Cast Iron vs. Stainless Steel: What's better for cooking? Answering that question is not as simple as you may think. So many factors go into each one, like the health benefits, what foods to cook, and overall durability.
Cast iron is the choice built around durability. These are often why they are so heavy. They are made up of iron and can last for years. On the other side of cookware, you have stainless steel, which came out in 1913. Cast iron and stainless steel are a major part of cookware and how to prepare foods. Choosing between them requires some insight into what makes them unique.
This guide examines cast iron and stainless steel's durability, price, and health factors. We look at how they compare to each other and other cookware. You'll discover how different they are and what is ultimately the right choice for the food you're preparing at home.
How Durable, Pricey, and Healthy Are Cast Iron?
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A fun fact about cast iron is that it stays hot way longer than any other cookware. It also serves as a microwave or an oven because it retains heat so well. Once cast iron is hot, it stays hot. That's why it's essential to handle it carefully because it can cause the handle to get hot.
One of the reasons that cast iron stays hot is because it's made with iron pig and melting iron ore. It also makes cast iron one of the most rigid metals in the kitchen. According to history, cast iron was originally created in China during the Warring States period. They were used for cooking and became one of the most popular cookware in the United States today.
However, cast iron is not as affordable as other cookware. Because of its durability, cast iron is often priced between $100 and $300, depending on whether you buy it solo or with a set. While it's a steeper cost than other cookware, it's also one of the most reliable and can last for years if you take care of it.
The cost of cast iron cookware is also associated with its benefits. One of those benefits is that it gives your body some iron. While not much, it helps you receive some iron your body needs. Cast iron also doesn't leach any chemicals into your food. This often happens with other cookware, like aluminum. Aluminum cookware does not cook well with acidic food because it gives food an acidic taste to it.
Overall, cast iron is one of the most durable pieces of cookware to purchase for your kitchen. It may be somewhat pricey. But you're ultimately getting what you pay for with high-quality cast iron.
How Durable, Pricey, and Healthy Are Stainless Steel Cookware?
Stainless steel has similar properties to cast iron in that it doesn't rust like cast iron unless it's left out in the rain without cleaning it.
One of the reasons that stainless steel prevents rust is because it has chromium. This is an element that's known to prevent rust. It's one of the only pieces of cookware that has this element. Beyond rusting, this element is also able to withstand heat at 500 degrees.
While stainless steel is a favorite cookware, it's not perfect in some areas. For instance, things tend to stick to the bottom of the pan if it's not prepared accordingly. When it comes to health, stainless steel can sometimes leach heavy metals into food. This can cause a weird taste in your food or, worse, cause you to get sick.
The price of stainless steel cookware is anywhere from $100 to $1,000, depending on if you get a set and the quality of the set.
Cast Iron vs. Stainless Steel: What's Better for Cooking?
There's no wrong choice if you prefer cast iron over stainless steel or vice versa. But you should know that some foods go better with either one.
For example, these are the best foods to cook with cast iron.
- Thick Cut Steak
- Bacon
- Cornbread
These are the best foods to cook in stainless steel.
- Sauces
- Soups
- Stews
Cast Iron vs. Stainless Steel: What's Better for the Kitchen?
Cast iron and stainless steel are some of the finest cookware to prepare meals with. While they each have drawbacks, they also have a lot of benefits to consider about them. They have things that make it worthwhile to purchase.
The key differences are how much you enjoy cooking with a sturdier cast iron pan or pot or a light stainless steel pan or pot. Either way, you'll discover that both are great ways to make your favorite meals. Choosing one over the other is a matter of preference.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Anton Chernov/Shutterstock.com.