WAS Germany Pfanne

February 28, 2023

Iron vs. cast-iron pans: which is the right choice?

Good pans are a must-have in every well-stocked kitchen – and iron pans in particular are a popular choice with professional cooks and restaurateurs. Our catalogue features a wide range of pans made from iron and cast iron (pp. 240-249). But what are the differences between the two materials and what’s the best way to care for them?

In this article, we provide an overview of the most important differences.

 

Material

Cast iron is an alloy of iron and carbon, whereas iron pans contain no or significantly less carbon. Both materials are very durable and long-lasting, provided you follow a few basic rules when it comes to usage and care – which we’ll tell you about in this article.

Iron pans

Iron is very malleable and virtually impossible to overheat. Though the material itself is heavy, iron pans are usually thinner and therefore lighter than cast-iron pans. This proves an advantage when tossing food in the pan, for example, as much less force is required.

Over time, iron pans develop a so-called “patina” that acts as a non-stick coating to prevent the contents from burning. However, highly acidic foods can corrode the material and cause it to rust.

Cast-iron pans

Cast-iron pans are often thicker and heavier than iron pans, which means they retain their shape and do not warp – even at extremely high temperatures. Here, too, the best frying results are achieved once the pan has developed a patina and you should avoid using it with foods that are too acidic or washing it with detergent.

Care

Both types of pan should be “seasoned” before they are used for the first time – but fear not, this is a very simple process. Here’s a step-by-step guide of one way you can do it:

WAS Germany Instructions for cast-iron pans
Cleaning of a cast-iron pan

FYI: The dishwasher is a definite no-no for these pans. Also, never rinse hot pans – both iron and cast iron – with cold water, as this can damage the patina and warp the material.

 

Usage

In contrast to the classic iron pan, a cast-iron pan takes a little longer to heat up – but it retains this heat for longer and distributes it more evenly.

Both types of pan can be used to fry meat and vegetables, are suitable for all hob types and can also be put in the oven. They are even resistant to sharp objects like knives, making them super easy and low-maintenance to use in all sorts of settings and situations.

Here’s an overview of their properties and the main dos and don’ts when it comes to usage and care:

WAS Germany Comparing iron and cast-iron pans
WAS Germany pan care Do's and Don'ts

Do you have any questions about our iron and cast-iron pans? We would love to hear from you! Simply write to us at office@wasgermany.com.

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