Cast Iron Vs Non-stick Cookware: Detailed Comparison
Cast-Iron Cookware was original non-stick cookware material being used for several years. For years, it was the only known non-stick cookware people used for their cooking purposes. People used cast-iron cookware due to its durability, longevity, versatility and nontoxic free non-stick coating making meals healthy.
Non-stick cookware on the other hand, in 1956, Tefal, a pioneering company, was established, and by 1960, they introduced non-stick cookware to the market. This innovative cookware utilized a chemical coating applied to pans and pots, providing a smooth and durable finish. Today, many people widely embrace and use these non-stick cookware sets in their kitchens.(1)
Cast Iron Vs Nonstick Cookware: Quick Comparison
| Cast Iron | Non-stick | |
| Safety | Toxin-free, great for health | May release toxins over high temperatures |
| Heat-Conductivity | Rapid and even heat distribution. | Slow but excellent heat retention. |
| Non-stick coating | Can make it Non-stick with seasoning. | By default Non-stick Coating. |
| Durability | Durable, with proper care can last for generations. | Prone to scratching and wear over time. |
| Best for | Efficient for quick cooking. | Ideal for slow-cooking and simmering. |
| Weight | Heavier but durable, offering robust performance. | Lightweight and easy to maneuver. |
| Maintenance | Needs seasoning but is generally low-maintenance. | Requires careful handling and avoiding metal utensils. |
| Compatibility | Induction safe. | Not always. |
| Price | Initial cost may be higher but lasts longer. | Generally more affordable. |
About Cast Iron Cookware
Cast iron cookware is made by melting iron and pouring it into molds to create the desired shapes. After cooling and solidifying, the cookware undergoes finishing processes, including polishing and sometimes enamel coating. Seasoning, applying a layer of oil and heating, is done post-manufacturing for rust prevention and a non-stick surface.
It can withstand high temperatures (500°C to 600°C), making these cast-iron pans suitable for all stovetops and oven use. Compatibility is a crucial factor in choosing cookware materials, and cast iron fits well in all possible cases.
Le Creuset is a well-known brand that offers cookware sets constructed with Cast-Iron material.
Pros of Cast-Iron Cookware
Cons of Cast-Iron Cookware
About Non Stick Cookware
Non-stick pans came into use in the 20th century. People started using non-stick pans because of their designs and construction made by newly placed companies. These non-stick coatings are constructed using chemical polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to put a non-stick layer over pans and pots. This coating was first invented in 1938.
Later on this chemical started to use in making non-stick pans. This chemical has several properties, which makes it suitable for non-stick pans construction. This substance resists corrosion and rusting and provides a smooth, frictionless, and easy glide of food. This makes your cooking experience awesome.
A brands like GreenPan(Ceramic) and T-fal (Hard Anodized) offers non-stick cookware sets for ages.
Pros of Non-Stick Cookware
Cons of Non-Stick Cookware
Cast Iron Vs Non-stick Cookware: The Similarities And Differences
Non-stick Cookware sets are comparatively affordable than cast-iron cookware sets. But it doesn’t last long. If you heat them at high temperatures, the coating may release harmful chemical or even get destroyed.
It is suitable for short-term use, or if your main focus is on non-stick coating and wanting to prepare low heat required food, it is best for you.
1. Safety
Cast Iron: The construction of cast-iron cookware involves molding molten iron into the desired shapes, not by heating fat to create a plastic-type layer with the metal. Cast iron cookware, when properly seasoned, can offer a natural non-stick surface without the use of harmful chemicals, promoting non-toxic meal preparation. It is considered safe for cooking and preparing various types of food.
Non-stick: Non-stick cookware coating is constructed using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), enhancing easy cleanup and a frictionless cooking experience. As the layer is made up of chemicals, it may release toxins if used at high temperatures. Thus, these cookware sets are made for use at medium temperatures.
2. Heat-Conductivity
Cast Iron: Cast-Iron material cookware sets are a good conductor of heat. It heats slowly but once it get heated it distributes heat all over the pans and pots evenly and for the longer period of time avoids hotspots. These cookware sets promote perfect browning of food while keeping your prepared food’s flavors and colors intact. You can use it on open fire hence it can be a best camping companion.
Non-stick: Non-stick cookware is commonly made from hard-anodized aluminum, a material that has gained popularity for its durability and efficient heat conductivity. One of the key advantages of hard-anodized aluminum in non-stick cookware is its exceptional heat performance. The material’s excellent heat conductivity ensures that the cookware heats up quickly and uniformly across the surface. This feature allows for precise temperature control, making it easier to achieve the desired cooking results.
3. Non-Stick Coating
Cast Iron: Cast Iron initially doesn’t contains non-stick coating but the good new is with seasoning it becomes non-stick.
Non-stick: Non-stick cookware on the other hand is non-stick by its nature so you don’t have any seasoning. Just use it without any season thought that’s it but you need to be careful and don’t exceed the highest heat limit given by manufacturer.
4. Durability
Cast Iron: Cast-iron cookware sets are highly durable for long-term use. You can easily use cast iron pans and pots at high temperatures (500 to 600 degrees). It is also compatible with all stovetops to an oven-safe. You can rely on Cast-Iron cookware sets for your fit health and long-term use.
Non-stick: Non-stick coated cookware sets are not that durable if we compare them with cast-iron cookware sets to use them over high temperatures because the hight heat can damage coating OR it may wrap up your cookware set.
5. Maintenance
Cast Iron: Cast-iron cookware requires careful maintenance, including regular seasoning after each use. Following washing, it is essential to apply a layer of oil to prevent rusting, as leaving it dry can lead to corrosion.
While cast-iron cookware is technically dishwasher safe, it is not recommended. The reason for this caution is that the harsh detergents and high water pressure in dishwashers can strip away the seasoned layer, compromising the cookware’s non-stick properties and promoting rust formation. Therefore, it is advisable to hand wash and season cast-iron cookware to ensure its longevity and optimal performance.
Non-stick: Non-stick cookware doesn’t required any seasoning and most of the time you can’t put it in dishwasher because the harsh detergents and high water pressure can damage the non-stick coating.
To maintain the non-stick properties and prolong the life of the cookware, it is recommended to hand wash it with a soft sponge or cloth using mild dish soap and warm water. Avoid using metal utensils or abrasive scouring pads, as they can scratch the non-stick surface.
6. Price
Non-stick: Cast-Iron Cookware sets are more expensive if we compare them with other types of cookware sets. But the investment is worthy in the long run as it can be used for the generations.
Non-stick: The affordability of non-stick cookware can make it an attractive option for those on a budget or looking for a cost-effective solution in the kitchen. However, it’s essential to note that the longevity of non-stick coatings may be shorter compared to the durability of cast-iron.
But with right usage and following the guidelines of using non-stick cookware, you can extend the life of it and durability also depends on which brand of cookware you choose.
Cast Iron Vs Non-stick Cookware: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between Non-stick and Cast Iron is wholly depends on your needs, budget and the cooking purpose so I keep it up to you.
But make sure to leave a comment and tell my audience which one you will OR already have chosen alone with reason so others will get benefit from your experience and opinion.
I also encourage you to add anything that I have missed in my article.