From Non-Stick To Cast Iron Cookware: A Healthier Choice For Your Kitchen

Although non-stick pots and pans have been a kitchen staple for many years, many people are increasingly switching to cast iron pans- and for good reasons. When it comes to cooking, choosing the right cookware is important to ensure proper cooking of food and the health benefits of your loved ones. While non-stick pans prevent your food from sticking or burning easily, their toxic coatings might be harmful to health. On the other hand, cast iron pans are full of health benefits, making them a better choice for a healthier and smarter kitchen. Are you still not sure if it is the right decision? Here are 10 reasons why many people believed are choosing cast iron pans over non-stick pans. 

From Non-Stick to Cast Iron Cookware: A Smarter and Healthier Choice for your Kitchen; Photo Credit: Pexels

Also Read: Non-Stick Vs Cast Iron: Are You Using The Wrong Cookware For Your Food?

Better Heat Retention And Even Cooking

Cast iron cookware distributes heat more evenly as compared to non-stick pans. This means that your food cooks evenly without random hot spots. Similarly, cast iron pans have superior heat retention to keep your food warm even after turning off the stove. This is why many people use cast iron for slow cooking or frying to provide steady heat to the food. 

Free From Harmful Chemicals

Unlike non-stick pans that generally contain harmful chemicals like PTFE (Teflon) and PFOA, cast iron pans are natural and chemical-free. Once heated, non-stick pans can release toxic fumes into your food, making it unfit for consumption. On the other hand, cast iron cookware is suitable for daily use and spares you from the harm of toxic cooking surfaces. You can slow cook a variety of dishes on consistent heat and enhance the flavour of your food like never before.

Makes Your Food Iron-Rich

Have you ever cooked a meal in iron cookware and noticed a slight change in its taste and fragrance? This is because cast iron cookware releases some amount of iron into your food, making it more healthy for consumption. Since iron deficiency is a common health problem, cooking with iron cookware can naturally increase the iron content in your food. Moreover, acidic foods like tomatoes tend to absorb iron more efficiently from the pan so make sure to include plenty of these in your food. 

From Non-Stick to Cast Iron Cookware: A Smarter and Healthier Choice for your Kitchen; Photo Credit: Pexels

Long-Lasting Durability 

When it comes to being eco-friendly, cast iron cookware offers better durability than non-stick pots and pans. You must have noticed that non-stick pans tend to scratch easily and lose their outer covering within a few years. Eventually, you will have to replace them with new ones. On the other hand, cast iron cookware is resistant to scratches and can last generations when stored properly. In this way, cast iron pots and pans are more sustainable than non-stick cookware. 

Versatile For All Cooking Techniques

Cast iron pans give you the option to experiment with different cooking styles and techniques. While non-stick pans are limited to stovetops, cast iron pans can be used in ovens, grills, open flames, and stovetops. Moreover, it can withstand high temperatures and can be used to roast vegetables, grill meats, or bake bread. In this way, non-stick cookware does not offer the same flexibility as cast iron utensils. 

Naturally Toxic-Free Non-Stick Property

Did you know that cast iron cookware is naturally non-stick? Yes, you read it right. Cast iron pots and pans develop a non-stick surface through the process called seasoning which involves baking oil into the pan. This natural non-stick surface acts as a protective wall between the food and the pan and prevents it from sticking without the use of synthetic harmful materials. Quite surprising, right? There's more. Unlike nonstick pans that lose their coating with regular wear and tear, cast iron pans get better with time.

From Non-Stick to Cast Iron Cookware: A Smarter and Healthier Choice for your Kitchen; Photo Credit: Pexels

Affordable And Economical

Since you can season your cast iron pots and pans and use them to prepare different types of delicacies, you no longer have to invest in non-stick cookware sets. Instead, a cast iron pan is like a one-man army ready to defeat its opponents. Similarly, it lasts long and spares you the cost of purchasing your cookware frequently. Instead, it is like a one-time investment that might last years and help you with your cooking chronicles. 

Easy To Clean And Maintain

When it comes to cleaning a non-stick pan and a cast iron one, there is no major difference. Nonetheless, it is still an important factor to consider. Generally, soft sponges are used to clean the surface of non-stick pans and retain their coating. On the other hand, maintaining and cleaning a years-old cast iron pan is equally easy. All you have to do is use your regular soap and sponge and that's it. This means that you can feed your family nutritious meals prepared in a cast iron pan without dedicating hours to cleaning afterwards. 

Can Be Used To Serve Food

Since cast iron cookware retains heat well for some time even after turning the gas off, you can use it to serve food. These days many restaurants are also opting for cast iron serving options as they keep food warm for a long time and look aesthetic as well. Additionally, cast iron pots and pans enhance the overall beauty of your kitchen even while being placed aside in a corner. These are multipurpose tools that work wonderfully beyond their practical use. 

From Non-Stick to Cast Iron Cookware: A Smarter and Healthier Choice for your Kitchen; Photo Credit: Pexels

Light Weight Cast Iron

Are you worried that cast iron cookware will be difficult to handle due to its excessive weight? Not anymore. Nowadays, lightweight cast iron pots and pans have made their way into the market. You get the same features and health benefits of old-style traditional cast iron pans but with 50% less weight, ensuring that regular cooking does not strain your arm. So, what's stopping you now? 

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When it comes to buying the right cookware for your kitchen, both convenience and health play a crucial role. While non-stick pans look great in the beginning, they lose effectiveness over time and may expose you to harmful chemicals. On the other hand, cast iron pots and pans are a safer alternative that does not compromise your health and nutrition. So, if you want to make a health-conscious choice, switch to cast iron cookware today. 

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