Petromax Cast-iron Skillets

Cast-iron is one of the oldest material used for cookware. In recent decades, lightweight pans with synthetic coatings have received more and more attention while knowledge of the advantages of cast-iron skillets has faded into the background. With a growing focus on flavour intensity, health and sustainability, cast-iron is experiencing a renaissance among adventurers – outdoors and at home. Cast-iron has a natural coating which improves with each use and will last a lifetime if properly cared for.

What is a cast-iron skillet?

Cast-iron skillets are casted from iron. A cast-iron skillet does not need any synthetic coating and is both a classic and traditional piece of cookware. Cast-iron skillets allow frying at high temperatures, making them particularly suitable for searing and braising meat.

Anyone who knows the true value of a cast-iron skillet will never want to miss the unique taste of food fried in these special pans.

What makes a cast-iron skillet so good?

Many amateur and professional chefs who have discovered cast-iron as the ideal material for their pans appreciate the incomparable frying experience and would never want to do without their cast- iron skillets again.

Why is that? Cast-iron is made for particularly high temperatures and retains heat for a long time, allowing you, for example, to reheat meat after roasting without adding another heat source. In addition, the natural flavour of the food prepared in cast-iron skillets is optimally preserved. This makes food taste much more intense, which is also generally referred to as its characteristic flavour. Its versatility too makes the cast-iron skillet so unique: It can be used not only for roasting and braising but also for baking pies, tarts and cakes.

Over time, the quality of a cast-iron skillets increases because the patina that forms by itself protects the skillet and makes it more durable. You can use cast-iron skillets everywhere: in the oven, on any type of cooker and over an open fire. If you take good care of it, the pan will serve you for ages.

What can a cast-iron skillet be used for?

You can cook anything you like in a cast-iron skillet: vegetables, fish, meat or mixed stir-fry dishes – there are no limits. The fact that it can be used in the oven, at home or outdoors makes it perfect for sautéing and reheating, or for baking sweet or savoury cakes.

Since Petromax Grill Fire Skillets have grooves that create the typical grill stripes and allow food liquids to drain away, they offer the best conditions for achieving roasted flavours. Only when using it for the first few times, you should avoid preparing acidic foods so that the important patina layer can form unhindered.

Which iron skillet is the best?

Not all iron pans are the same. A distinction is made between cast-iron and wrought-iron pans. The two material differ greatly in their typical properties. Cast-iron pans, like Fire Skillets or Grill Fire Skillets, are made of iron alloys and are cast into shape. Wrought-iron pans, on the other hand, are made from forged steel.

The two versions also differ from each other in terms of food preparation. Cast-iron skillets are suitable for slow braising and cooking. They heat up slowly and retain the heat for a long time, which makes cast iron pans ideal for reheating food.

Wrought-iron skillets, on the other hand, heat up very quickly and are ideal for searing food. Therefore, you should first consider what exactly your needs are. This will tell you whether a cast-iron or wrought-iron skillet is better for you. Learn more about wrought-iron skillets.

What kind of spatula should I use with a cast-iron skillet?

Common spatulas are made of plastic or stainless steel. For cast-iron pans, however, we recommend that you use a spatula made of a natural material such as wood. These will neither destroy the patina nor will the high temperature emanating from the cast-iron allow possible pollutants from the spatula to enter your food. The Petromax Wooden Spatula is ideal for cast-iron skillets. 

Which skillets prepare food the healthiest way?

If you value harmless material and want to prepare food with as little fat as possible, a cast-iron skillet is a very good choice. The pan develops a natural non-stick effect over time without the need for a coating. Once a sufficient patina layer has formed, only a minimal amount of frying fat is necessary. This makes the cast-iron skillet a natural and healthy option for health-conscious cooking. 

What are the advantages of iron skillets? 

There are good reasons why cast-iron skillets have been around for decades. Here are the most important advantages of cast-iron skillets at a glance:

Are cast-iron skillets coated?

The term "coating" often refers to properties that prevent food from sticking. Although this is the case with cast-iron skillets, they have no coating. The anti-stick effect is created naturally by itself and is called patina.

Are cast-iron skillets dishwasher safe?

Cast-iron is durable and easy to maintain. However, cast-iron should not be put in the dishwasher. Please only use clear water for cleaning.

You can remove stubborn residues with the Petromax Chain Mail Cleaner or the Petromax Scraper for Dutch Ovens and Skillets. If you want to enjoy your cast-iron skillets for a long time, avoid aggressive cleaning and dishwashers.