The Benefits of Cooking with Cast Iron (And Why It’s Worth the Investment)

If you’ve ever wondered why cast iron cookware has such a cult following, here’s the simple answer: it lasts forever, cooks like a dream, and only gets better with time. Whether it’s a perfectly seared steak in a pre-seasoned skillet or a slow-cooked ragu in a classic round Dutch oven, cast iron cookware is one of the best investments you can make for your kitchen. Here’s why it’s worth every cent. 

1. Cast Iron Cookware is Built to Last a Lifetime (or More)

Unlike non-stick pans that wear out after a few years, cast iron is nearly indestructible. If you take care of it, a good cast iron skillet or Dutch oven can last decades – if not generations.

Scratches? Not a problem if it’s got a non-toxic enamel coating like Crumble’s cast iron cookware. Need to restore it? A quick reseasoning does the trick. It’s a type of cookware that only gets better with age, making it a true kitchen investment.

Look after your cast iron cookware properly and it can last a lifetime 

2. Non-Stick Properties (That Gets Better Over Time)

Pre-seasoned cast iron develops a natural non-stick surface the more you use it. With each cook, a thin layer of oil bonds to the surface, creating a slick, easy-to-cook-on coating. Unlike traditional non-stick pans, which break down over time, cast iron’s non-stick qualities actually improve the more you use it.

Even enameled cast iron – like our Dutch ovens – gets better with use. All it needs is a small amount of oil or butter to help enhance its non-stick performance, and over time, it builds up an extra layer of protection.

3. Holds and Distributes Heat Like Nothing Else

Ever noticed how some pans heat up unevenly, leaving parts of your food undercooked while other spots burn? Cast iron doesn’t have that problem. It’s one of the best heat conductors, meaning it heats up slowly but holds onto that heat like a champ.

This makes cast iron perfect for:

• Searing meats – a pre-seasoned skillet creates the perfect crust.
• Even slow cooking – a Dutch oven gently simmers stews and soups to perfection.
• Baking bread – a cast iron bread oven locks in steam for an unbeatable crust.

Love baking your own bread? Then a cast iron Dutch oven is for you! 

4. Versatile Enough for Any Cooking Style

One of the best things about cast iron? It works for almost anything. You can:

• Fry, roast, and sear on the stovetop.
• Bake bread, pizzas, and desserts in the oven.
• Take it outdoors for open-fire cooking.

From deep-dish pizzas to a slow-cooked stew, cast iron is one of the most adaptable pieces of cookware you’ll ever own. It’s safe for oven use and can be used on any cooktop. 

5. No Harmful Chemicals or Coatings

Unlike some non-stick pans that can release harmful chemicals when overheated, cast iron is completely natural. With pre-seasoned cast iron, you’re cooking on nothing but pure iron and a layer of oil.

Enameled cast iron cookware from Crumble is also a safe, non-toxic option, free from harmful chemicals like cadmium and lead. It’s cookware you can trust to be safe, durable, and long-lasting.

6. Gets Better the More You Use It

Unlike most cookware, which degrades over time, cast iron actually improves the more you cook with it. Every time you use your cast iron cookware, the seasoning builds, making it smoother, slicker, and even more non-stick. The more you cook, the better it gets – it’s as simple as that.

The more you use cast iron, the better and easier it becomes to cook with

7. Easier to Clean Than You Think

A lot of people avoid cast iron because they think it’s hard to clean, but the truth is, it’s actually one of the easiest cookware types to maintain.

• For pre-seasoned cast iron, just wipe it down with warm water and a sponge – no soap needed. Dry it well and add a thin layer of oil before storing.
• For enameled cast iron, warm, soapy water is totally fine, and there’s no need to season it. However, you should also wipe it down and store it (lid off) straight away to prevent water stains. 

8. One Cast Iron Pan Can Replace Multiple Pieces of Cookware

If you’re short on storage space, cast iron is a one-pan solution. A classic skillet can replace a frypan, a baking dish, and even a roasting tray. A Dutch oven does the job of a slow cooker, stockpot, and even a bread oven.

One solid piece of cast iron can do the work of three or four different pots and pans – making it a space-saving, cost-effective investment.

One pot, endless culinary possibilities! 

Cast Iron is the Cookware That Keeps on Giving

At the end of the day, cast iron is one of the best kitchen investments you’ll ever make. It’s durable, has great non-stick properties, is incredibly versatile, and only gets better the more you use it. Whether you’re frying, roasting, baking, or slow-cooking, Crumble’s cast iron cookware is built to last and designed to make cooking easier and better.

Ready to invest in cookware that can last a lifetime? Explore the Crumble cast iron range.