the cast aluminum.

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by crazyoldboatguy

I use a cast aluminum skillet - works well when seasoned properly much like cast iron. Distributes heat much like the cast iron skillet does. We bought a cast aluminum Dutch oven - haven’t used it yet but I suspect it will work as well as the skillet.

Much lighter. I’m ok with cast iron but the admiral prefers lighter cookware so I found the cast aluminum.

Yes cast aluminium conducts heat better than cast iron but it doesn't hold it as good and there's info going around of aluminium transferring into the food. The bigger point is that cast aluminium doesn't work on induction. For propane it works great

[zengirl]

Always... I have four pans. 8" cast iron, 10" cast iron, 1qt stainless steel cuisinart, and a lobster pot. Have used cast iron my whole life. toast is so much tastier than a toaster, you don't need casserole dishes..I use my 10" for oven stuff doesn't matter whether it's for a casserole or a roasted chicken. I'm live aboard and cruiser. I have no rust on my pans. If you must use soap and a scrubby to get stuck stuff off, dry it over the heat and add just a tad of oil with paper towel, heat for 2 min. Otherwise I just wipe with a paper towel.

[crazyoldboatguy]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

Yes cast aluminium conducts heat better than cast iron but it doesn't hold it as good and there's info going around of aluminium transferring into the food. The bigger point is that cast aluminium doesn't work on induction. For propane it works great

Well, the OP didn’t mention induction. Cast aluminum is better than thin steel with Teflon, which is what the OP was talking about.

The issue about aluminum transferring into the food - especially as it relates to a possible link to Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions has been thoroughly debunked. As someone who worked in that field for 26 years, and had 2 relatives who suffered from dementia, I can tell you I looked very carefully into the possible link. It’s pure and utter nonsense.

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by crazyoldboatguy

Well, the OP didn’t mention induction. Cast aluminum is better than thin steel with Teflon, which is what the OP was talking about.

The issue about aluminum transferring into the food - especially as it relates to a possible link to Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions has been thoroughly debunked. As someone who worked in that field for 26 years, and had 2 relatives who suffered from dementia, I can tell you I looked very carefully into the possible link. It’s pure and utter nonsense.

I believe you're right but many see aluminium as the big evil no matter what is said or researched.

On induction not mentioned in OP: correct but an advantage of cast iron nonetheless

[zengirl]

That may be so, but any cook will tell you aluminum is crap to cook with. It sticks all the time, has no weight to hold the heat. And you can use cast iron on induction.

[PLANET EXPRESS]

1 Cast iron skillet never wash it just wipe it when done cooking with a rag. Have pressure cooker and small sauce pan that’s all. O and we try to use the solar oven as much as possible it has 2 pots with lids in it. Live on boat

[crazyoldboatguy]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

I believe you're right but many see aluminium as the big evil no matter what is said or researched.

On induction not mentioned in OP: correct but an advantage of cast iron nonetheless

Many also believe the world is flat - despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

[Cheechako]

I dont use Cast Iron anymore, just too heavy for me. It cooks good but can also be hard to wash. I'm into anodized fry cookers now.

[coastalexplorer]

I use cast iron for frying and stainless steel pots for boiling. Many cast iron pans may good trim ballast, so why worry about the weight?

[roland stockham]

On a boat plain cast iron can be a pain, it hates salt water. If you wash up in salt water it will rust unless rinsed in fresh and oiled everytime. Enammeled or better stiill ceramic coated work as well.

[SailRedemption]

Originally Posted by chowdan

Must say - that is definitely a lovely looking one AND the counter top is lovely too

Thanks! It was a gift from my wife and we love it!

[gmakhs]

I believe cast iron will have issue washing with salt water , but never tried it I use the rock pans .

[gonesail]

i burnt my last cast iron pan. since then went over to the dark side with non stick .. so much easier to keep clean and cook with.

[Mr B]

I went all stainless pots and pans years ago,

Teflon flakes off, Aluminium is bad for you,
Cast Iron is too heavy and needs reoiling all the time,

A good course stainless scourer keeps the stainless pots and pans clean,

I also converted my two burner camp stove to go in my boat to replace my drowned stove and oven,
I made the rails up to stop the pots and pans falling off it,
Its quite safe to use in transit now,
The oven was replaced with a cheap BBQ cooker that cooks a roast in it,
I will hang that on the rails outside on the deck, Its too hot cooking inside,
It has a cast iron plate and grill in it, It works very well,